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Steven E. Smith
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Steven E. Smith
Steven E. Smith, Attorney at Law
6355 Topanga Canyon Road
Suite 416
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Phone: (818) 347-1940 | Fax: (818)593-5522
http://smythesworld.blogspot.com
Providing Bankruptcy Counsel with Dignity for 15 Years
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I prefer consumer bankruptcy clients, in all chapters.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1989
Bar Number: 140031
Other Court Admissions
Central District of California
Association Memberships
California Bar Association
Continuing Education
I attend CLE programs put out by CDCBAA, and attend meetings and seminars organized by various bar organizations.
Papers and Publications
Op-ed, Los Angeles Times, October 15, 2005.
Example Cases
My standard case is a Chapter 7, when a potential client who has incurred onerous credit card debt wishes to obtain a fresh start. If that client makes well over the median income for the state, or if he has a house he wants to save, I will file a Chapter 13 on his behalf.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of California
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1985
Honors:
Dean's List, 1983
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Southern California
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1988
Honors:
Honors Grades in Gifts, Wills & Trusts
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The firm was established in January, 2004. Our focus is Bankruptcy.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked for a Chapter 7 Trustee for two years, Caprice L. Collins for eight years.
Activities and Awards
I write occasional pieces for publication on bankruptcy law.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it's a good idea, as long as they are willing to discuss what they think they've learned.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
For a fee, I will review documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
For a fee, I will assist in the preparation of court paperwork and to coach clients for 341A Meetings, if the client wishes to represent himself pro bono.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
It was my father's occupation, and I learned much of what the actual practice of law is from observing him.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
In representing people who have hit rock bottom financially, it helps to have been in a similar position myself. I can empathize with their plight, and respect the fact that the retainer they give me may be most of their entire savings.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
It was my father's area of practice.
What do you like best about your career?
The help I can give people, and the fresh start my clients get as a result.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all clients deal directly with me.
What are your strengths and style?
I work at something until it's done.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy sports, particularly basketball.
Office Manager/Assistant
Suhey Ortiz
Fax
(818)593-5522
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Will represent a debtor at 341A Meeting of Creditors for $100.
Hourly Rates
$175.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes.
Typical Retainer
For cases below the median income, I charge between $1,099 and $1,299 for Chapter 7. If the debtors earn more, I charge more, up to $2,299, since I will have more work to do in the bankruptcy. In a Chapter 13, I charge between $1,450 and $1,850 up front, with a variable amount to be paid through the plan.
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.
