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Shimea Anderson
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Shimea Anderson
Sarah Lawrence & Associates
427 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: (510) 836-3618 | Fax: (510) 836-3652
http://www.sarahlawrencelaw.com
Affordable Bankruptcy-Fremont-Hayward-Oakland Area
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I handle all types of bankruptcy cases. I also handle some personal injury and dissolution/divorce cases.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 2004
Bar Number: 234717
Other Court Admissions
California state court; Northern, Eastern and Central District Federal court.
Association Memberships
California Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars and teach legal topics.
Papers and Publications
No.
Example Cases
I have handled Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases involving pending foreclosures. I have also defended people who were being sued by their credit card companies.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Hasting Law School
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
2004
Honors:
Scholarship recipient.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of California - Santa Barbara
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Year:
2000
Honors:
I gradated with honors and was on the Dean's List.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political science.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
In March 2008, I opened my firm.
My firm focuses primarily on bankruptcy cases (about 75% of our work load). However, we do handle some personal injury and divorce cases.
Previous Employment Summary
Previously, I worked for a firm in Oakland doing general litigation. The majority of that law firm's clients were construction companies and small businesses.
Activities and Awards
I teach at the East Bay Law School. I also volunteer through the Volunteer Legal Services Program (VLSP), associated with the San Francisco Bar Association.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think everyone should do as much legal research as possible, especially when seeking bankruptcy as an option.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes, I am willing to review client prepared documents if they retain me.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
My willingness to coach clients who want to represent themselves depends on the case and issues.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I really like helping people. I wanted to work in a profession that allowed me to help people as well as problem solve.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I grew up in an urban area of Oakland. As a result, I am familiar with the area and its community needs. This knowledge helps me to serve my clients.
As an African American woman I can relate to and serve the diverse population, which is also useful when representing clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Filing bankruptcy can be really stressful. I have a good understanding of my clients' circumstances and feel good about helping my clients get a fresh financial start.
What do you like best about your career?
One of the best things about my job is the fact that I get to work for myself.
Another great aspect of my work is that I get to help people on a one-on-one basis.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo-practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me. I share an office and office staff with Sarah Lawrence, a personal injury lawyer. We sometimes collaborate on personal injury cases.
What are your strengths and style?
A strength of mine is that I understand the financial and emotional difficulties my clients face when filing bankruptcy.
Honesty is very important to me, so I try to establish a very open and direct line of communication between a client and myself.
I am very available to my clients. All of my clients have my cell phone and can reach me at any time. I think I am very easy-going and approachable.
Personal Interests:
I am the proud owner of a beagle named Bailey. My dog and I participate in the "Bay Area Beagle Meet Up."
I am also a newly-wed who loves to spend time with my husband doing a number of outdoors activities, like running and camping.
Office Manager/Assistant
None.
Fax
(510) 836-3652
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Weekend and evening appointments available.
For emergency after hours please call my cell phone: (510) 384-4733.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish and Vietnamese.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes, I do have some fixed price services.
Chapter 7 bankruptcies range from $800 to $1,300.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy prices are set by the bankruptcy code.
Personal injury cases are done on a contingency basis.
Divorce cases vary depending upon the details of the case.
Hourly Rates
$175 to $250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, I offer a free initial consultation for about 45 minutes.
Typical Retainer
For Chapter 7 cases the typical retainer is $200.
For Chapter 13 cases the typical retainer is $500.
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.
