Small text sizeMedium text sizeLarge text size Print this page
Back to Search Results
Barbara L. Franklin

Barbara L. Franklin

Barbara L. Franklin, Attorney at Law
45 - 3438 Mamane Street
Building #2
Honoka'a, HI 96727

Phone: (808) 775-0530  |  Fax: (808) 775-1040
http://www.island-law.com

Contact Barbara L. Franklin

Island Law - Courteous, Confident Representation

Legal Topic

Real Estate

Preferred New Clients

Bankruptcy and Landlord/Tenant.

Sub-Categories

Real Estate
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Residential Real Estate
  • Broker & Transaction Litigation
  • Buying & Selling
  • Conveyancing
  • Land Contracts
  • Mortgages
  • Property Taxes
  • Real Estate Loans
  • Renting & Leasing
  • Title Insurance
  • Title Litigation
  • Landlord
  • Tenant
  • Tenants' Rights

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

Bankruptcy and Landlord/Tenant.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Chapter 11
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

HI, Nov 2003
Bar Number: 8021

Other Court Admissions

District Court (Federal), 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Association Memberships

American Bar Association, Hawai'i State Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), Hamakua Youth Center member as well as belonging to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other local Honoka'a Business Association.

Continuing Education

I attend NACBA conferences and Hawai'i State Bar Association Bankruptcy Section Continuing Legal Education.

Papers and Publications

West Hawai'i Today Newspaper regarding Bankruptcy Law.

Example Cases

Negotiated settlement of landlord claim on restaurant owners, avoiding bankruptcy for liability under personal guarantees of owners.

Successfully negotiated settlement for preference defendant in a claim by trustee in a large case involving a pre-bankruptcy "Ponzi" scheme.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Seattle University School of Law

City:

Seattle

State:

WA

Year:

1983

Honors:

Cum Laude

Focus and Accomplishments:

Distinction in English.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Alaska and Hawai'i

Firm Focus and History

Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law. I represent all parties in bankruptcy, particularly Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, though I am acquainted with Chapter 12 as well. I have numerous clients with Real Estate concerns whether just need a deed or creating an easement. Small businesses and consumers are well-suited to my practice.

Retired from Department of Justice in 2002, admitted to Hawai'i State Bar Association in 2003 and have an office in Honoka'a, Hawai'i. I have over 23 years of bankruptcy experience. I have represented both debtors, creditors, and a Trustee.

Previous Employment Summary

Assistant U.S. Trustee, U.S. Department of Justice, District of Alaska from 1990 to 2002. Associate with Agelleti, Pennington, Rodey & Offret from 1987 to 1988.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

Clients need to understand how the law applies to their circumstances and when to seek legal advice. So many problems can be averted by seeking advice early or learning the "warning signs.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am willing to review documents, but I will not "rubber stamp" my approval if I see problems. I would rather provide direction before a document is prepared.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

In some circumstances, coaching is acceptable, depending on the skill and education of the client and willingness to accept alternative views of resolution.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I enjoy studying as well as writing. I also like solving problems.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I raised five children, dealt with personal crises, put myself through law school, climbed mountains (literally), ran a triathlon, developed a spiritual practice and learned yoga. I understand people and society. I have been a landlord and bought and sold property.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Bankruptcy and Real Estate are the best way for me to help people in crises, communicate resolutions and give hope and direction for their future.

What do you like best about your career?

Understanding how the law helps people deal with everyday problems and making the law work for many clients. I like to help people find constructive ways of resolving problems so their life is better.

Tell us about your law firm:

I have a great team of people. My assistant who is also my secretary and receptionist is very professional and sensitive to our client's needs and my two paralegals are thorough and experienced.

What are your strengths and style?

I will talk to my clients until I understand what their needs are. I want my clients to be actively involved in solving the problem, especially personal finances issues. I expect my client to ask questions and prepare for meetings.

Personal Interests:

Gardening, playing with my dogs, yoga, meditation, cooking, and politics.

Office Manager/Assistant

Jeanne M. Keller

Fax

(808) 775-1040

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Yes I do. $200 an hour for State Law issues, $250 an hour for Bankruptcy Services.

Hourly Rates

$200 to $250.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes I do, thirty minutes with a paid consultation.

Typical Retainer

Yes, average of $1,700 for consumer Chapter 7; District of Hawai'i Guidelines for Chapter 13.

Understanding Fees

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.