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Sally J. Elkington
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Sally J. Elkington
Elkington Law Office
1970 Broadway
Suite 1200
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 465-0404 | Fax: (510) 465-0202
http://www.elkingtonlaw.com
Affordable Solutions to the Burden of Debt.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to work with clients who have debt issues, including foreclosures, repossessions, garnishments and judgments and who want to work with an attorney to explore their options for getting relief from these debts.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1989
Bar Number: 142619
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of the State of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of California
Association Memberships
Alameda County Bar, Contra Costa County Bar
Continuing Education
I work hard to stay current with the changes in the law. I attend conferences and seminars whenever they are offered to stay on top of new ideas and developments in the law.
Example Cases
Everyday I help people keep their homes, their cars, stop garnishments, and settle their debts. All of my cases are significant and important.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
New College School of Law of California
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1986
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Public Interest Law
Degree:
B.S.
School:
San Francisco State University
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1983
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Speech and Communication Studies
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I focus on providing legal services for people who are marginalized through either overwhelming debt, or financial status. I explore all debt solutions with clients, including bankruptcy, offers and compromises, loan modifications and other creative approaches. I have been helping folks work out their debt issues for over 16 years.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to becoming an attorney and during the early years of my practice, I was a teacher on the university and community college levels.
Activities and Awards
I am a Pro Tem Judge in Small Claims court. I also volunteer with Volunteer Legal Services of Alameda County.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I fully support clients educating themselves on all legal issues including credit issues and bankruptcy. With the passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (reform of the bankruptcy laws) I don't believe that it is wise for clients to file bankruptcy without legal counsel. The laws have become much more complex and confusing and the consequences of making a mistake are often irreparable and can negatively affect the debtor for many years.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review letters written to creditors, offers to compromise debts (not including the IRS or FTB), and other such documents. I will not review bankruptcy filings as the time to do so would be the same as preparing the documents and therefore will not save the client any money. I am willing to substitute into a case on behalf of a client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
In certain areas I would be willing to coach a client who wanted to represent themselves in small claims cases, or in motions before the bankruptcy court.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I went to a public interest law school. I have always had an interest in helping people who have the least accessibility to the legal system.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I am a Pro Tem Judge in Small Claims court, I volunteer with Volunteer Legal Services of Alameda County. Working one-on-one with people and their problems, helping them to see opportunities for resolution of their issues helps me be a better lawyer.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I choose bankruptcy because I found that it is an area that allows a certain amount of creativity in helping folks resolve their debt and credit issues. I also understand that bad things happen to good people and that the creditordebtor system in this country is akin to David and Goliath. I represent the "Davids" to help them fight Goliath to get another chance and a fresh start.
What do you like best about your career?
I most enjoy meeting different people on a daily basis and helping them solve their debt problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have one legal assistant who is in law school. He is fluent in Spanish, French and Italian. We enjoy working together. He is helpful, smart and works hard to make sure that all of our clients get the attention they need.
What are your strengths and style?
I can see the "big picture". I help people understand that there is no shame in having debt. Bad things happen to good people, often far beyond their personal control. I help them see that there is a "light at the end of the tunnel" and relief in sight. I can explain a very complex system in a very understandable manner so that folks can take back control of their lives.
My style is to get as much information from the client as possible about their specific issues and to explain what their options are with respect to getting out of debt. Every person's situation is different. There are no "pat" answers. I want clients to feel better leaving my office than they did when they walked in.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy traveling and working in my garden. I enjoy entertaining and being with my friends and family.
Office Manager/Assistant
Nicole Amarante
Fax
(510) 465-0202
Office Hours
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 Monday through Friday. Weekend and evening appointments also available.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Chapter 7 fees begin at $950 for simple cases and generally do not exceed $1800. Chapter 13 fees are set under Court Guidelines. There is an initial retainer that can be as low as $500 depending on the case, with the remainder paid through their Chapter 13 plan.
Hourly Rates
I have a sliding scale and give discounts to senior citizens, but seldom take hourly cases. Most of my fees are fixed fee cases.
Free Initial Consultation?
Initial Consultations are free.
Typical Retainer
My retainer is different for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. I offer clients the opportunity of payment plans. Most retainers depend on the complexity of their case.
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.
