Rick D. Banks
Law Office of Rick D. Banks
776 E Shaw Ave
Suite 206
Fresno, CA 93710
Map
Phone: (559) 222-4891 | Fax: (559) 222-4896
http://www.centralvalleylaw.com
Affordable & Quick Debt Relief
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 2000
Bar Number: 207240
Other Court Admissions
State of California and U.S. Federal Court - Eastern District.
Association Memberships
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, California Bar Association, Fresno County Bar Association, Los Angeles Bar Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, and Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Continuing Education
I regularly attend continuing legal education seminars on bankruptcy, family law, litigation and personal injury.
Example Cases
During my years practicing bankruptcy law, each of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases my firm has filed has resulted in the discharge of my client's personal and business debts.
A recent case I handled involved a couple who were drowning in debt. The husband's business as a self-employed contractor was suffering from the severe economic downturn. He had creditors constantly calling his home and his wife's employer. We were able to file a Chapter 7 for them, put an immediate stop to the harassing phone calls, get rid of all of their unsecured debt, and keep their house.
Education
San Joaquin College of Law
Juris Doctorate
Fresno
CA
1999
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I am a native of the Central San Joaquin Valley and focus on consumer bankruptcy, family law, mediation, and personal injury law. Since forming my firm, I have continued my work as a bankruptcy law, family law, trial lawyer and mediator and have received multiple referrals from clients and other attorneys throughout Central California.
I formed my law firm in 2000, and have been providing legal services to my clients throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley including Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Selma, Kingsburg, Hanford, Tulare, Visalia, and Lemoore.
Previous Employment Summary
Before starting my legal career, I was a successful business owner for 20 years. Prior to that, I spent four years in the U.S. Navy.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage it. A client who has done some initial research about the area of law they are seeking help with tend to be much more realistic about the possible outcomes of their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review documents prior to making a decision about whether or not to represent a client, but I don't provide document review services in order to assist clients with self-representation.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am unwilling to do coach clients who want to represent themselves because I would not want to be responsible for the outcome.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Over the years I have seen many friends and family who have suffered for what I felt were injustices because they did not have competent legal counsel. Because one of my passions in life is to help people who are struggling, I felt becoming an attorney would provide me the ultimate ability to help people.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My military experience and then over 20 years of successfully running my own business before practicing law, gives me a perspective from the client's side of the law that most attorneys have never had. I've worked with people from every walk of life and am able to quickly understand where they're coming from and what they're trying to achieve through legal action. As someone who's spent most of his life as a non-attorney, I also understand the great skepticism and often the distrust that people in general feel towards lawyers in particular.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I wanted to work in a challenging field with the opportunity to do a wide variety of work in court.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people solve their financial problems and providing legal services to people who ordinarily wouldn't be able to afford them.
Tell us about your law firm:
I'm a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me on all substantive legal issues. I have a paralegal and office assistant who are both professional, expert, friendly, and have the highest work and ethical standards.
What are your strengths and style?
I am an aggressive advocate for my clients. My style is friendly and I always try to find solutions that are acceptable to both parties. I don't believe in threats or bluster, and it's my experience that being simple and direct usually achieves the best possible outcome. However, when my clients are in the right and someone is trying to take advantage of them, I'm a fierce advocate. I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing well, worth doing professionally, and worth doing according to the highest legal and ethical standards.
Personal Interests:
Spending time with my family, traveling, and scuba diving.
Office Manager/Assistant
Leanna Gonzales
Fax
(559) 222-4896
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Our office is closed for lunch each day from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
The attorney fees for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy start at $1,500. The actual fee depends on the complexity of the matter. We offer clients from Nolo a 10% DISCOUNT.
Hourly Rates
$275.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, if no documents have been filed with the court yet. The free consultation is one half hour, either in the office or by phone.
Typical Retainer
Each case is different depending on complexity. We will start your bankruptcy paperwork with a $300 deposit.
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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