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Joel R. "Jake" Rubin
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Joel R. "Jake" Rubin
Law Office of Joel Richard Rubin
3333 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 526-4470 | Fax: (707) 546-1360
http://www.joelrrubin.com
Comprehensive Realistic Representation
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
My attitude is that I should be available for all types of clients with family law matters. Although my practice originally focused on highly conflicted litigation cases, I have found that the collaborative approach is far more appropriate in many circumstances and therefore I focus on both approaches to family law matters.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
My attitude is that I should be available for all types of clients with family law matters. Although my practice originally focused on highly conflicted litigation cases, I have found that the collaborative approach is far more appropriate in many circumstances and therefore I focus on both approaches to family law matters.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1976
Bar Number: 69344
Specialty Certifications
Certified Family Law Specialist - State Bar of California
Other Court Admissions
California, 1976
U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1976
U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, 1976
U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1976
U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1976
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1976
Association Memberships
State Bar of California, Family Law Section of the State Bar of California; Sonoma County Bar Association; Family Law Section of the Sonoma County Bar Association
Continuing Education
I regularly attend continuing legal education seminars on family law matters, occasionally lecturing at local seminars, and I always substantially exceed the amount required as a Certified Family Law Specialist.
Papers and Publications
Tax Implications Relating to Family Law Matters
Example Cases
One situation that comes to mind was a recent case, done in the collaborative manner, where both parties were senior citizens, who wanted to end their marriage, but wished to avoid the contentiousness of the traditional court process and also provide for medical care for the more seriously ill partner. Through the collaborative process their goals were achieved and at a far faster pace than would have been available in the traditional litigation model.
Another situation that comes to mind, in this instance, in the more traditional approach, involved a couple where one party had never been involved in the financial aspects of the marriage and upon separation had no information about what had really happened during the marriage and was not receiving cooperation from the other party regarding these issues. Through traditional discovery methods the relevant documents were obtained, the less involved party became aware of what had occurred during the marriage. Although the matter had to be set for trial to move things along, it did resolve prior to the trial.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
UC Hastings College of the Law
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1975
Degree:
M.S.
School:
Golden Gate University
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1998
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My practice focuses on family law issues, generally involving matters of custody, visitation, support, property division and attorney fees and the different approaches to working with these issues. These are real problems that deeply impact those involved and persons related to those involved.
I have had a solo practice since 1979 after leaving the Sonoma County Public Defender's office and after working, briefly, for a small firm. I currently sublease from the firm of Clement Fitzpatrick and Kenworthy and enjoy the company of the attorneys in that firm and the other attorneys who also sublease from them.
For more information please send me an email: jrrubin@sonic.net
Previous Employment Summary
I started as a deputy public defender, initially working in Juvenile Court, which was my start in the family law field. I then briefly worked for a small firm, focusing on all sorts of cases, including family law cases, prior to opening my own practice.
Activities and Awards
Judge Pro Tem Sonoma County Superior Court
Settlement Conference Panelist-Sonoma County Superior Court
Self-Represented Court Team Captain-Sonoma County Superior Court
Pro Bono Attorney-Sonoma County Legal Aid
Pro Bono Attorney-Sonoma County Legal Services Foundation
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Educated clients generally help their cases to a greater degree than those clients that do not become as involved, and I encourage my clients to become as involved as they reasonably can regarding their cases.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I encourage my clients to be fully involved in the preparation of the documents that are sent to court in their cases and prefer to start many documents, especially declarations, with drafts from the clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I have done this in the past and have found it difficult to transmit the nuances of how to act in a courtroom to a client. However, I do act as an adviser (out of court) to those clients who desire that service.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I liked challenges and I liked helping people. At one point I thought that I wanted to be doctor, to help people. However, I realized that my skills were better suited to helping people recognize what their goals and priorities really are and helping these people put their messages into more coherent forms and helping them present these to those who make decisions about their lives. That is what a lawyer does.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Oddly enough, working in my father's store. As young person I was brought into contact with all kinds of people. I was taught to look for the value in each person and most of the time you can find that, although on occasions it may take a great deal of work. Also, my years spent in sports, particularly rugby, showed me the value of the use of a team, which is a big part of how I approach collaborative matters.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Although I started my legal career defending those persons accused of crimes, I was always involved in family related matters, as my initial work was in juvenile court. I learned, rather quickly, that these family issues permeated every part of society and I found greater satisfaction in dealing with those issues.
What do you like best about your career?
When someone I worked with says thank you for the help. That is the most satisfying. These matters are extremely frustrating and difficult to understand and conceptualize when you are the person directly involved. Realizing that I have been able to keep someone focused on long term beneficial goals and that they are able to then see where their best interests lie is very rewarding.
Tell us about your law firm:
My primary assistant is Cindy Walsh. She began in a clerical position and recently before a formal paralegal. She has been with me a number of years and sometimes understands my clients better than I do.
What are your strengths and style?
My most unique strength is my direct approach to the situation at hand so that my client, whether the case be traditional litigation or the collaborative approach, can understand what is potentially achievable and the likely route to achieving realistic goals.
Personal Interests:
Beyond my children, the youngest of who is leaving for college later this year, I have a variety of interests. I enjoy helping the Courts in a variety of pro bono activities relating to family law. I work at making Collaborative Practice more widely recognized as I believe that it is very beneficial for many more cases than are now utilizing it.
I am very involved with the sport of rugby. Although my playing days are mostly behind me, I currently act as the Commissioner of the Redwood Empire Youth Rugby Conference, I evaluate and "coach" newer Referees and remain actively involved with the Northern California Rugby Referees Society, helping recruit new, younger referees.
I try to stay physically active working out regularly, doing some Tai Chi and Yoga and, occasionally, some indoor rock climbing. I enjoy a variety of musical forms, from classical to bluegrass. I really love a good Broadway musical and one of the benefits of living in Northern California are great restaurants and good wines.
Office Manager/Assistant
Cindy Walsh
Fax
(707) 546-1360
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to Noon
1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Not applicable
Hourly Rates
$330
Free Initial Consultation?
No. I have an initial consultation, that generally lasts approximately one hour, more or less, and the fee for that is $260.
Typical Retainer
I do not have a "retainer." Rather, I obtain a "deposit" which acts as security for fees, which are to be paid monthly, and which is returned to the client at the end of the case. My deposits range from $6,000 to $8,000 depending on the services being requested.
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.
