The Law Offices of Jonathan Gladstone
113 Ridgely Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 974-6903 | Fax: (443) 782-0224
http://www.gladstonelaw.com/
Criminal Defense
I prefer clients who want to be active in their cases, who want to understand what is going on and be conscious participants.
Bankruptcy
I prefer clients who want to be active in their cases, who want to understand what is going on and be conscious participants.
MD,
Bar Number: 7/5/1995
California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington D.C. State Courts; US District Courts in California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington D.C.; 4th and 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
California State Bar, Wisconsin State Bar, James Cawood Inn of Court and Anne Arundel County Bar Association.
Maryland doesn't have mandatory CLE, but I participate in various seminars through groups I belong to.
I used to be a journalist, so I have written thousands of articles.
My experience ranges from handling hundreds of bankruptcy cases - to murder cases - to the representation of a Naval officer accused of being a call girl.
B.A. - Journalism
University of Wisconsin
Madison
WI
1975
Diploma in Auto Mechanics
Madison Area Technical College
Madison
WI
1973
Juris Doctor
University of Wisconsin
Madison
WI
1985
International Law Journal.
1
California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington D.C.
I have been a solo practitioner since 1998.
I began my legal career as a deputy public defender in California almost 20 years ago. Upon moving to Maryland in 1986, I joined a small firm and expanded my practice areas to include Bankruptcy Law, Family Law and Administrative Law, areas where I continue to focus.
Practicing law is actually my third career. I was an auto mechanic for several years and then a journalist for ten years before settling on law.
I participate in the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service and volunteer as a facilitator in domestic cases with the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
A client who understands what is going on is a better client and a more able participant in his or her case.
My clients help prepare documents by providing the information needed, but the actual court documents for bankruptcies are created with computer software and filed electronically.
The courts frown on lawyers who work on cases but don't make an appearance in the case. I'm responsible for the advice I give, so I need to implement it myself.
For much of my youth, I was not particularly impressed with lawyers, believing that they were more likely to confuse and obscure the issues rather than help people. But then, I read a history of the Supreme Court which convinced me that the legal process can be helpful. At that time, I was working as a journalist and went to law school expecting to transition into legal journalism. That is what I did, but there came a time when I decided that actually practicing law would be a better fit for me. And that's what I did, and I'm glad of my decision.
My years as a car mechanic and a newspaper reporter provided a great foundation in understanding people's day-to-day lives. Both careers entailed explaining complicated things to people in understandable ways without expertise in those areas. My approach is to try to make what I am doing understandable and not some magic that only lawyers can understand.
I practice primarily in the areas of criminal law, family law and bankruptcy law. I started out as a public defender, but when I went into private practice, I decided to branch out into other areas as well where I could help people. Unfortunately, there is often a lot of overlap, in that I frequently have bankruptcy clients who also have divorce issues.
What I like best is being able to help people, to help them understand what is going on and what they can do about it. Oftentimes, succeeding in law is akin to solving a puzzle. When I can make all the pieces come together to get my clients the results they want, it gives me great satisfaction.
I am a solo practitioner, so my clients know that it will be me handling their case. I am assisted by my able paralegal Crystal Wood-Mentink who makes sure that clients are kept in the loop and know what is going on.
One of my greatest strengths is the ability to explain complex ideas and concepts in an understandable way. This is helpful in my dealings with clients but also in court where it is crucial that an advocate be able to explain things in a way that convinces the judge that my approach is the right one.
My first priority is my children. I also enjoy sailing and vegetable gardening. As an ex-mechanic, I still dabble under the hood.
Crystal Wood-Mentink.
(443) 782-0224
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Yes
Glen Burnie, MD
7433 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, I charge $1,000. For a Chapter 13, I charge $3,000, but $2,000 can be paid over time.
$225, but bankruptcy cases are mostly charged at a flat-rate.
I give free half-hour consultations.
See above.
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