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James J. McKee
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James J. McKee
James J. McKee, Esq.
445 South Bundy Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-0733 | Fax: (310) 476-4559
http://www.jjmckee.com
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Specialist
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Chapter 7 and 13 cases or divorces.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1975
Bar Number: 64397
Other Court Admissions
California Supreme Court and U.S. District Court, 9th Circuit.
Association Memberships
State Bar of California.
Continuing Education
I listen to video tapes.
Example Cases
• I guided a bankruptcy client through complex eligibility issues.
• Obtained divorce for an individual who had attempted unsuccessfully for more than two years to serve her husband.
• Negotiated settlement of many disputes, large and small, too numerous to enumerate.
Education
Degree:
M.B.A.
School:
Columbia Graduate School of Business
City:
New York
State:
NY
Year:
1959
Honors:
ERPF Fellow & Harriman Scholar.
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Harvard Law School
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Year:
1962
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Princeton University
City:
Princeton
State:
NJ
Year:
1956
Honors:
Graduated Cum Laude.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Wrote honors thesis based on research in London.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My main thrust is helping individuals and their families with bankruptcy or divorce (dissolution); also immigration, real estate litigation, living trusts and wills, arbitrations (as lawyer and as arbitrator); and administrative hearings and appeals.
I am experienced with more than 30 years as a corporate lawyer in handling a variety of business transactions, such as acquisitions, sale of businesses, covenants not to compete, formation of LLCs, etc.
After I took early retirement from TRW Inc., I began in 1990 and have continued to practice law as a solo practitioner on the West Side of Los Angeles.
Previous Employment Summary
My most recent position was as Vice President Law for TRW Inc.'s large West Coast based operations, aerospace, electronic components, credit reporting and energy products. I had 25 lawyers reporting to me and a multi-million dollar budget. I also served TRW in a business capacity as Vice President Development. Prior to 1974 I was Assistant General Counsel in New York for Rheem Manufacturing Company and Continental Grain Company, an international lawyer for Westinghouse Electric Corporation and house counsel for a small venture capital firm in Washington, D.C.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I welcome client inputs so long as they recognize that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
This is essential in bankruptcy and divorce cases where clients have the necessary information. Clients can cut down on expenses and speed up the process; however, the degree to which I will rely on self-help is the level of competence and willingness to work of the client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will work with pro se clients, provided they are willing to pay my fees which are reasonable and to the degree they recognize that people who represent themselves often but not always cause themselves unnecessary problems.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I am a natural born problem solver. I chose to become a lawyer because I enjoy assisting people with difficulties. Also legal work draws upon my mix of skills, as described below.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My education is first class and my experience as a lawyer in business and in private practice has taught me the value of hard work, persistence and searching for creative solutions to complex legal problems.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose for many years to work inside companies because I was attracted to the challenges posed by the varied legal problems of business, such as, working on large transactions and the resolution of international disputes. More recently, I have chosen areas in which my interpersonal skills are needed, such as divorce. My background in finance at TRW and elsewhere is a logical fit with a bankruptcy practice. My experience in the national security arena has enabled me to represent aerospace employees with dual citizenship and save them from losing their security clearances.
What do you like best about your career?
My ability to adapt changing circumstances, to learn whatever I need to keep up with the kaleidoscopic changes in the global and U.S. economies in order to serve the needs of individual clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
I work alone and deal directly with clients who can rest assured that I will not assign their work to others or neglect their needs.
What are your strengths and style?
Style is informal but very frank and direct. I have many skills, including superb analytical capability, the power to express myself verbally and in writing, interpersonal talents and the value of 30+ years experience as a lawyer and business person. I am known as a "closer" and as a gifted problem solver.
Personal Interests:
Reading history, normal social life.
Fax
(310) 476-4559
Office Hours
Any day of the week
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Some Spanish.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I charge flat fixed fees in bankruptcy cases, which do not include out of pocket costs such as filing fees which are the responsibility of clients. In such cases, my fee is typically $1,500 to $1,600 in Chapter 7 cases, $2,250 in Chapter 13 cases depending on complexity of the filing.
Hourly Rates
$200 per hour, higher in divorce cases, depends if contested or uncontested. I will sometimes lower hourly rate for cash-paying clients.
Free Initial Consultation?
I charge $75 for an initial consultation, but not if client is recommended by Nolo or other clients or if case is covered by legal group insurance.
Typical Retainer
Retainers vary; in litigation often is $1,500 to $2,000 range, all bankruptcy fees must be paid in advance of filing.
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.
