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Gary R. Brenner
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Gary R. Brenner
Mortola & Brenner Law Offices
345 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (650) 348-0625 | Fax: (650) 343-9646
Don't feel guilty. Bankruptcy is an honest solution.
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Consumers and small businesses
Sub-Categories
Taxes
- Negotiating IRS Payments & Settlements
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Consumers and small businesses
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Apr 1978
Bar Number: 79446
Other Court Admissions
California, 1978
U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1978
Georgia, 1972
Association Memberships
I am a member of the State Bar of California, the State Bar of Georgia, San Mateo County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I participate in required continuing education classes with the National Association Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys as well as court-sponsored seminars to maintain the highest level of education on current legal issues including the new Bankruptcy Reform Act passed in October of 2005.
Example Cases
(This was published in Time Magazine) - I represented a woman who was Korean and in many Asian sub-cultures here, they have financial clubs.
When they immigrate here they do not have credit and cannot obtain a bank loan. They pool money and they loan money to each other. These type of financial clubs are called khe clubs. My client was an organizer for one of those clubs with over 30 members. For whatever reason the club lost money, and the members sued her as an administrator.
She filed bankruptcy. If she were allowed to walk away discharging all the debt than that could mean the demise of these clubs and many immigrants would not have confidence they could get into these clubs and get money. After a week long trial, the judge ruled that she could not eliminate the debt to these people, and it ensured the survival of these financial clubs for these immigrants.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law
City:
Macon
State:
GA
Year:
1972
Degree:
A.B. in Sociology
School:
Mercer University
City:
Macon
State:
GA
Year:
1968
Focus and Accomplishments:
I was Class President, President of my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, I was President of the Intra Fraternity Counsel, and I was a member of the Scappard Blade Society (military honor society).
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California and Georgia
Firm Focus and History
We are a debt relief agency, and over the last 25 years we have helped over 20,000 clients get a "fresh financial start" in life. Bankruptcy holds out a promise to the debtor of "a new opportunity in life and a clear field for future effort, unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of pre-existing debt."
We bring experience, skill, and creativity to the highly complex area of bankruptcy law, and are guided by the principle that each situation calls for the right combination of innovation, creativity, and commitment. Our attorneys are known as compassionate listeners and problem-solvers, and are always approachable, responsive, efficient, and effective
Previous Employment Summary
When I first graduated from law school in 1972, I worked for the Legal Aid Society in Macon, Georgia, and that helped me decide to practice law in an area where I can help people who were disadvantaged in a financial sense.
Activities and Awards
None
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it's a good thing. I don't have a problem with that. I have a problem with them not seeking the advice of counsel when they need to. There are many times when people can avoid the high cost of an attorney, but in my opinion there's a limit to what people can do and you have to know your limit.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
No. That's a tough one. The reason is -- our legal malpractice insurance won't allow us. They want us to either represent people, or otherwise we don't have control.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Please see answers above.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I really wanted to go into the army for two years, and get out on the GI Bill. I was told I could choose which branch of the Army I could serve in. I gave them my three choices, and I was told they could guarantee me one of my three choices.
Unfortunately, all three choices were denied, and I asked them about going to graduate school, and law school was the easiest graduate school to get into. Six years after I graduated from law school, I got my honorable discharge from the Army as the rank of Captain.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My major in Sociology and my minor in Psychology, with that experience I think I have a better compassion and understanding of the personal issues many people have in addition to their financial issues.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy helping people. I enjoy the interpersonal relationships I have developed with my clients. I am a person who enjoys working with people and listening to people, and the problems they bring.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best is the opportunity to help so many people. I find it satisfying to develop a strategy for helping people resolve their personal issues involving debt relief.
Tell us about your law firm:
We at Mortola & Brenner serve individual and corporate clients throughout California, including San Mateo, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. We concentrate our bankruptcy practice on Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 13 business or personal reorganizations, and private debt workouts.
What are your strengths and style?
Some attorneys don't want to listen and aren't interested in why a person is in the financial problem; however I enjoy the interpersonal relationship with my clients and enjoy hearing them tell as much of their story that they want, more than the basic facts. I am sensitive to listening to the bigger pictures.
Relaxed and compassionate.
Personal Interests:
I am a master swimmer. I go to pool competitions all over the United States, and I do open water swims such as Alcatraz to San Francisco, Golden Gate, and Trans Tahoe (relay swim with six swimmers on a boat - 12 miles across the lake).
Office Manager/Assistant
Carolyn Mortola / Vanessa
Fax
(650) 343-9646
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency after hours - Sometimes Saturdays
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
I have an assistant that speaks Spanish.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Most of our bankruptcies are done on a flat fee basis. There are exceptions, but most bankruptcies are on a flat fee basis. It varies depending on the complexity of the case. In Chapter 13, the court decides the fee.
Hourly Rates
Hourly rates are only on complex matters.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes.
Typical Retainer
For Chapter 7 - $1,200
Chapter 13 - 25% of the total fee which the court decides the fee and the balance is paid over 3 years.
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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
