Roxanne Rae Romell
Attorney at Law
1814 Franklin Street
Suite 210
Oakland, CA 94612
Map
Phone: (510) 465-0016 | Fax: (510) 465-0017
Tenant Law, Wrongful Eviction, Substandard Conditions
Legal Topic
Real Estate Law
Preferred New Clients
Tenant Law
My preference is to work with tenants living in substandard conditions, or who have been wrongfully evicted from their homes.
Sub-Topics
Landlord-Tenant
Bar Admissions
CA, Nov 1997
Bar Number: 190096
Other Court Admissions
United States District Court, Northern District of California as well as California State Court
Association Memberships
State Bar of California, Alameda County Bar Association, Berkeley-Albany Bar Association
Continuing Education
I have attended a wide range of Continuing Education classes from Trial Advocacy to Elimination of Bias. I am a member of National Legal Aid and Defenders Association, and this organization has terrific seminars.
Papers and Publications
No.
Example Cases
I represented 39 low-income, immigrant families in a habitability case against a slumlord who owns 18 properties in Oakland. I also represented four Chinese-American families in a suit against a multi-millionaire developer.
Education
New College School of Law
JD (Doctor of Jurisprudence)
San Francisco
CA
1997
Housing and Civil Rights
University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee
B.A.
Milwaukee
WI
1978
Phi Beta Kappa
English
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My firm has been operating for 10 years and its focus is social justice for low income tenants.
Previous Employment Summary
I've always worked as a solo practitioner, except for one and a half years when I was a partner in a four-person law firm.
Activities and Awards
I volunteer with ACORN, a community organization, as well as Centro Legal de la Raza, Housing Rights, Inc., Sentinel Fair Housing, and Pacific Community Services.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It's fabulous when tenants educate themselves about their rights. It empowers them, and allows them to feel comfortable demanding what is legally theirs.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I'm always willing to review documents. Like the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I'm willing, but unless the client is appearing in small claims, I don't find the coaching to be effective. I believe that the court does not treat pro-pers fairly.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to advocate for people who are disenfranchised and unable to advocate for themselves.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Working with people from various cultures enables me to view situations from different perspectives.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I was inspired by my Housing Clinic professor, who was equally courteous to opposing counsel as to our clients, and smart as a whip.
What do you like best about your career?
I love playing Robin Hood, where I get to take from the rich and give to the poor. I also love the sense of empowerment my clients get at the end of a case.
Tell us about your law firm:
Rocio Pizano is my bi-lingual assistant, who shares my commitment to helping disenfranchised tenants.
What are your strengths and style?
My strength is my ability to relate well to lower income people of color.
I am upfront and direct. I am pretty outgoing and compassionate.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid baseball fan. I also love to read and garden.
Office Manager/Assistant
Rocio Pizano
Fax
(510) 465-0017
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency after hours by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Contingency fee.
Hourly Rates
$300.
Free Initial Consultation?
$150 for a one hour initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Negotiable.
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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