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Erin A. Levine
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Erin A. Levine
Levine Law Group, LLP
5801 Christie Ave.
Suite 387
Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: (510) 595-4112
http://www.eastbaylevinelaw.com
Effective Representation, In and Out of Court
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
No preference. I provide personalized, comprehensive representation to individuals dealing with family law matters ranging from uncontested or mediated divorces to complex property disputes and high conflict relationship dissolutions. My office is easily accessible from the 580 and 80 highways and there is always plenty of parking. Diverse clientele and military personnel warmly welcomed.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
No preference. I provide personalized, comprehensive representation to individuals dealing with family law matters ranging from uncontested or mediated divorces to complex property disputes and high conflict relationship dissolutions. My office is easily accessible from the 580 and 80 highways and there is always plenty of parking. Diverse clientele and military personnel warmly welcomed.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Domestic Violence
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 2005
Bar Number: 238555
Other Court Admissions
California, Federal.
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association and Alameda County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of Family Law, Civil Litigation, Trial/ Litigation Skills, Professional Ethics and Collaborative Conflict Resolution.
Example Cases
I handle a wide range of family and relationship legal matters. Some examples include:
- Child custody and support modification
- Divorce and Paternity Judgments
- Asset protection
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- Guardianships and Conservatorships
- Step-parent adoption
- Proactive un-married couples seeking property co-ownership agreement(s)
- Mediated Divorce
- Alimony
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of San Francisco
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
2005
Honors:
"Best Brief" University of San Francisco, School of Law and "CALI Excellence for the Future Award" Sexual Orientation of the Law.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of California, Santa Barbara
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Year:
2001
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Levine Law Group, LLP was established May, 2009. Our foremost goal is to help you achieve finality and results. We understand that you (and your children) are going through a very difficult time, perhaps the worst ever. Our challenge is to lead you through the emotional and often "crazy making" process with commonsensical advice, aggressive advocacy and compassion -- allowing you to move beyond your divorce or other legal matter.
Our motto is straightforward: conference as warranted, mediation if necessary, trial when required. It's that simple.
Previous Employment Summary
For nearly four years, I was an associate attorney with the Law Offices of John M. Coyle, Fairfield CA. My practice included family law, general civil litigation, estate administration, and guardianships/conservatorships. In 2008, Mr. Coyle renamed the office, "Law Offices of Coyle and Levine."
I was also employed with Beck Law Group, a law firm specializing in the area of Estate Planning and Administration for minority/LGBT communities.
Activities and Awards
Since 2001, I have worked with various public interest organizations including, but not limited to: Legal Aid, San Francisco; Break the Cycle, Los Angeles; Youth Law Center, San Francisco and San Francisco Juvenile Public Defender's Office.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients that have educated themselves on legal issues report that it has been helpful to understanding their legal rights and obligations, gaining confidence in their legal matter and attorney and managing their expectations.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Absolutely.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I encourage everyone considering self-representation to consult with an attorney(s) prior to and while the matter is pending. There are many situations where self-representation is a cost-effective and empowering endeavor. Many of my divorce clients have later consulted with me for assistance in negotiating car accident settlements with insurance adjusters, preparing small claims court pleadings, eviction matters, uncontested divorces, etc.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
As a teen, I was a plaintiff in a civil matter and a witness in a criminal case. I struggled with the stress and demands of litigation and the impact all of it had on my well-being. I felt re-victimized and frustrated as I attempted to navigate through the complex legal system. I decided I wanted to become a lawyer to provide clients with personalized, accessible and comprehensive representation. It became my goal to allow clients the freedom to move past their legal matter and focus on what really matters to them.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Having been a litigant and a litigator makes for a unique perspective. I understand how "crazy making" and frustrating the legal process can be, especially when there are real and significant changes going on in your life. I am sensitive to your concerns and seek to give you peace of mind with realistic advice and advocacy.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
It chose me. When I graduated law school, I looked for work that would immediately allow me to manage cases, meet with clients and litigate. The job I ended up with had a large family law component.
What do you like best about your career?
I actually get to see tangible results!
Tell us about your law firm:
Robert Levine has been practicing law for the past 37 years. He is a member in good standing of the State Bar of California, various Courts of Appeal, Federal District Courts, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Mr. Levine received his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University in 1972. The following year, Mr. Levine launched his legal career by becoming an attorney for the State of California with an emphasis in civil litigation. Upon completing his time as state attorney, he elected to further his profession in the area of private practice and chose to found his own law firm in Southern California. His practice proved to be a successful endeavor and grew to integrate sixteen attorneys. Through Levine Law Group, Mr. Levine is now focusing his practice on a selection of personal injury matters, disputes involving real property, product liability, and business-related issues.
I have a fantastic legal assistant who provides document preparation services at competitive rates.
What are your strengths and style?
I adapt easily depending on the type of case and/or client and opposing party. In other words, my goal is to personalize a strategy that you are comfortable with and will be successful! I prefer to settle most matters outside of litigation. Obviously, it is cheaper for you, less combative, and if there are children involved, a great relief to them. However, if the case calls for court, I can be a "pit-bull" advocate. I enjoy people in general, so I am as responsive to a client who requires a more holistic or empathetic connection, as I am to a no-nonsense business person who wants a realistic breakdown of their case. I always make an effort to use plain English instead of the confusing legal terms that attorneys love to use to make them appear smart.
Personal Interests:
Curious conversation, photography and film, thrift shopping, music and shows, design, dancing, yoga, and traveling.
Office Manager/Assistant
Shelley VanRenselaar, Paralegal and Document Preparer. Sky Pace, Operations Manager.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Additional office hours available by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes.
Wills - $175
Power of Attorney for Finances - $75
Advanced Health Care Directives - $75
Document Preparation - Family Law, Civil, Eviction and Probate matters.
Flat Fees for Limited Scope Representation (Representation in one aspect of your matter, e.g. child support modification).
Hourly Rates
Attorney rates are $150 to $250 per hour, varies depending on complexity of matter. Paralegal fees are billed at $75 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, if Nolo is mentioned during the initial contact.
Typical Retainer
$1,500 to $7,500.
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.
