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James Thornton
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James Thornton
Thornton & Coy Law Office, P.L.C.
218 SE 16th Street
Suite 102
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 233-2052 | Fax: (515) 233-2095
http://www.thorntonlawoffice.net/index.html
Serving each client in a prompt and personal manner.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Our firm prefers to help individuals and small businesses file for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 of the U.S. bankruptcy code. We serve clients in central Iowa, which includes Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown and the surrounding communities.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer.
All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
Bar Admissions
IA, Sep 1997
Bar Number: 15596
Other Court Admissions
All Iowa state and federal courts.
Association Memberships
Iowa Bar Association, Story County Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Continuing Education
I annually attend continuing education classes on bankruptcy, and recently taught a continuing education class on the ramifications of bankruptcy in marital dissolutions.
Example Cases
Our firm regularly represents Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy clients in the southern and northern districts of Iowa.
Through filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy we are often able to save clients' homes that are in foreclosure.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate and Masters
School:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Year:
1997
Focus and Accomplishments:
Public Administration.
Degree:
B.S.
School:
Iowa State University
City:
Ames
State:
IA
Year:
1994
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science.
The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer.
All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Iowa
Firm Focus and History
Our firm was established in 2002. Jim Thornton joined the firm in 2004 and Jonathan Coy joined the firm in 2007.
Our law firm is a general practice firm which handles cases in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. We also handle social security disability and family law cases in central Iowa.
Previous Employment Summary
Jim attended Drake Law School. While at Drake, Jim worked for the Iowa Supreme Court as a legislative intern. After graduating, Jim worked for a large law firm, the Principal Financial Group, and then the State of Iowa Insurance Division. While Jim enjoyed these experiences, Jim found it to be more fulfilling working as a private attorney advocating for the best interests of clients.
Jonathan Coy graduated from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law. While studying at Penn State, Jonathan volunteered for the Adams County (Gettysburg) Public Defender's office. Jonathan also worked for the Commonwealth as an intern in the General Counsel's office for the Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, General Services, and Military and Veterans Affairs. Prior to joining the firm, Jonathan worked for Story County Legal Aid.
The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer.
All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Our firm encourages clients to learn as much as they can about their legal situation, and to investigate all options available to them prior to taking action. We want our clients to make as informed a decision as they can about what the best course of action is for their unique situation.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We will review documents that have been prepared by clients, and advise them on how their prepared documents would be interpreted by the law.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We are willing to advise clients on the law in regards their situation and what the court is looking for.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because of my desire to help people solve difficult situations in an amicable manner.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of people looking at bankruptcy, and have taken a lot of continuing education classes on the new bankruptcy law.
I am a very thorough attorney who makes sure clients get the results they want, without hidden surprises.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Bankruptcy law is challenging and I find it very fulfilling to help clients get a fresh start from the financial troubles that have caused stress and hardship in their lives.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the daily interaction I have with clients. No case is the same, and I am very excited to get to know each client's individual circumstances.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our firm has two attorneys who like to deal one-on-one with their clients. Sarah is our wonderful paralegal who makes sure clients' files are processed quickly. She helps our clients on a daily basis. Our receptionist/office manager, Wanda, is also available to make sure client's have their questions answered in a timely manner.
What are your strengths and style?
Our attorneys are good at listening carefully and giving appropriate advice to clients in a laid-back style.
As a firm, we understand that we are here to meet the needs of our clients.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy traveling, reading a good book, watching the Iowa State Cyclones sports teams, and spending time with friends and family.
The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer.
All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
Office Manager/Assistant
Wanda Birkestrand.
Fax
(515) 233-2095
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday,
8 a.m. to noon
Evening and weekend hours by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
No
Additional Offices
Ankeny, IA
408 SW Third Street
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 964-1825
The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer.
All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, we currently charge $800 for an individual filing. For a joint filing, we charge $1,000. In either case, we charge an extra $100 if the client(s) are above-median debtors, due to the extra testing required. This fee does not include the $299 filing fee or the cost of the required bankruptcy classes.
For a Chapter 13 bankruptcy we charge an hourly rate of $150, which is paid through the bankruptcy plan. Therefore, to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a client only needs to have the $274 filing fee. We cap our hourly fee at $2,000 for a Chapter 13.
We reserve the right to charge more for a complex/business related bankruptcy.
Hourly Rates
$150 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes we offer a free initial consult, which is typically one hour.
Typical Retainer
For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, all of the legal fees need to be paid before filing of the bankruptcy.
The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
A description or indication of limitation of practice does not mean that any agency or board has certified such lawyer as a specialist or expert in an indicated field of law practice, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer.
All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.
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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.
