Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Bankruptcy lawyers serving San Diego County, CA >
Harley A. Feinstein
Back to Search Results
Harley A. Feinstein
Harley A. Feinstein, Attorney at Law
619 S. Vulcan Ave
Suite 102
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 634-6788 | Fax: (888) 345-1081
http://www.harleyfeinstein.com
Exceptional Representation Every Time!
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 and 13.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, May 1979
Bar Number: 87072
Other Court Admissions
California & Federal
Association Memberships
Bar Association of Northern San Diego County, California State Bar Association, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Continuing Education
Lawyers are required to have a certain amount of continuing education in order to keep their licenses current. Of course, I always meet those requirements. In addition, my local bar association holds regular noon time seminars which I regularly attend. I am a regular participant in national discussion forums such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Papers and Publications
Top 10 Reasons People Declare Bankruptcy New Encinitas Wave, August 2009
Does Bankruptcy Automatically follow foreclosure? New Encinitas Wave, July 2009
Example Cases
"My husband and I were in dire straits financially. We had discussed possibly filing for bankruptcy, and decided to begin looking for a attorney. We met with a few attorneys and found that many overcharged, and were incredibly impersonal. We felt like just another number, and another paycheck for them. When we met with Harley, we instantly felt that our situation was important to him, and that we would be well taken care of. When he told us how much it would cost us to file for bankruptcy we were floored by how much less he charged than the other lawyers. It just makes sense to NOT charge and arm and a leg when people are already having financial problems. During the process, Harley kept us informed, and was always available if we had any questions. On the day of our hearing, Harley was right on time, and prepared. We were very pleased with how Harley handled our case from our initial consultation, to our bankruptcy discharge."
"In 2006, I was, at the time, about to go in business for myself, and opened a restaurant. After consulting with a few Attorneys, I stumbled on Mr. Feinstein, who explained the various corporation, and legal options available to me, in the most easy to understand terms. I quickly found out that luck was on our side, as we had stumbled on an extremely knowledgeable, & competent Attorney. I would recommend Mr. Feinstein to anyone seeking corporate & bankruptcy law, His outstanding work ethics made us informed and very comfortable, paying attention to every detail. His fees are reasonable & you get the best advice in town!. Thank You, Mr. Feinstein, for your time and effort. Working with you was a most pleasant experience. You have changed the way we look at and think about Attorneys."
In one case, I represented a boy who was seriously injured by an explosive device. The defendant was charged with a crime. He obtained a very savvy lawyer and was found not guilty. After the criminal trial was over, the boy's mother asked me to represent her son in a civil action against the defendant. No other attorney she or I contacted would take the case because of the acquittal. I agreed to represent the boy and ultimately obtained a $500,000 settlement. Now he can be sure that all his future medical needs will be taken care of. He has been compensated for his pain and disability.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of California at Los Angeles
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1975
Focus and Accomplishments:
Linguistics
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Whittier College
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1979
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
I focus on 3 categories of cases: Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Business Transactions. I have handled numerous bankruptcy cases for my clients over the years. Not one client has ever had to give up one penny of his or her assets to the trustee in a bankruptcy. I have never had a client whose debts were ruled non dischargeable. I have obtained hundreds of personal injury settlements for my clients. I have had jury trials as well as numerous arbitrations. I have set up many business organizations including restaurants, clothing manufacturers, and countless other businesses.
I suppose the accomplishment of which I feel most proud is that have clients that are happy. They return to me year after year with their legal issues. They refer their friends. They write favorable Client Reviews.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I opened my law firm in 1985 in Beverly Hills. I relocated my practice to San Diego County in 1989. The focus of my practice is Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Business Transactions.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to going out on my own in 1985, I worked for the firms of Fisher and Kreiner and Cook and Linden in Los Angeles. I worked for these firms for a total of six years. (1979 to 1985) Both firms had very high standards for substance and organization.
