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Jeremy D. Swanson
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Jeremy D. Swanson
Swanson & O'Dell
1227 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 326-1611 | Fax: (661) 326-1910
http://www.swansonodell.com/
Practical and effective solutions
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with clients who are seeking practical and effective solutions to the problems that occur with separation, divorce, custody and visitation, and other family law problems. I also handle jurisdictional issues, changes of venue, non-convenient forum cases, as well as registration and enforcement of out-of-state custody orders. I handle all issues involving restraining orders and harassments, as well as child support, garnishments, and child support arrears disputes.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Powers of Attorney
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with clients who are seeking practical and effective solutions to the problems that occur with separation, divorce, custody and visitation, and other family law problems. A divorce is never easy, but there are quite a few ways that the court system can help ease the transition and limit the amount of conflict necessary to resolve the financial and personal obstacles in a divorce.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Restraining Orders
Bar Admissions
CA, Sep 2002
Bar Number: 220644
Other Court Admissions
Eastern and Central Federal Districts of California
Association Memberships
State Bar of California, Kern County Bar Association
Continuing Education
Family Law in California, as in all states, is continually changing and adjusting to new laws and regulations. I regularly attend local Bar Continuing Education seminars and meetings, including the Family Law Section, and I also attend national seminars that include family law materials on a yearly basis to make sure that I am current on all the latest changes.
Example Cases
I have handled cases ranging from simple property division cases to complex, mutli-day divorce trials. I have also filed appeals and argued matters to the 5th District Court of Appeal. I have also handled cases involving various levels of court investigation, including family court services, minor's counsel, and mental examinations.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Year:
2002
Honors:
Honor Graduate, Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Integrated study with practical experience by clerking with attorneys practicing in Kern County during studies to learn practical skills. My focus is to find the best strategy to obtain the best results for my clients, taking into account their goals and aims and the practicalities of the court system.
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
California, Central and Eastern Federal Districts
Firm Focus and History
Swanson O'Dell is a full-service law firm that is committed to providing excellent service and results to our clients. The firm focuses on the areas of Family Law, Real Property, Criminal Defense, and Federal Cases. To the present day, our business has been built on referrals and reputation, and we are careful not to take more clients than we can represent effectively and with attention to detail.
Previous Employment Summary
I practiced as an independent contractor and sole practitioner for the first year of my admission to the California Bar, and was hired by The Law Offices of Benjamin R. Greene & Associates in August of 2005. I worked there for two years in the litigation department, trying family law and civil matters. In September of 2005, I left the firm to start my own practice, of which the current firm is an extension. Swanson O'Dell was formed in 2006, and now has three attorneys handling matters in Kern County and beyond.
Activities and Awards
I am a volunteer with the Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance Volunteer Attorney Program, helping with the domestic violence section. I also accept appointed cases for military personal under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should always seek to learn more about their legal rights. An educated client is a client who knows what to expect from the legal system and understands their options and choices. If a client is being represented correctly, education will only add to their understanding of the case and appreciation of the services rendered. However, it is also very important to have competent and experienced representation by an attorney who knows all of the legal effects and consequences of the laws, or you can end up being surprised by bad results based on a misunderstanding of the law.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents and incorporate them as need be to responses prepared by our firm. However, I am not prepared to review and offer advice on documents to clients who do not wish to retain my services to represent them, as there are legal implications and duties involved in such activities where I am unable to make sure that the case is handled properly based on that advice.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
If a client wishes to represent himself or herself, I am willing to be hired to coach them through the process on a limited basis. This can be useful in simple matters where there is no complicated law to be argued to the judge. I do not recommend it in complex cases or where there is a long history of conflict in a case.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
To provide honest, quality work for clients who need help navigating our very complex legal system. I believe that this happens on a case-by-case basis, and even small cases have large consequences for the client. Every case is a chance to help the right result occur and to make sure all of the client's rights are protected. Everyone stepping into a courtroom has a voice, and I enjoy bringing their side of the story to the courtroom.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I try to attend as many seminars and lectures by current and retired judges as possible, as I find that it allows me to better prepare for appearances, trials, and preparing documents. It is also important, in a small county like Kern County, to have a good working relationship with other attorneys and the clerk's office, as there are many issues that can be resolved through discussion and negotiation.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose family law and real property law because I enjoy the issues presented and have spent considerable time becoming familiar with all of the issues and laws. They are areas that affect people very directly in their every day lives, and it is very seldom boring or mundane.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy solving problems for people. The satisfaction of a case where the best possible result was obtained is a great feeling.
Tell us about your law firm:
My legal partner is Seth O'Dell, who is a criminal defense and civil attorney who has taken approximately 50 jury trials to verdict. We also employ an associate attorney, Jamie R. Long, who has been with our firm since 2007. We have secretaries and paralegals who assist on all cases. However, the final product is always carefully reviewed by either my partner or me to ensure quality representation.
What are your strengths and style?
I provide careful analysis of each case and fact pattern, and make sure that clients are aware of all potential outcomes. I do not believe in the "wing it" approach to litigation and make sure that I am aware of all relevant facts and factors prior to filings, hearings, and trials.
I provide a style that is non-confrontational to the court and opposing counsel, except in those circumstances where it is necessary to protect my client's rights. I believe that a thorough presentation of relevant facts is more effective than bluster. A vigorous representation is always necessary, and I try to analyze which tactic will be most effective in each unique situation.
Personal Interests:
I am a musician and have been a member of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra for the past 12 years. I am also an avid scuba diver, soccer player, and occasionally, world traveler when my court schedule allows.
Office Manager/Assistant
Jamie R. Long
Fax
(661) 326-1910
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Late appointments available upon request.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I handle some matters, such as restraining orders, on a fixed fee basis, ranging from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the case complexity.
Hourly Rates
My hourly rate for all other matters is $250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial consultation to discuss case options and hiring an attorney.
Typical Retainer
My retainers range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case. I try to estimate the total cost for the client at the outset of the case, although it is not always possible to accurately predict how long a case will take to resolve.
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.
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