Kathryn U. Tokarska
We Listen. We Act. We Solve Problems.
Tokarska Law Center
TOKARSKA LAW CENTER
185 WEST "F" STREET
Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92101
Map
Phone: (619) 285-1992 | Fax: (866) 924-5829
http://www.sdbankrupt.com
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Just as bankruptcy law touches many other legal aspects of people's lives, providing bankruptcy legal representation means interacting with all kinds of clients with a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. I enjoy meeting people, learning about their concerns, and helping them.
Sub-Topics
Business Bankruptcy
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Credit Repair
Creditor Harassment
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 2006
Bar Number: 243163
Other Court Admissions
California Supreme Court, U.S. District Court and United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California and U.S. District Court Central District of California.
Association Memberships
California State Bar, San Diego County Bar Association, San Diego Bankruptcy Forum, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and American Bankruptcy Institute.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars. I also belong to several associations, which allows me to keep up-to-date on changes and developments in the law.
Example Cases
I handle mostly consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. My clients generally have significant debts and insufficient income to make good on their obligations. Often reasons for bankruptcy have to do with changes in employment, divorce, medical bills or a combination of these events. The recent economic down-turn for many individuals has resulted in cuts in hours and pay or unemployment. I am also seeing individuals with rising mortgage loan payments. The rise in expenses and lowering of income are having a severe impact on families in San Diego.
Education
California Western School of Law
J.D.
San Diego
CA
2005
Concentrated studies in area of Bankruptcy, Taxation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Finance, Securities Regulations and Trial Practice.
Eckerd College
B.A.
St. Petersburg
FL
2000
Graduated with Honors.
Business Management Courses.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
LL.M.
San Diego
CA
Bankruptcy Finance
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I established my solo practice in November 2007.
I am a solo practitioner committed to providing quality legal representation at reasonable fees. I am personally involved and handle each and every case. The most common complaint from clients is often that their attorney was unavailable or did not return calls promptly. Meeting my clients' expectations means managing my caseload in a way that allows me to be timely and responsive to my clients' needs.
Previous Employment Summary
• Deputy Public Defender with Riverside County.
• Law Clerk for Personal Injury Solo Practitioner.
Activities and Awards
• Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution of legal services to indigent community, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc.
• The Wiley M. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, the State Bar of California.
• Certificate of Appreciation, Center for Community Solutions.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Some clients prefer minimum involvement and want their attorney to take full charge; others prefer to be involved in every step of the process. Educating a client about the process allows us to set realistic expectations and common goals. Frequent and effective communication is key. When a client on his or her own accord becomes familiar with the process and its terminology, it makes my job easier. While no ethical attorney would ever guarantee results, every client deserves to be comfortable in understanding his or her case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes, I do review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
"Coaching" can be problematic for attorneys. I want to be helpful and appreciate the many reasons why people would wish to represent themselves. However, there are risks involved. Whenever a client-attorney relationship is established, ethical duties are attached, including confidentiality and zealous representation within the scope of the defined representation. I prefer to keep my fees reasonable and provide full service.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was fascinated by the way laws impact our everyday lives. I search for understanding on how and why things work the way they do. I like to solve problems, and practicing law allows me to do that in a meaningful way.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
In addition to my legal education and experience, I worked for many years in the financial investment industry. I have a wealth of personal experiences as a first generation immigrant. I worked hard to support myself while pursuing my educational goals, therefore I believe I can relate to my clients and fully understand their concerns.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Understanding financial matters was an interest of mine for many years. I learned financial planning and later became a stockbroker. Bankruptcy is fascinating because it touches many other areas of law. I understand and believe in the process. There are benefits from the process not just to the individual but to society as a whole. With every case, I feel good about making a difference in people's lives.
What do you like best about your career?
I am grateful for the many opportunities to make a difference. I enjoy being personally involved and the continuous intellectual stimulation.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. Clients deal directly with me. I enjoy providing one-on-one personal service.
What are your strengths and style?
My background and life experiences allow me to relate well to my clients. I enjoy helping people get out of debt and hope that the process is smooth and as relaxed as possible. It's a stressful situation for the client. I understand this and my job is to keep things in perspective and help the client make the right choices.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing. I am an avid reader and enjoy visiting with friends and family.
Fax
(866) 924-5829
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
I speak Polish. For Spanish speakers, please make an appointment.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I generally quote a flat fee based on the complexity of the case. Chapter 7 fees start at range from $1,200 to $1,800 and Chapter 13 is typically at $3,300. Other legal services are quoted on a per-case basis.
Hourly Rates
I charge a flat fee (above).
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, I provide a one-hour free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
$400.
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.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes
