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John Castellanos

John Castellanos

Law Office of John Castellanos
3320 Sandy Way
South Tahoe, CA 96150

Phone: (530) 544-1752  |  Fax: (530) 544-4823

Contact John Castellanos

Over 25 Years of Trial Experience.

Legal Topic

Personal Injury

Preferred New Clients

I do not have a preferred new client; we evaluate each case that is presented to us.

Sub-Categories

Personal Injury
  • Car/Auto Accidents
  • Dangerous Property
  • Wrongful Death
  • Personal Injury Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Accidents & Personal Injury
  • Construction Site Injuries
  • Slip & Fall
  • Sports Injuries
Dangerous Products/Product Liability
  • Design Defects
  • Manufacturing Defects
Intentional Injuries
  • Assault & Battery
  • Child abuse
  • Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
  • Domestic Violence
  • Police Misconduct
  • Sexual Assault
Mass Accidents
  • Airplanes
  • Buildings
  • Mass Transit - Bus, Train, Subway
  • Ships & Boats
Professional Malpractice
  • Religious Malpractice
Toxic Torts & Class Actions
  • Chemicals & Cosmetics
  • Dangerous Drugs & Products
  • Pesticides
  • Toxic Mold

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1980
Bar Number: 95735

Other Court Admissions

All California Courts, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

Association Memberships

State Bar of California

Continuing Education

I generally exceed my required hours.

Example Cases

I handled a dog bite case where the insurance company didn't believe the client had a fairly serious injury and offered the client an extremely low offer. The jury awarded a decision which was significantly more than what was offered to settle.

I also handled a slip and fall case where a large chain restaurant disputed their liability. My client had already been rejected by other attorneys. After we took the case, he received a large settlement as a result from an expert opinion regarding the liability of the restaurant and its practices in maintaining the floors.

Education

Degree:

B.A.

School:

Sacramento State University

City:

Sacramento

State:

CA

Year:

1976

Focus and Accomplishments:

Economics

 

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Lincoln Law School

City:

Sacramento

State:

CA

Year:

1980

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

Personally, I've been practicing for 26 years in criminal law. The focus of personal injury started in 1986.

Previous Employment Summary

I had some associations with other individuals up to 1993, but most often, I am and have been a sole practitioner.

Activities and Awards

I am a pro tem judge for mediation in the county of El Dorado, and I volunteered for a juvenile program called Teen Court.

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

I have no problem with clients educating themselves.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

No, but I am willing to help with document preparation when it is for a client whose case I am involved in.

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

I will evaluate this on a case by case basis.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I enjoyed the challenge and the variety of different problems that are brought to me. I like being able to solve legal problems for individuals.

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

Continuing education always has new and different subjects, and it keeps me updated. In trial work, you get an idea as to what people are thinking about and what they want.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

It is always difficult working with insurance companies; I always hear about people having problems with insurance companies, even with the little things. Once I started practicing law, it became even more evident that not only were clients having difficulties, but people ended up getting what they didn't deserve or being taken advantage of by insurance companies.

What do you like best about your career?

I like most the flexibility of running my own practice.

Tell us about your law firm:

I'm a sole practitioner. I've worked with my secretary confidently for many years; she's a good people person and makes sure that things get moving along and attends to the needs and wants of all of our clients.

What are your strengths and style?

I try to be thorough and make sure that we don't settle a case before it is time. We listen to what our clients want.

Casual and professional when need be.

Personal Interests:

Water sports, skiing, and golf. I enjoy the outdoors.

Office Manager/Assistant

Carolyn

Fax

(530) 544-4823

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We pick up our messages before and after hours.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

We make arrangements for interpreters when necessary.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

If I am talking to a client for a consultation, the flat fee ranges from $50 - $150.

Hourly Rates

$225

Free Initial Consultation?

This depends on the case--I will never charge unless the client is fully aware that I am doing so.

Typical Retainer

This depends on the case. Most personal injury cases do not have a retainer because they are done on a contingency fee basis.

Understanding Fees

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