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Susan Jeffries
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Susan Jeffries
Law Office of Susan L. Jeffries
2121 Central Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 865-6664 | Fax: (510) 865-4586
http://www.divorcentral.com
Exceptional skills when support & property are involved
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
We have four attorneys with different expertise, so we can handle almost all divorce, support and children's issues.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Domestic Partnerships
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Powers of Attorney
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
We have four attorneys with different expertise, so we can handle almost all divorce, support and children's issues.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1980
Bar Number: 95296
Specialty Certifications
LL.M (tax).
Other Court Admissions
All California State Courts, U.S. Tax Court.
Association Memberships
American Bar Association, California State Bar, Los Angles County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
Numerous lunch and evening seminars plus at least one 6 - 16 hour update annually for me and all attorney staff. I always exceed the required amount of CLE hours. Training program on Family Law issues: - East Bay Tax Club: Family Law Tax update 1997, 1998, 2004 - National Business Institute: Annual Family Law Tax Seminar, 1998- 2002 - East Bay Assn. of Enrolled Agents, 1999, 2000, 2002 - East Bay Licensed Document Assemblers, 2004 "Limited Scope Representation".
Papers and Publications
6th Annual East Bay Trust Forum, 1993.
Bar Associations of San Francisco, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties
"How State and Local Taxes Reach Out and Touch Your Business Where It Lives"; Part II: "Mail Order Sales and Personal Services," (May 1988).
California Business Law Reporter 239. Feature article. "Louisiana Parish Sales and Use Taxes - Analysis of the Overlap," (December 1984). 32
Louisiana Bar Journal 222. East Bay Tax Club: Family Law Tax update 1997, 1998, 2004 National Business Institute: Annual Family Law Tax Seminar, 1998- 2002
East Bay Assn. of Enrolled Agents, 1999, 2000, 2002 East Bay Licensed Document Assemblers, 2004 "Limited Scope Representation.
Example Cases
Since 1990, I have successfully handled over a thousand divorce matters. While divorce is an intensely financial problem, it is unusual to find a family law attorney with substantial background in tax, business and finance.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Golden Gate University School Of Law
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1990
Degree:
LL.M
School:
Golden Gate University
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1981
Number of Attorneys
4
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The Law Office of Susan Jeffries was established in 1990 after 10 years as a corporate tax attorney. The firm has grown to include four attorneys and a full support staff specializing in family law and custody matters. The firm has handled over 1,000 family law cases involving contested property and custody issues. In addition, clients with tax litigation and corporate management problems can get advice on those issues when they are involved in the divorce proceedings.
Previous Employment Summary
I grew up in Michigan where I earned a B.A. from Michigan State University. After a career in journalism, public relations and car racing, I traveled west and earned my J.D. and LL.M. (tax) degrees from Golden Gate University. After a year in private practice, I joined the Chevron U.S.A. Tax Organization where I remained until starting my own firm in 1990, located in Alameda, CA. It has grown from a sole practice to a firm of four attorneys, specializing in family law, tax, and business.
Activities and Awards
In addition to my professional activities, I maintain strong community ties and served as chair of the Alameda Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the Greater Alameda Business Association, and the Finance Committee for St. Joseph's Notre Dame H.S. Board. I am also a member of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
They can represent themselves successfully if they have professional legal advice on how the law and legal procedures affect their situation. Prompt legal advice can help a pro per litigant decide what issues or strategy to pursue and avoid, or counter improper legals positions or ideas.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We do this all the time. We are glad they bring documents for review so we can advise them when we see potential errors or problems.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We do this all the time. We really enjoy seeing clients solve their own problems.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I like to solve problems, and I am good at it. I like to help people untangle their lives.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
When I raced cars I learned to be patient, never quit until after the finish line, clean cars go faster, and you have to go off the track occasionally to know where the edges are. Perseverance pays off, and no one will do the heavy work for you.
Clients have told me that I am the only attorney that gives them practical advice as well as legal advice.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I love business and tax issues and to draft agreements. Family law includes all of these issues in an environment that lets me help people through difficult times in their lives. Few family law attorneys have such extensive tax and business backgrounds; so I can also help opposing counsel understand complex tax, business and corporate issues and procedures that will help us solve our problems.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people with personal, business and financial problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have three associate attorneys, all with different levels of experience and different areas of expertise. We work as a team, sharing strengths and supporting weakness so we can tailor the cost and expertise each client requires (a low rate for an attorney to help gather factual information, a higher rate for complex negotiation and litigation, middle rate for uncontested mediation, etc.). Because we have 4 attorneys, there is always someone available for emergencies or quick advice. In addition, we have 4 support staff that also provide low cost help with cases and can provide quick advice at any time.
With our mix of staff and expertise, we can handle almost any case or client that comes alone.
What are your strengths and style?
We are known for our financial expertise and attention to detail. Our office is relaxed but professional.
Although we prefer to negotiate a settlement, we have "teeth" and know how to use them, and when not to, to accomplish the client's goals.
Personal Interests:
When time permits, I enjoy my garden, dogs, travel, and needlepoint.
Office Manager/Assistant
Nancy Hill
Fax
(510) 865-4586
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
and also with appointment
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
German and French
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No.
Hourly Rates
Varies according to the person giving the service. $150 - $375.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. 45 minutes - $95, $125, $225.
Typical Retainer
$5,000 - $6,000 for full representation. $3,000 - $5,000 for limited scope. Typical retainer could be more or less depending on the work to be done.
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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.
