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Mark Markus
also known as Mark Joseph Markus
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About Mark
Biography
I am a Certified Specialist in bankruptcy law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.
I have practiced exclusively bankruptcy law in the Los Angeles area, and throughout California, representing individuals and businesses in Chapters 7, 11, and 13, since 1991.
I pride myself on giving personalized, quality service to all my clients at affordable and competitive prices.
I have offices in Burbank, California and have free initial consultations by phone as well for all clients.
"I wish I had come to you first" is the most often heard comment from my clients.
"I wish I had come to you first" is the most often heard comment from my clients.
"I wish I had come to you first" is the most often heard comment from my clients.
"I wish I had come to you first" is the most often heard comment from my clients.
"I wish I had come to you first" is the most often heard comment from my clients.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
70%
35 years
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
10%
35 years
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
10%
35 years
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
10%
35 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
Awards
2023 2020 2012
...
+
1
2017 2016 2015
...
+
3
Licenses
Licensed in California for 34 years
State: California
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Mark online.
Mark Markus's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
29 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (29)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Recommendation (13)
Case Results (11)
Professionalism (11)
Practice Area Knowledge (10)
Responsiveness (10)
Communication Style (8)
General Knowledge (8)
Character & Conduct (7)
Cost of Services (7)
Advocacy (6)
Trustworthiness (5)
Compassion (4)
Staff & Support (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 6 - 8 of 8 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Maria | April 20, 2010 | Bankruptcy & Debt
Simply the BEST bankruptcy attorney
Mr. Mark Markus is the best bankruptcy attorney. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and organized. He is very patient in answering all your questions and concerns. Mr. Markus would respond to most of my e-mailed questions within 3 hours, even when I would e-mail him at 9:00 p.m. in the night ...
Posted by Robert | April 14, 2010 | Bankruptcy & Debt
Mark J. Markus Recommendation
My husband and I found ourselves unemployed in June 2004. It was necessary to utilize my extensive credit to support my family until we found anticipated employment. Unfortunately, jobs did not materialize, and my credit was exhausted. Our only recourse for relief from our overwhelming debt was ...
Posted by anonymous | May 09, 2019 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Mixed feelings
I hired him to do research for my situation. He responded quickly by email and he took extra time beyond what I paid for. But considering I paid a decent amount, he didn't even look at the documents for my case, and he didn't come back with any solid answers. I ended up having to pay another more e...
Mark Markus
Replied last February 27, 2015I am truly sorry this person was dissatisfied but strongly disagree with this review. I have always prided myself on going above and beyond when providing legal services. They have chosen not to reveal their name here, which is quite telling, but I will honor their privacy. This person hired me to give a legal opinion on a complex bankruptcy-related issue that had, according to them, been mishandled by her bankruptcy counsel. I gave them a lengthy and detailed analysis and opinion. Apparently it was not to their satisfaction. It is correct that I spent more time than was paid for. A LOT more. I of course did read the client's documentation, to the extent it was relevant to their questions. The issue was extremely complex (far more complex than this person realizes) and before I rendered my opinion I consulted with 4 other certified specialists, including two real estate attorneys (because the issue involved some real estate law), and their opinions along with my research formed my opinion. They all agreed with me that there was no clear answer. The bottom line was that there was no clear answers to this client's questions, but I laid out the different possibilities and options. The fact that this client did not like my opinion, and found someone who told her what they wanted to hear (I highly doubt there was a definitive answer) or fortuitously achieved the result they wanted by other parties’ acquiescence, does not mean that the problems or issues I raised did not exist or that I was inaccurate. It should also be noted that prior to contacting me this client solicited the opinions of other experts on Avvo and got the same opinion that I provided (albeit without the analysis and detail). So apparently they found the one attorney who gave the answer they wanted to hear. I sincerely hope this client’s problems were resolved, and that the problems don’t resurface later. But to give this negative a review for my opinion of a problem this complex, when I have multiple other experts and specialists agreeing fully with my analysis, seems quite unfair.
