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Kevin J. Stewart

Kevin J. Stewart

Law Offices of Kevin J. Stewart
201 Spear St.
Suite 1100
San Francisco, CA 94105

Phone: (415) 230-5315  |  Fax: (408) 934-3966
http://www.kevinjstewart.com

Contact Kevin J. Stewart

Affordable Debt Relief Legal Solutions

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

Consumer Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Debt Settlement, and Foreclosure Defense.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

CA, Jun 1997
Bar Number: 188026

Other Court Admissions

California Superior Courts, United States District Courts: Central and Northern Districts.

Association Memberships

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Continuing Education

I usually attend meetings and workshops held by my professional organizations.

Example Cases

I recall a jury trial in which the jury asked the judge whether they could award my client more damages than I had asked for, suggesting they were fully convinced by my arguments. That was a rewarding experience, but still not as satisfying as helping my current bankruptcy clients with their financial difficulties.

With my bankruptcy cases, I try to provide the most assistance to clients who are facing a crisis, such as losing their job and being unemployed for a long period, or facing foreclosure on their family home. Two current clients face these problems; while another has limited income from social security disability payments, and another has medical issues that require more resources than the client has available. People facing these problems need compassionate, caring, and competent legal advice and counsel.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Loyola Law School

City:

Los Angeles

State:

CA

Year:

1995

Honors:

Elected Commencement Speaker for Evening Class of 1995.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Concentrated study in: Public Interest Law, Civil Rights Law, Ethics, Counseling, and Negotiation.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

My practice is focused on helping people solve their debt problems. I provide free initial consultations with potential clients to learn about their situation in detail. Then I work with the potential client to recommend possible solutions. In some cases, bankruptcy may not be the best option, while in other cases, bankruptcy may be the only sensible option. It all depends on the facts of each individual case.

I have been a practicing attorney for over 10 years. My experience is primarily in civil litigation, with some business law, and collections defense work. Over the last year I have directed my energies and resources to bankruptcy and debt relief law exclusively.

Previous Employment Summary

My first career after college was in information technology. I worked for many years as an IT consultant and technical writer. This has been perfect preparation for the intricacies of bankruptcy and debt relief law, because this area requires attention to detail and the ability to adapt to changing document requirements of different courts, trustees, and opposing counsel.

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

I believe that anyone considering bankruptcy should learn as much as they can before deciding to file. I encourage my clients to use resources such as Nolo press books on bankruptcy, because they are excellent guides to the legal process. This education helps give potential clients a better idea of the pros and cons of bankruptcy and debt relief legal strategies.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am always glad to review budgets, income/expense sheets, and other information that will help me advise a potential client on what legal strategy to pursue. This information is very helpful in an initial consultation. But if a potential client intends to file as a pro se (self-represented) debtor, I cannot review the pleadings or other legal documents for them.

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

Every potential client receives a free personal consultation, and if a potential client decides to represent themselves after that consultation, then they can use any information provided in that free case evaluation to help prepare their case. To provide any assistance beyond that stage would require the client to commit to my full representation.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

Serving on jury duty in a complex civil case was a life-changing experience for me. "I can do that," I thought, as I watched the attorneys at work. Soon after that I was starting my first year of law school. After law school, I focused on civil litigation, and I had a chance to try several cases to a jury. But I was disappointed that litigation kept me away from what I really enjoy about being a lawyer. The personal side of law is what actually drives me, so initial consultations, client counseling, and providing effective advocacy for people in need are what I most enjoy about my job.

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

I will never forget reading a Nolo Press book entitled Money Troubles. This book opened my eyes to the reality of credit overuse and excessive consumer debt levels in our society. The system runs on this vicious cycle. Retailers want consumers to spend, and the banks have wanted us to charge more and pay back less, which has put so many of us into insurmountable debt

But the message of this book was that it's not a moral issue, or a lack of will power, or a personal failure that causes people to get into debt problems. Debt problems can happen to anyone who loses their income or suffers even a temporary financial setback. Credit and debt problems are what businesses face on a regular basis. And I counsel clients that they are just as entitled to use the legal protections of the bankruptcy laws as any business. Consumer bankruptcy is designed to help people get beyond their financial past and establish a better future.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

The economic crisis of 2008 was a wake-up call to everyone who has assumed they could always pay their bills. Homes are worth half as much as they were, people work fewer hours or have no jobs at all, their unemployment is running out, or they don't qualify for unemployment or other assistance. These people need my help now, and many more will need it over the next several years as we dig out from under the worst economic climate since the Great Depression.

What do you like best about your career?

I enjoy helping my clients put their financial problems in perspective. Most potential clients come in with the weight of the world on their shoulders. After we review their situation and I explain their options, they are usually shocked to learn that their credit scores will actually go up after their Chapter 7 discharge. And I always enjoy seeing the relieved looks on their faces when I explain that they will be able to get a car loan or a home loan after bankruptcy

I also enjoy learning the details of bankruptcy law and how I can help clients navigate through a very complex world of rules, forms, and standards. I usually have no problem convincing my clients they are better off having me handle their paperwork than them going it alone.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner, and my clients always deal directly with me. I think this helps provide the best level of service for them at this time.

What are your strengths and style?

Persuasive communication, both verbal and written, is my most useful skill in daily legal tasks. But I also value my ability to listen actively and understand my clients' cares, concerns, and worries. I use this listening skill to help my clients see past their problems and through to their brighter future.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy living in the San Francisco Bay Area, with its unique scenic beauty and cultural diversity. Exploring local places, tasting food and wine, traveling, listening to live music, and playing tennis are examples of fun activities for me.

Fax

(408) 934-3966

Office Hours

Weekday afternoons, by appointment only.

Emergency after hours for clients in emergency situations only.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Attorney fees for Chapter 7 cases are $1,200 for individuals and $1,500 for married persons filing jointly. Chapter 13 cases require special fee arrangements, but in most cases require a $500 pre-filing fee, with the balance paid through the Chapter 13 repayment plan. I do offer discounts based on financial need, and if you mention Nolo you will receive a $100 discount on the above stated fees for your bankruptcy filing. The only additional fees are the Chapter 7 filing fee ($299) or Chapter 13 filing fee ($274), and the debtor education fees ($50-$85, depending on the provider).

Hourly Rates

$300 to $600 per hour, depending on the case.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I offer a free in-person consultation and case evaluation. These usually last 30 minutes.

Typical Retainer

I usually charge a flat rate for bankruptcy or debt settlement cases, so a retainer is not required. I also offer installment arrangements for payment of flat rate fees.

Understanding Fees

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