Jason Honaker
Law Office of Jason Honaker
37600 Central Court
Suite 250D
Newark, CA 94560
Map
Phone: (650) 259-9200
http://www.honakerlegal.com
Know Your Options: Bay Area Bankruptcy Attorney
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy clients, when bankruptcy is appropriate.
Sub-Topics
Business Bankruptcy
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Credit Disputes
Creditor Harassment
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 2007
Bar Number: 251170
Other Court Admissions
• U.S. District Courts for Northern and Eastern California
• State of California
Association Memberships
• National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
• Santa Clara, Alameda, San Francisco, and San Mateo County Bar Associations
• California Lawyers for the Arts
Continuing Education
I attend seminars, courses, and events that are related to my practice area.
Papers and Publications
Yes. I have published an article on civil litigation in the University of Louisville Law Review. I would like to publish more articles soon, but our cases are our first priority.
Example Cases
Clients who come to us that are serious about the process have the opportunity to protect their homes from foreclosure. We can also help prevent wage garnishments and bank levies and end harassing collections calls and lawsuits. We have had many clients who thought they could not even qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and ended up getting a Chapter 7 discharge; we also have many clients who have used Chapter 13 bankruptcy and have saved their homes from foreclosure or reduced their car payments.
Education
University of Louisville
Juris Doctorate
Louisville
KY
2007
Magna Cum Laude
University of Louisville Law Review
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts
Evanston
IL
1998
Finance and Economics
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Bankruptcy (100%)
This office was opened in 2007. I began by providing services to other attorneys and started taking my own clients in 2009. I have small offices in Santa Clara, Newark, Burlingame, and San Francisco. We are able to work on bankruptcy cases throughout the Bay Area. We work on cases that are filed in the San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco courthouses.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked under other attorneys on civil litigation matters. Many of these cases involved bankruptcy issues so that got me interested in bankruptcy work.
Activities and Awards
I do pro bono or low-fee work for the bar association and two other legal aid organizations.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I find that clients who educate themselves about the process find it less intimidating. I think the Nolo books are informative.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We can review documents prepared by clients. Clients don’t need to prepare documents, though; we take care of that.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I don't think it is a good idea for clients to represent themselves in bankruptcy court. There is too much on the line, and the rules are very complex.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
A lot of people are run over by the system and may not have much money or power, but they are still entitled to be heard in court. I want them to be able to make a compelling argument because I think they have important things to say. I also like knowing things that other people think are too complicated to understand, and helping people get out of difficult situations.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My father was a doctor in a rural area of Kentucky and he took his work and his patients very seriously. That taught me the value of work. Education and work experience are important but you need to be able to relate to people. I think on the close cases, being personally invested in the outcome will make the difference, and if you can't relate to people and walk in their shoes then you cannot be personally invested.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I worked on cases that involved bankruptcy issues, and found this area of the law interesting. Bankruptcy provides a very powerful legal remedy, and I don't think a lot of people understand their rights. They also don't realize that companies are spending money to try to convince them they don't have the right to bankruptcy relief. I realized I could provide a valuable service because most people don't understand these laws. When people put their financial problems behind them, they can improve their lives in all kinds of ways.
What do you like best about your career?
I see how my work benefits clients first-hand. I don’t have to speculate about why this work might be useful in the “bigger picture.” It’s useful in both the small picture and the big picture.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. People deal with me directly on the legal aspects of their case. My assistant, Will, helps clients get their documentation organized and entered into our system.
What are your strengths and style?
I am able to get things done quickly and make changes along the way to adapt. I maintain a small caseload for a bankruptcy practitioner, so clients can get individual attention and really understand their options. We don’t have a sales-oriented approach; we focus on the outcome instead of the total number of cases.
Personal Interests:
I like the outdoors, and especially mountain sports so California is a great place to be. I am fortunate to have a very exceptional woman in my life and we enjoy all the things the state has to offer, particularly the food — she is an exceptional chef. We like low-budget adventure travel when time permits; we recently went to some remote parts of East Asia. Like a lot of other men, I like things that burn gasoline.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Office Manager/Assistant
Will
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
We speak conversational Spanish, but legal matters are handled in English only.
Additional Offices
Santa Clara, CA
3003 Bunker Hill Lane
Suite 112
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(650) 259-9200
Burlingame Office
1860 El Camino Real
Suite 238
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 259-9200
San Francisco Office
459 Fulton Street
Suite 102
San Francisco, CA 94102
(650) 259-9200
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
For Chapter 7 cases, the flat fee for a Nolo Press client for a basic case begins at $1,450 plus court fees and costs; the retainer may be broken into installments as long as it is paid in full by filing. The exact amount of the fee is determined by the complexity of the particular case. The initial retainer for a Chapter 13 case begins at $375.00 for a simple case with up to 100% of remaining attorney fees paid through the plan. Clients who organize their paperwork well and allow sufficient time to prepare will save on legal fees. We are, however, available for emergency filings or to help people who have already filed. These attorney fees do not include court filing fees or costs.
Hourly Rates
We primarily use fixed pricing because it is simpler and predictable.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer free consultations to Nolo readers. They are usually about 30 minutes long.
Typical Retainer
I can start working on a typical case for as little as $250. I realize people would not be seeing me if they didn't have financial problems.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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