Mark Markus's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Markus provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."
"Mr. Markus is a frequent contributor on the Avvo website. His responses are accurate, concise and best of all, practical and useful. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Markus is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse Mr. Markus for his successes in bankruptcy law."
"I endorse this lawyer. When you are looking for someone to help you with debt issues you want someone like Mark who has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the bankruptcy process."
"I endorse this lawyer. If you have a case in the Los Angeles area, I would not hesitate to recommend Mark. He is both knowledgeable and caring."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Markus is an experienced bankruptcy attorney who has earned the respect of both lawyers and clients alike. If you are in need of help with bankruptcy/debt issues, give him a call. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mark is very competent in the areas of Chapter 7, 11 and 13's. I have known Mark for many years now and I always respect his advice and knowledge in bankruptcy."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to endorse Atty. Markus. He gives clear and detailed advice and counsel and is certainly an asset to any client. I am proud to consider him a colleague."
"Certainly I endorse this lawyer. I know him thru our professional organization,National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. Attorney Mark Markus provides detailed and honest postings on AVVO assisting those with various areas of bankruptcy law, foreclosure and debt problems. He is articulate, intelligent, and thorough. Also, his comments show his genuine compassion for his clients. A true professional. It gives me pleasure to endorse him to you."
"I endorse Attorney Markus, I have read many of his posts and I endorse this lawyer as a valuable member of this forum. Attorneys who participate in this forum are providing useful information for those in need and should be commended. Further, the type of information conveyed is in the true spirit of professionalism where information is provided to help those in need which is the underpinning of the legal profession. Often the users of this forum are given second opinions that expand on information or provide contradictory information. Providing information empowers the uninformed to go forward with confronting their legal problems. I recommend and endorse this attorney for all listed areas of practice in his profile."
"Mark Joseph Markus is careful about what he says & wants to know all the facts before offering his valued opinion. I can't say how strongly I support his taking this position, as a small difference in understanding the facts often makes all the difference between right & wrong. A superb attorney!"
Stuart Steingraber
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2012
Bankruptcy Law Specialist Certification, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
2011
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
A+ rating, Better Business Bureau
2010
AV-Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
A+ rating, Better Business Bureau
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Owner/Attorney, Law Office of Mark J. Markus
1994 - 1994
Associate, Fierstein & Sturman
1990 - 1994
Attorney, Charles T. Morrison, Jr. Inc.
Associations
2009 - Present
Bankruptcy Inn of Court--Southern CaliforniaMember
2006 - Present
Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys AssociationFounding Member
1998 - Present
Financial Lawyers ConferenceMember
1998 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1996 - Present
Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forummember
1995 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Zhang
Discharge granted
In re Jensen
Obtained a judgment in favor of the debtors, convincing Judge to rule that keeping those assets didn't rise to "abuse".
Education
1990
University of Arizona College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
California State University, Northridge
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Guest Lecturer in class "Doing Business in the USA"
Business and Consumer Bankruptcy in the USA
2005
Paralegal Education Seminar
Practical Bankruptcy Techniques for Paralegals
2004
Money 101 with Bob McCormick
bankruptcy law--Supreme Court decisions
Publications
2013
Los Angeles Bankruptcy Blog
You Can Keep Your Property in Any Bankruptcy Case
2007
CDCBAA Newsletter
Filing Bankruptcy For Debtors Living/Working Outside the U.S.A.
1990
The Entertainment and Sports Lawyer
Crossing the Line: Television Entertainers and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Mark earned significant contribution points in 2017.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Need help with possble bankruptcy?
13 Dec 2023
Q&A
Does a Declaration of homestead in CA prevent a judgment lien from attaching to the homestead?
04 Oct 2023
Q&A
Midland funding placed a lein on my house from 2014. how do i get it removed?
18 Aug 2023