Activities and Awards
I am involved in the activities of several business and service groups in my community. I belong to the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Encinitas Merchants Association, The New Encinitas Chamber of Commerce. I served as Board Member of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and acted as their attorney on several matters. I am a member of the Elks, which is a community service organization dedicated to assisting people in need, especially youths. My hobbies include sailing, surfing, and music.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I find that the more information the client has, the easier it is for the client to make informed decisions. Also I find that the more the client knows, the easier it is for me to do my job. Of course people come to me with varying degrees of knowledge. For this reason I give my clients as much information as I can. I find it enjoyable teaching my clients since, even after all the years of practicing law, I still find it the most enjoyable and stimulating area to learn about. I doubt that I will ever "burn out" on the law. I hope to be practicing when I'm 90.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Certainly, I am willing to review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes. From time to time I will undertake to represent a client. As the case develops it becomes clear that the interests of the client would be better served if the matter were litigated in small claims court. I often assist clients in preparing for the small claims hearing.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I always found law fascinating. The way of thinking and communicating just seemed to agree with me from the very beginning. Somehow, it just fits my personality. I like dealing with people, so law certainly fits with that. I remember those high school guidance tests showed that I had an affinity for "humanitarian" activity. I can certainly help people by being their lawyer. When a case is over and the client feels that I have helped him or her with a difficult legal problem I feel very gratified. I am blessed with material success from being a hard working lawyer. But often the sense that I have helped the client is more satisfying than the money I earn.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My undergraduate degree from UCLA is in Linguistics. I find that the experience of studying the nuances of language prepared me in some ways for being a better lawyer. As lawyers we are concerned with such things as "Did the defendant 'cause' the injury?" The concept behind the word "cause" can be a very tricky and nuanced. My law school education was good. I had a few teachers that didn't inspire me but some of them were excellent. Several, in particular, stand out: Beverly Reubens, Richard Strecker, Harrold Quadres.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I represent people in financial trouble and personal injury victims. The people with financial trouble have powerful adversaries: Major financial institutions. Personal injury victims are going up against insurance companies (also very powerful). I like to represent the little guy against the powerful adversary...and win! You just can't beat the feeling of reward from that kind of success.
What do you like best about your career?
As I said above I like to represent the party that appears to be on the weaker side of the transaction but through my understanding of the law, intelligence, and hard work becomes the stronger party.
Clients often come to me confused and vulnerable. I am greatly rewarded by explaining to them how they actually have rights to assert.
For example, clients will come to my office after having been harassed by bill collectors. After meeting me for a few minutes they are relieved to find that by hiring me they can stop creditor calls immediately.
Clients are often very worried about their credit rating. They are often shocked to find out the truth about the effect of bankruptcy on their credit. It is true that in many cases bankruptcy will actually improve your credit.
Many clients are afraid that they will lose property in a bankruptcy. I am rewarded by explaining that in most bankruptcy cases you as a client can usually keep all your property.
I enjoy cutting through all the legalese and allowing my client to gain a true understanding of the rights and liabilities of the parties.
You may notice that new lawyers use a lot of legalese. They hide behind it. They figure that by using big words and confusing terminology their clients and adversaries will respect them. I don't buy into that. I believe that doing my homework and communicating clearly and concisely is the way to gain people's respect. This is what I enjoy about my job.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am part of a large network of attorneys in the San Diego area. This is the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. In many ways we are like a big law firm. Although, of course, they are not really in my firm, we all share information and documents. We are all on the same team. In my office I have a very intelligent and dedicated assistant, Cameron Sutton. I am sure you will find Cameron a pleasure to work with as do I.
What are your strengths and style?
I suppose my greatest strength is my 30 years of experience. I have truly seen it all. Nothing stumps me. If I don't have the immediate answer to a question, I know where to get the answer. I have a vast network of associates I have built up over the years. When you are choosing an attorney, the attorney's knowledge and experience is critical. I've got both.
But knowledge isn't enough. Some attorneys that have been working as lawyers for 30 years are tired. They are burned out. They have lost their enthusiasm and love for what they do. You don't want that kind of attorney. You want an attorney that has the energy and willingness to work hard. Enthusiasm for hard work isn't something that you can will yourself into having. Either you have it or you don't. You can't make yourself excited about your job if you're not. And you can't fake it.
For whatever reason I've still got plenty of energy. I may be 58 years old but I have lots and lots of youthful enthusiasm.
I strongly believe you want an attorney that likes his clients. An attorney that likes his clients will work harder for his clients than one who doesn't. Isn't that obvious? An attorney who likes his clients will try harder. He will be more forgiving on his fees in cases where the client is experiencing hardship. An attorney who likes his clients will make the extra effort to ensure that the client really understands what's going on. He will share his strategy with the client. He will consult the client when forming the plan of attack. He will communicate and converse with the client rather than just tell the client.
I really do like most of my clients. And I believe most of them like me. This makes for a productive team effort that produces favorable results.
Personal Interests:
My main interest outside of law is music. If you Google "Harley Feinstein drummer" you will see that I have been playing drums on a professional level since 1971.
Office Manager/Assistant
My paralegal is Yolanda. She and I have worked together since 1986.
Fax
(888) 345-1081
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Cell phone: (760) 809-5599
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Some Spanish and French.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We'll have to talk about your individual case, but I can assure you my fees are reasonable. Check what my clients say about my fees in their Client Reviews.
Hourly Rates
This depends on your case. Again, I'd encourage you to check what my clients say in their Client Reviews.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, a free consultation is normally provided upon request.
Typical Retainer
This depends on your case.
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.
