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Joel Gonzalez

Joel Gonzalez

Law Office of Joel Gonzalez, PLLC
814 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Phone: (361) 887-6363  |  Fax: (361) 887-6521
http://www.bankruptcy4corpus.com

Contact Joel Gonzalez

Highly Experienced Bankruptcy Lawyer-Corpus Christi-TX

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I prefer to take consumer debtor clients and represent them with their financial matters through bankruptcy assistance.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

TX, May 2006
Bar Number: 24053233

Other Court Admissions

Texas Supreme Court, and Federal Admission to the Southern District of Texas.

Association Memberships

Texas State Bar. I am also a member of the bankruptcy law section for the Texas State Bar, as well as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), and the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI).

Continuing Education

I attend seminars endorsed by the Texas State Bar, National Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and most recently I completed the Max Gardner Bankruptcy Boot Camp.

Example Cases

I recently filed a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case for a below median income wage earner and was able to obtain a discharge of my clients debts of over $80,000.

Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

Texas A & M University

City:

Corpus Christi

State:

TX

Year:

2000

Honors:

Cum Laude and Dean's List.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Majored in Speech Communication with a Minor in Philosophy.

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Cleveland State University - Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

City:

Cleveland

State:

OH

Year:

2004

Honors:

Dean's List

 

Degree:

Associate of Applied Science

School:

Del Mar College

City:

Corpus Christi

State:

TX

Year:

1998

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Texas

Firm Focus and History

My firm's main focus is on consumer bankruptcy practice. We also handle personal injury cases, workers compensation and other cross-over areas.

My firm was established in February 2008.

Previous Employment Summary

I previously worked for a mid-sized firm, working on personal injury, worker's compensation, social security, and other matters. During my tenure, I also started a consumer bankruptcy practice from the ground up. I discovered that I found bankruptcy law more interesting than any other area I practiced. Based on this, when I left to start my own firm, naturally bankruptcy became a main tenant of my practice.

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

I think it is a good idea for a potential client to familiarize themselves on legal issues. This way, when I consult with a potential client they know the language. It also helps them better understand their options.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I would generally not assist a client who wants to represent themselves because it has the potential to create an inadvertent attorney-client relationship.

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

Due to possible exposure of liability, I would not be able to perform this task.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I wanted to enter into a profession that allowed me to assist people with their problems. My choices were to either become a medical doctor or a lawyer. I chose the latter because I wanted to receive a sense of social satisfaction in helping people solve their problems.

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

I have had personal friends file for bankruptcy and have been able to gauge how it affected their life. I use these experiences to better understand what my clients are going through as we go through the proper procedures in bankruptcy.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

In law school my favorite subject was bankruptcy.

What do you like best about your career?

Knowing that you made a difference that will not only help you client's life, but their family life as well.

Tell us about your law firm:

I meet with all my clients personally. In addition, my assistant has over 18 years experience in dealing with bankruptcy matters. Our clients always come first.

What are your strengths and style?

I am straightforward. I have told potential clients in the past that it was not cost-effective for them to file bankruptcy. Although it has cost me some business I feel good because I did the right thing.

Personal Interests:

Learning strategies to beat creditors. I also enjoy reading books, fishing and spending time with my family.

Office Manager/Assistant

Patricia Molina

Fax

(361) 887-6521

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Arrangements for emergency hours can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

My assistant and I both speak Spanish.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Every client's situation is unique and therefore I don't have a "one-size fits all" approach regarding fees.

Hourly Rates

Fees vary depending on the case.

Free Initial Consultation?

I do offer an initial free consultation for up to an hour long session.

Typical Retainer

Fees vary depending on the case.

Understanding Fees

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