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John Tenery
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John Tenery
Tenery & Associates
26300 La Alameda
Suite 410
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: (949) 582-1566 | Fax: (949) 582-0030
http://www.teneryassociates.com/
Solutions for good people with bad financial problems
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
We prefer Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 clients with little or no history of successive filings and who are truly the victims of unfortunate circumstances. Having said this, we seldom reject any case without serious consideration of all facts and circumstances.
We also accept cases involving release of bank and wage levies; the discharge of taxes and bankruptcy; and tax lien releases.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1988
Bar Number: 134601
AZ, May 1987
Bar Number: 10120
Other Court Admissions
California and Arizona Supreme Courts
United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
United States District Courts for the Central and Southern Districts
United States Tax Court
Association Memberships
State Bar of California
State Bar of Arizona
Continuing Education
Continuing legal education seminars CEB, NACBA (Bankruptcy), NOSSCR (Social Security), and American Society of Tax Problem Solvers.
Example Cases
Bankruptcy discharge of IRS and FTB tax liabilities for attorneys; doctors and other professionals; numerous successful Offers in Compromise (most recent $9,800 offer accepted by IRS for $168,000 tax liability); Social Security Disability Benefits for widows, children and victims of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Viet Nam and Iraq combat veterans).
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Southwestern University School of Law
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1980
Degree:
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
School:
University of San Diego
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1992
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California, Arizona
Firm Focus and History
Our law firm was established in 1988. Our practice focuses on three primary areas: (1) Bankruptcy, (2) IRS and State Tax Problem Resolution, and (3) Social Security Disability Law and Practice.
Previous Employment Summary
Law enforcement and fire service.
Activities and Awards
Former professor of undergraduate Business Law, Cal State Fullerton.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It depends on the source documents. I generally do not encourage it, but Nolo clients seem to be more conversational about legal issues than others.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review documents and make recommendations at my customary hourly rate, but I am very specific about what such services I do and do not include.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I hesitate to do this because it generally leads to continuous coaching. This having been said, I am currently doing this for a client in a bankruptcy matter.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was first exposed to courts and attorney while serving in the field of law enforcement. Over time, I was attracted to the legal process by exposure to the courts and the legal system while employed as a law enforcement professional. I became intrigued with the notion that I could become a self-employed professional in the legal area. The attraction was enhanced by the prospect of self-employment and autonomy.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I served in the United States Marines in the 60's; I was employed as a Los Angeles Police Officer in the 60's; I ultimately retired as a Fire Captain from the Los Angeles Fire Department. In all, I spent some 25 years on the streets of Los Angeles. Following this, I taught business law at Cal State Fullerton for a number of years while developing a private law practice as a sole practitioner, then as a partner in a small law partnership. I put myself through college and law school primarily as a night student with a sprinkling of day time curriculum mixed in. Over the years, my exposure to people in a broad spectrum of life experiences helps me understand the various needs of my clients. I have been described by some as a "people person."
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I experimented with various areas of law over the years, and eventually moved into areas of law I enjoy practicing and feel most comfortable with.
What do you like best about your career?
Now that I am comfortable and knowledgeable with my areas of practice, I feel comfortable with the advice I give and the legal services I perform. I also like that I can make "golf appointments" and schedule vacations because my work permits such autonomy. I do not need to seek permission to schedule my activities around court obligations.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have extremely competent associates who help with occasional work overload. My secretary has the ability to empathize with clients and prospective clients as well. Many new clients refer to her by name during our initial consultations.
What are your strengths and style?
I always try to give honest and valuable legal advice. On the occasions when I am not certain about an issue, I tell the client or prospective client that I need to do further research before giving them a definitive answer. I no longer take on clients about whom I have initial misgivings, and I try not to build any false expectations. I reinforce initial client engagements with an engagement letter which sets out the expectations we each have from the outset of employment.
Personal Interests:
Family activities, golf, football, flying light aircraft and travel.
Office Manager/Assistant
Olga
Fax
(949) 582-0030
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Fluent Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I have fixed and blended fees for a variety of services, primarily in the bankruptcy and tax problem resolution areas.
Hourly Rates
$325 per hour at present.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free 30 minute consultation, however I usually do not for consultations which go a little past this time frame.
Typical Retainer
Depends on the service, but generally between $1,500 and $2,500. If litigation is contemplated the retainer will be in the $3,500 to $5,000 range.
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.
