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Darya S. Druch
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Darya S. Druch
Darya Sara Druch, Attorney at Law
1 Kaiser Plz #480
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 465-1788 | Fax: (510) 874-7219
http://www.daryalaw.com/
Quick, Personal, Professional Bankruptcy Service
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle all types of bankruptcy cases (7, 11 and 13) and bankruptcy litigation, including student loan dischargeability.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Creditor Harassment
- Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
- Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1988
Bar Number: 135827
Other Court Admissions
California State Courts, the District Court for Northern District of California, and the Eastern District of California.
Association Memberships
Alameda County Bar Association and Contra Costa County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I take continuing education classes and I complete written tests on relevant subjects. I always exceed my required hours.
Example Cases
I am very proud of how I was able to help a client discharge part of her student loan due to disability. The case was hard-fought and included a 3-day trial. I recently had success in opposing motions by creditors attempting to foreclose during a pending Chapter 7 bankruptcy. I have many satisfied clients who offer to give me recommendations. Once you hire me, I will fight for your rights as hard as possible. I will not back down from a fight. I recently convinced a Chapter 7 trustee to back off of selling my client's home. This fight took over 6 months.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Indiana University
City:
Bloomington
State:
IN
Year:
1988
Honors:
Cum Laude
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My firm was established in 1991. The office was initially in San Francisco, but after I moved to the East Bay, I opened the office in Oakland. Recently, a second office in Orinda was established.
My firm focus is on giving excellent and personalized care to all bankruptcy litigants. I represent individuals who file for bankruptcy on personal as well as business debts. I represent companies that need to file for bankruptcy for either Chapter 7 (dissolution) or Chapter 11 (reorganization). I also represent debtors who want to try to discharge student loans due to a disability or other hardship.
Previous Employment Summary
Before opening my own firm, I worked for 3 years in a bankruptcy firm that specialized in Chapter 7 trustee work and debtor cases. I was later employed at another firm for a year working on various bankruptcy cases and state court litigation.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should read up on bankruptcy issues, but understand that there are laws and procedures on how things are done. Each court has its unique characteristics and only regular practice gives the attorney full knowledge of how to navigate the system to the client's advantage. What is right on paper for one type of case may be totally wrong for a particular situation. I have been practicing bankruptcy law for 20 years. In that time, I have developed a sense of what will work and what will not work. I have seen too many disasters come out of people trying to represent themselves in bankruptcy court.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Unless I am hired, I cannot review documents prepared by clients. However, I am always happy to look over a client's documents. In fact, in the litigation side of the practice, I always solicit input from the client regarding briefs to the court. No one knows the facts of a client's life better than the client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
will give an initial consultation, but after that, either I am hired or not.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I like to help people. At one point in my life, I wanted to be a social worker, but I was also drawn to the law. I love bankruptcy law because in a relatively short period of time, I can actually help people solve their problems. In litigation, one very rarely "wins" everything. In bankruptcy, you can get a fresh start, discharge most of the debt and restructure those debts which cannot be discharged. Most clients are very happy at the end of the process and relieved to find themselves debt free for the first time in a long while.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I am a good listener and I try to help people solve not only their legal problems, but sometimes the issues that caused the problems in the first place. I am a straight-talker and I'm not afraid to tell clients the truth about their situation. I figure that if a client comes to me with a problem, I am not doing any favors by sugar-coating any advice I have.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Happening upon my primary area of practice was mostly an accident, albeit a happy one!
What do you like best about your career?
I love the independence and I love fighting for people's rights.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. When you hire me, I will be the only one to give advice and handle your case.
What are your strengths and style?
I work quickly and efficiently. I am not a procrastinator.
Personal Interests:
I have a husband and two children who keep me occupied. In my spare time, I like to read and swim.
Fax
(510) 874-7219
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Orinda office available for later meetings.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Hebrew.
Additional Offices
Orinda, CA
2 Bates Blvd.
Orinda, CA 94563
(925) 258-1200
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
For Chapter 7 cases, the flat fee for a Nolo Press client begins at $1,200 plus the filing fees. The exact amount of the fee is determined by both the complexity of the particular case, number of creditors and anticipated additional services such as motion to avoid liens. Bankruptcy litigation is based on hourly work. The current hourly rate is $250 to $300 depending on the type of case and the size of the retainer. Chapter 13 work is based upon the fee schedule set forth by the court. A typical retainer for a Chapter 13 will be $2,000.
Hourly Rates
$250 to $300.
Free Initial Consultation?
Nolo Press clients get a 30 minute consultation free, either on the phone or in person.
Typical Retainer
Our retainers are dependent on the case at hand.
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.
