Law Offices of Scott Bell

Bakersfield area Bankruptcy & Disability Benefits Attorney

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

I have spent the last ten years focusing on a client-oriented practice, where my goal has always been to solve the clients' problems as thoroughly and efficiently as possible. One reason I enjoy bankruptcy law is that we can truly help people in need at very difficult times in their lives. Our firm also practices family law, so we find ourselves able to handle a wider variety of cases. Often one type of case can lead to another type and it definitely helps to have experience in several areas of the law in order to better serve our clients.

I began my legal career as a Kern County Public Defender in 1998. After 2 years, I opened my own office in Bakersfield helping people with different types of cases. I soon found that my strength was helping people solve their financial problems through bankruptcy and financial counseling. This has been my main practice focus since. I am regularly interviewed for television and newspapers in the areas of finance and bankruptcy. I feel bankruptcy is a tool to help people deal with other fundamental issues they face in a troubled economy.

Example cases

We handle bankruptcies as well as Social security/Disability appeals. Call us today!

Main Office

Main
2101 17th St.
Bakersfield CA 93301-5238

Phone

(661) 322-9500
(661) 322-9500

Fax

(661) 322-9590

Websites

http://www.bell-law.net

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

I absolutely offer free consultations for as long as it takes to understand the client's situation, describe to them the applicable bankruptcy law and procedure, and answer any questions they have. Remember: we are in this TOGETHER.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

I provide a flat fee structure for bankruptcy clients based on their individual needs. I don't believe that there is a one-size-fits-all solution when dealing with the law. Everyone's situation is different, and I don't charge everyone the same because of it. Having said that, I DO allow payment plans for attorney's fees and my clients can get their cases started for only $200 down. Clients have to remember that I don't want to charge them more than required to handle their case.

Hourly Rates

I do not have an hourly rate for most bankruptcy cases.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other times by appointment.

Office Manager

Toni Morse

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

We have a Spanish interpreter available for our clients.

Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

Like most people, I became an attorney to help people. I actually had no idea that I would be practicing bankruptcy law; but I found it to be the one area of law where you can help a lot of people who might not otherwise ever talk to an attorney. I hope contact with me gives people a better opinion of lawyers. Besides, my mom wanted a lawyer in the family!

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

Having worked at the Kern County Sheriff's Department, I got insight into what can happen to people who lose control of their lives and haven't made plans for their future. I pride myself on my ability to help people who might not otherwise get help.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

I have really been disgusted by huge banks and credit issuers who give people credit they shouldn't have. These companies are giving out rope for people to hang themselves, and I think it's wrong. I hate the use of credit, and I hope to impart this to my clients. I hope that my clients are better for having dealt with me, and that they are better able to handle their financial affairs.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

The best thing about my career is helping people.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

I am a solo practitioner, but I have assistants who help me. They are as dedicated as I am to serving our clients, and leading them through the maze that is bankruptcy laws. Together with my assistants we try to help as many people as we can.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I do not believe it is in the client's best interest to tell me to "fix" something. I spend a great deal of time and effort educating my clients about the bankruptcy law and process because I want the client to understand what he or she is doing, the ramifications of their decisions, and what to expect as we go through the bankruptcy process together.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

While I am willing to review documents with clients, I feel in most cases a client is better served when we work together to solve their problems and face their challenges from the beginning.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I feel that if a litigant needs coaching, then they should have an attorney. A person can't be a client and represent himself at the same time.

R Scott Bell

Education

Pepperdine University School of Law
Juris Doctorate , 1998

R. Scott Bell

Before law school I worked in Bakersfield as a real estate agent and, also, as an employee of the Kern County Sheriff's Department for over 3 years. I grew up in Bakersfield and understand the needs of our community.

One of my strengths is that I actually care about my clients.

Personal interests:

I enjoy spending time with my wife, kids, and pug, all of whom I love dearly. I am also a pilot, and love to fly. I enjoy watching both the Lakers and the Steelers.

License

Bar Number: 198387
California , 1998