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Robert L. Firth

Robert L. Firth

Law Offices of Robert L. Firth
30877 Date Palm Dr.
Suite B-4
Cathedral City, CA 92234

Phone: (760) 770-4066  |  Fax: (760) 770-1066
http://www.firthlaw.com

Contact Robert L. Firth

Compassionate Service at Reasonable Prices

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I am currently accepting clients in need of loan modifications, short sales, and advice on Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy services. I am also accepting clients in need of advice on business formation and organization.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Credit Repair
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

CA, Jun 2004
Bar Number: 231432

Other Court Admissions

• Missouri (1975 to present)
• District of Columbia (1979-2004)
• Wisconsin (1992-2009)
• California (2004 to present)

Association Memberships

California Bar Association and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Continuing Education

I attend continuing legal education programs throughout the United States on topics including bankruptcy, small business representation, estate planning, and probate. I always exceed the required number of continuing legal education hours.

Example Cases

I had clients come in with approximately $50,000 in credit card debt and a house on which they owed $350,000 in debt. The husband had lost his job and the house had lost over $200,000 in value because of the collapse in real estate values in Riverside County, California. We were able to successfully "short sale" the house and wipe out the credit card debt through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The clients now have a fresh start. They are in a comparable house at an affordable rent and have their lives under control again.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Washington University School of Law

City:

St. Louis

State:

MO

Year:

1975

Honors:

Order of the Barristers

Focus and Accomplishments:

Moot Court

 

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

University of Virginia

City:

Charlottesville

State:

VA

Year:

1972

Honors:

Graduated with Distinction

Focus and Accomplishments:

Majored in Foreign Affairs

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California and Missouri (inactive).

Firm Focus and History

My firm's primary focus is helping consumers and small business owners who are overwhelmed by debt to get a fresh start by helping them navigate the bankruptcy laws, regulations, and rules.

I established my law firm in Palm Springs, California, in 2005 and moved it to new offices in neighboring Cathedral City in 2009. Previously, I practiced law in Wisconsin for thirteen years.

Previous Employment Summary

From 1992 until 2005, I ran one of the largest estate planning law firms in Wisconsin. In the 1980s, I was franchise counsel and developed the franchise program for the Residence Inn Company (now Residence Inn by Marriott). I also developed real estate on the East Coast. In the 1970s, I was a Trial Attorney at the United States Department of Justice, Deputy Director of the White House Conference on Small Business, and Special Assistant to the Associate Director of The Small Business Administration.

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

I like working with educated consumers. It can make my job easier and we can usually get to a better result faster.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I will review documents in select circumstances. As my fees are fairly reasonable, in the long run most clients will find it easier and cheaper to retain me.

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

I will do it in select circumstances on a case by case basis.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I enjoy the intellectual challenge of the law. My legal training has helped me in every facet of my personal and professional life. I like helping people get back on track. Also, I never thought I would be any good at manual labor outdoors!

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

I attended a top university and law school and take all the continuing education I can get. I have created small businesses, had experience in personal financial planning and estate planning, and worked the United States Department of Justice as a Trial Attorney. I have also had extensive experience in residential and commercial real estate. I will never retire because I like using my intellectual skills, experience, and training to help people with their legal problems.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I saw a real need for the services of a bankruptcy attorney in Riverside County. So many good people were whipsawed by the easy credit and booming real estate prices in this area followed by the real estate collapse and resulting economic recession. They are being squeezed by forces now beyond their control and need the help of a good, experienced attorney to get a fresh start.

What do you like best about your career?

The depth and variation of my experience has made me a better lawyer. I now really enjoy working in a small office where I can work directly with the people who need my help.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a sole practitioner, so all my clients deal directly with me. I am also blessed to have a wonderful paralegal who is attentive to all of my clients' immediate needs.

What are your strengths and style?

I am a good listener and very empathetic. My clients get commitment, integrity, and honesty when they retain me.

Personal Interests:

I love tennis and try to play three times a week. At age 52 I took up karate and received my black belt in 2007. I train in the dojo three times a week. When my schedule permits I vacation at the beach. On Sunday afternoons I watch my beloved Green Bay Packers.

Office Manager/Assistant

Michelle Mason

Fax

(760) 770-1066

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Spanish.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

My fees typically range between $1,200 and $1,800 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and between $2,500 and $3,500 for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. My clients get a firm quote of what it will cost to retain my services at the end of the free initial consultation.

Hourly Rates

$300.

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer a one hour free initial consultation.

Typical Retainer

I ask for one half of the fee as an initial retainer, but will work out a payment plan if necessary to accommodate my clients.

Understanding Fees

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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.

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