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William M. Rubendall
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William M. Rubendall
Law Office of William M. Rubendall
801 Augusta Ct.
Concord, CA 94518
Phone: (925) 827-2272 | Fax: (925) 827-2905
Certified CA Board Legal Specialization-Bankruptcy
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Individuals (single, married, life partners, widowed, divorced, separated), ongoing or closed businesses, partnerships, corporations, S corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs).
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1978
Bar Number: 80616
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of the State of California, US District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California.
Association Memberships
California State Bar
Board of Legal Specialization in Bankruptcy Law
Continuing Education
Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization exceeds CLE requirements of non-certified attorneys.
Example Cases
I have handled thousands of debtors since 1978, including Chapter 7, 11 (92 cases), 12 (one case), and 13; hundreds of motions and over one hundred adversary proceedings (trial and settlement without trial). Current practice is limited to non-adversarial Chapter 7 and 13 individuals and businesses.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Armstrong University Law School
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1977
Honors:
UC upper division honors seminar in major
Focus and Accomplishments:
UC social science field emphasizing sociology.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Representation in Chapter 13 and Chapter 7.
My previous partnerships since 1978 were Rinella and Rubendall, Rubendall and Ebenstein, Rubendall, Ebenstein and Larkin, and Rubendall and Brookman. Since 1993 I have been a sole practitioner.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to becoming an attorney, I worked in Juvenile Probation in Alameda Country and in the Consumer Fraud Division of the District Attorney's office (pro-bono).
Activities and Awards
Numerous community and non-profit Boards of Directors. Hold a California clear credential, single subject Social Studies. Have taught various law-related and business courses at adult education and Cal State University (bankruptcy paralegal).
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients who take the time to educate themselves are more likely to understand my legal advice. Those who listen to friends or relatives for advice are ones that I find it takes more time to re-educate because of misleading or inaccurate information.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to review documents prepared by clients. I have usually found that there are numerous errors to correct and the best advice I have is to hire me to start from scratch. In some rare instances, I recommend pro se representation (filing your own case) provided it makes sense after reviewing documents prepared by the client. This is usually in cases that don't involve real estate or substantial assets.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
My hourly rate is $360. It makes more sense for me to represent a client as attorney of record, where I charge a flat fee.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I always wanted to be a high school social studies teacher. When I graduated from college there weren't too many jobs available and the pay was too low to support my wife and me. I took a couple of law related classes in college (business law and the anthropology of law) and I liked the field. I worked full time in juvenile probation while attending law school at night.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I worked in the Consumer Fraud Division of the District Attorney's office. I have taught seminars and, workshops for professional groups, including attorneys, accountants, and business groups. I have taught adult education classes on starting new businesses. I taught bankruptcy paralegal courses for California State University, Hayward (now Cal State East Bay). I have a California clear credential and CLAD certificate and teach high school social studies, in addition to my law practice.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
When I started my law practice about 30 years ago it was roughly equal for divorce and bankruptcy. Both areas involve persons under a lot of stress. I found that I could be more effective helping people with financial problems get control of their lives. Family law involves a much longer healing process than bankruptcy and I receive much satisfaction in helping people and seeing the effects of my effort.
What do you like best about your career?
It is worthwhile to help and encourage others.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a part-time sole practitioner doing only Chapter 7 and 13. I teach high school full time, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. I work out of my home and meet clients at various locations. In certain instances I make house calls. My appointments are always evening or weekends, Sunday included. My wife, Valerie, is my office manager, assistant, and secretary. I wash the dishes.
What are your strengths and style?
I don't charge for phone calls and I don't talk too fast. Many of my clients are new English language learners and I am very patient and understanding. If English is difficult for my clients to understand I encourage them to bring someone they trust to be a translator. Most of my former clients are good sources of referrals, since I treat my clients respectfully.
Personal Interests:
I coached high school boys' soccer for 12 years. I enjoy watching youth soccer, including my "baby" daughter who is on the Cal Poly, Pomona women's soccer team. My wife and I have been married 36 years and we have two boys, ages 25 and 28.
Office Manager/Assistant
Valerie
Fax
(925) 827-2905
Office Hours
9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Monday - Friday
Available evenings and weekends.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Clients provide translators for non-native English language speakers.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Chapter 7 cases range from $800 to $1500 for individuals and couples; business cases range from $1000 to $5000.
Chapter 13 cases are charged pursuant to standing fee guidelines set by the Northern District of California. I handle only Northern District cases for Chapter 13.
Typical fees in advance for Chapter 13 cases range from $800 to $2000.
Hourly Rates
I rarely charge my hourly rate of $360.
Free Initial Consultation?
Initial free consultation by telephone or in person. Usually, no charge whatsoever for telephone calls.
Free consultation to other attorneys provided on the basis of professional courtesy
Typical Retainer
On the average, $900-$1500.
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.
