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About James
Biography
I am a "people's lawyer" representing folks who need an experience Bankruptcy lawyer because they have are in financial distress with creditors and their lawyers pursuing them. My law practice is focused on bankruptcy law. I also have extensive jury trial experience, including misdemeanor, felony, and civil jury trials. I have spent the last 40 years helping people all over Southern California. See a few examples of the kinds of cases I have previously handled in the "cases" section below.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
80%
49 years | 1,000 cases
Litigation
10%
49 years | 200 cases
Personal Injury
10%
49 years | 250 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 49 years
State: California
Acquired: 1977
No misconduct found
Licensed in North Carolina for 54 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1971
No misconduct found
Location
SWITZER LAW OFFICE
Palomar Airport Road, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA, 92011
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James Edward Switzer Jr's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
1 Client Review
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Recommendation
Posted by Michelle | October 16, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes
highly recommended
Attorney Switzer really helped us. We didn't know what to do or where to turn. He walked us through and really put us at ease. He met with us himself, prepared us, and went to court with us for our court hearing. This is my first experience with a lawyer and we are so glad we choose Ed Switzer.
James Edward Switzer Jr's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Switzer has the experience you need to get your bankruptcy done right the first time! A real asset to the AVVO family!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Ed Switzer on several matters, including mutual clients in bankrutpcy. You will not find a finer lawyer. His decades of experience and his incredible knowledge of bankruptcy and other areas of the law cannot be matched, especially if you take into account his kindness and humanity. I wholeheartedly recomend Ed Switzer."
"I am very impressed with James Edward Switzer Jr and his credentials. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ed and I have been on the opposite sides of numerous bankruptcy case where Ed represented the debtor. His word is his bond, and he cares about each of his clients. Ed has helped me with bankruptcy cases when I needed his advice representing clients in the military. As a reserve office in the USMC, Ed knows the practical issues as to how a bankrutpcy can affect somone in the armed servies. I recommend Ed without reservation."
Thomas Gorrill
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Honors
1998
Legion of Merit, USMC
1994
Awarded Proclamation for Civic Achievement, San Diego County Board of Supervisors
1994
Awarded Proclamation for Community Service, Carlsbad City Council
1991
Meritorious Service Medal, USMC
Work Experience
1991 - Present
Lawyer, Switzer Law Office
1990 - 1991
Staff Judge Advocate, MCB, Camp Pendleton, CA (First Gulf War), USMC
1981 - 1994
Elected School Board Member/President, Carlsbad Unified School District
1977 - 1991
Lawyer, Switzer & Jenkins, Attorneys at Law
1968 - 1998
Judge Advocate, United States Marine Corps Reserve
Associations
2005 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1977 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
1977 - Present
San Diego North County Bar AssociationMember; former director
Sample of Legal Cases
Farrell, et al. v. Spears
$6,000,000 judgment for our clients
Martinez v. San Diego County
$1,000,000 recovery for plaintiff
Gonzales v. Smith
My client won. Judgment for $700,000
Simpson v. "Medical Device Corporation"
Confidential settlement for client shortly before trial
Kemmis v. Toyota, et al.
$300,000 (then the highest known PTSD settlement without physical injury (involving a non-relative) in California)
Hanlon v. Southern California Edison
$1.1 million jury verdict for our client
Wolfson v. Watts, 298 F.3d 1077 (9th Cir., 2002)
my client won
Burton v. C.E. Wylie, et al.
Settled for 1.2 million after hung jury (8 to 4 in our favor) just before second jury trial
Nicolas v. Suzuki, et al.
$100,000 policy limits settlement with the car driver and additional confidential settlement with Suzuki shortly before trial
In re Burson, 107 B.R. 285 (Bankr. S.D. CA 1989)
my client won
Education
2003
Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College
Education for lawyers who care about people
1971
Wake Forest University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor (cum laude)
1968
Lenoir-Rhyne College
AB
Speaking Engagements
2004
California Legal Assistance Course
Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury
2003
California Legal Assistance Course
Representing the Consumer Bankruptcy Client
Publications
1971
Wake Forest Law School Law Review
Comments Editor
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Bankruptcy and a RTU (vacation club) timeshare
26 Jun 2014
Q&A
How to change the name of a judgment debtor .
04 Mar 2013
Q&A
Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Do loans from "Cash Advance" places get any special treatment or become non dischargeable?
18 Oct 2012