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David B. Commons
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David B. Commons
Law Offices of David B. Commons
5901 Encina Rd
Suite B3
Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: (805) 967-1222 | Fax: (805) 967-1220
http://www.consideringbankruptcy.com
Certified specialist, 30+ years, compassionate & fair.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I have no preference. Most of my clients end up filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Business Bankruptcy
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Jan 1969
Bar Number: 43290
Specialty Certifications
Certified Bankruptcy Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
Other Court Admissions
California State Bar, United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend legal education seminars on bankruptcy law sponsored by the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), an organization devoted to improving the expertise of its members, who represent consumer debtors throughout the United States.
Example Cases
We assist all kinds of people in financial need. The clients I worked with today included two families who are losing their homes, two families who are trying to save their homes, an entrepreneur whose business failed, a single mom whose husband left her with no support and lots of debt, and an account executive at an escrow company that's laying off 80% of its staff.
Education
Degree:
LL.B.
School:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Year:
1968
Honors:
Order of the Coif
Focus and Accomplishments:
Articles Editor, Stanford Law Review
Degree:
M.A.
School:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Year:
1965
Focus and Accomplishments:
History
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I have been engaged in the practice of bankruptcy law since 1971, initially as a partner in the law firm of Goggin, Goggin & Commons (Los Angeles, 1971-1974), then with the law firm of Commons & Broude (Los Angeles, 1974-1977), and, since 1977, as the Law Offices of David B. Commons in Santa Barbara and Goleta, CA. We file bankruptcies for individuals and small businesses, and consult with people about filing bankruptcy.
Previous Employment Summary
After graduating from Stanford University School of Law in 1968, I joined the Los Angeles firm of Tuttle & Taylor, a respected business law-oriented law firm.
Activities and Awards
Certified Bankruptcy Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
The more clients know and understand the process they are going through, the better they will feel about themselves.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
It depends upon the document and the purpose for which it is being used.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
As a rule, I am not willing to do this.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
For all the wrong reasons. But I've grown a bit wiser over the years. I like doing bankruptcy law because it gives me an opportunity to actually help people in need, without it costing them an arm and a leg.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
All of it.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
It actually sort of chose me. But I cannot imagine working in any other area of the law now.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people while making enough money to pay my mortgage.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner and I like it that way. It means I talk with all the clients and I'm up on what's happening. My "paralegal", Maricela (she's not officially a paralegal, but she's been working for us for over 14 years and is the backbone of our office), our secretary, Julia (who is also my wife of 30+ years), and I all take great pride in the kind of work we do and the compassionate and understanding way in which we deal with clients. I believe that is the main reason we enjoy such a good reputation in our community. For many years, the greatest share of our clients have been referrals from either former clients or attorneys, accountants, realtors, etc. who have either worked with us or heard of us.
What are your strengths and style?
I am smart, keep up-to-date on the law, respect my clients, and work very hard at getting along with all the people we do business with.
Personal Interests:
Our children, our grandkids, and gardening.
Office Manager/Assistant
Julia
Fax
(805) 967-1220
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Prices are mostly fixed, but can still vary. Most Chapter 7 bankruptcies are $2.000; For Chapter 13, we almost always accept the Local District's "no look" fee amounts: $4,000 for a wage-earner Chapter 13, $4,500 if it involves a business.
Hourly Rates
$300.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, we offer a free 30-minute consultation.
Typical Retainer
$200.
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.
