Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Family Law lawyers serving Contra Costa County, CA >
James J. Fishel
Back to Search Results
James J. Fishel
Law Office of Fishel & Fishel
110 Blue Ridge Drive
Suite 200
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 229-4000 | Fax: (925) 935-8484
http://www.wizardoflaw.com/
The Best Interest of Children Comes First
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
In cases where children are involved, my first requirement for new clients is that I expect my client to be able to put the interests of their kids first. The kids are not getting divorced. The kids should not be put in the middle of the parents' conflict.
In cases where minor children are not an issue, or with respect to issues not involving the children, I prefer new clients who know what they want to accomplish and want to keep control of their own future and destiny.
Our office accepts clients who want us to aggressively fight for their rights and the rights of their children. My final preference for new clients is that they have reasonable expectations.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Custody
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Please see above "Preferred New Clients."
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
- Collaborative Law
Bar Admissions
CA, Jul 1990
Bar Number: 147763
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of the State of California, Supreme Court of the State of Florida, United States District Court for the District of Columbia, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Association Memberships
State Bar of California, American Bar Association, Contra Costa Bar Association, District of Columbia Bar Association, Florida Bar Association
Continuing Education
Seminars in child custody and support, children's rights, family law, litigation in CA. Completed over 40 hours in family and juvenile law seminars in past 3 years.
Papers and Publications
None applicable.
Example Cases
It is my policy not to disclose any information about my clients' cases.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor of law
School:
The University of Florida of College of Law
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Year:
1985
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Council of 10 Teaching Fellow, American Jurisprudence Award
Degree:
B.A.
School:
The American University
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Year:
1981
Focus and Accomplishments:
International Studies and Economics
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California, Florida and Washington D.C.
Firm Focus and History
Fishel & Fishel is a small firm located in Martinez, California. The office is conveniently located on Alhambra Avenue right next to the Virginia Hills Shopping Center. The entrance to our office is at 110 Blue Ridge Drive. Parking is free and convenient.
Our law firm has been in practice since 1985. We represent individuals as well as small businesses.
Previous Employment Summary
After graduating from University of Florida Law School in 1985, I went on to work for Subin, Shams, Rosenbloom & Moran. In 1986, I left that firm and opened my own firm in Washington D.C. It was open from 1986 to 1990. In 1990, I moved to California and passed the bar on the first try, and I have been practicing law in Contra Costa County since.
Activities and Awards
I am a member of the North Creek Church in Walnut Creek.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think the more the clients understand the issues at hand, the less difficult it is in having them sign documentation needed for the case. But if the client doesn't understand, I am more than willing to help in answering any of their questions or concerns. Also, clients that know more about the legal issues at hand, the more they know what is happening in their own legal matter.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am more than willing to review the clients' documentation and notes they have prepared. I think it's wonderful when a client takes charge of their own case, it can save the client time as well as money.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to help clients who feel the need to represent themselves. I have attended the Contra Costa Bar of Limited Legal Services so I am more than willing to coach new clients.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
The law has always fascinated me. I like helping people resolve difficult situations.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
In college, I was editor of my college newspaper. Having that writing experience has helped me be at a better position to advocate for my clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I love helping children. Children are the ones who need to be the most protected and sheltered from what can be a very dramatic experience in their lives.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the opportunity to help people solve their problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
Gary Parker serves as the Legal Assistant. He is very knowledgeable about the legal issues we deal with in the office, which helps me out with our clients. He is a joy to work with. (Especially, when it's deadline week.) His since of humor lightens things up around the office.
Sunny DeBord's role is Office Manager. She is a delight to work with. She is a "go getter" who is never afraid to tackle new and often complicated tasks. She is polite, intelligent, and efficient and we are more than fortunate to have her in our office.
The key to a great and successful business is to have team players that know how to work together.
What are your strengths and style?
I treat my clients like their boss. I will take all necessary steps that are legal and ethical to advocate for my clients.
I try to be a very friendly and comfortable person. Therefore, my style reflects my personality. I like to make my clients feel at ease when entering my office. So I try to make my work environment more suitable to my clients needs.
A lot of cases can be very dramatic and emotionally draining. Therefore, I try to make my clients feel as relaxed as possible when they visit me. On days when I do not have court appearances, I often keep it casual by skipping a jacket and tie and working instead in a casual shirt and a pair of blue jeans.
Personal Interests:
Community theater and travel.
Office Manager/Assistant
Office Manager - Sunny De Bord/Legal Assistant - Gary Parker
Fax
(925) 935-8484
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency after hours only by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Flat fees are available in some situations.
Hourly Rates
Senior Attorney: $300 per hour
Legal Assistant: $75 per hour
ALSO -- Ask about our fixed monthly retainer fee agreements instead of the usual hourly rate.
Free Initial Consultation?
$150 for the first half hour.
Free consultation to those in a personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Typical Retainer
It varies depending on the complexity of the case. The most costly and difficult disputes to handle are custody issues involving minor children. Those issues tend to be very sensitive and time consuming, although having the court deal with the disputes is often required. Other things that can increase retainer fees is pensions, real estate, trust; generally the higher the assets, the higher the retainer fee has to be due to the added complexity. A long term marriage also adds the issue of spousal support.
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.
