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Reed Howard Olmstead
About Reed
Biography
Reed H. Olmstead focuses his practice on helping individuals and families across California plan for the future and achieve peace of mind. He works closely with clients to create clear, comprehensive estate plans — including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives — that protect loved ones and preserve assets. He also assists clients facing financial challenges, guiding them through the bankruptcy process to obtain relief from overwhelming debt.
With over fifteen years of experience, Reed has represented individuals, families, businesses, creditors, and trustees in bankruptcy matters. Today, his practice is centered on estate planning and efficient bankruptcy filings, allowing him to help clients through two of life’s most significant transitions: planning for the future and obtaining a financial fresh start.
Reed earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the Santa Barbara College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he majored in both Law & Society and Philosophy. His background provides him with both a strong legal foundation and a client-centered approach that prioritizes clear communication and practical solutions.
In recognition of his dedication to public service, Reed was awarded the William J. Lasarow Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service by the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County and Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 15 years
State: California
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Reed H. Olmstead
791 Price Street # 707, Pismo Beach, CA, 93449
Law Offices of Reed H. Olmstead
5142 Hollister Avenue # 171, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111
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Reed Howard Olmstead's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Calm, knowledgable and fast.
I hired Reed to remove liens on our title (that I didn't know were there) during a refinance. He worked very fast, and the process went off without a hitch. I recommend Reed 100 percent. His is not just knowledgable about the law, but he is a very calm, reassuring presence during what for me was a te...
Posted by Jeff | November 4, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank You Reed. Excellent and Extremely Knowledgeable Bankruptcy Attorney.
I cannot express how truly grateful I am to Reed. He is not only an extremely knowledgeable attorney that steered me in the right direction, he is also very thoughtful and personable making the most trying time in my life somehow bearable. My case was a complicated chapter 7 bankruptcy with extensi...
Posted by Jon | April 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Tremendous help during trying time, highly recommend
From the very first meeting where I felt an immediate sense of relief to the end discharge, I was always given great advice and kept informed every step of the way. I cannot recommend this attorney more highly. Thank you Reed !
Posted by Matt | April 4, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Only the Best
Reed is one of the most comprehensive, competent and knowledgable attorneys you could have representing you in your case. He is detailed oriented and makes sure to be specific and honest about any and all questions or concerns you may have. His knowledge of the law and how to navigate his clients thr...
Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommended, Santa Barbara BK Lawyer
I highly recommend Reed Olmstead to anyone going through a bankruptcy. After several consultations in Santa Barabra, Reed was clearly the most knowledgable, responsive and professional lawyer I met with. He guided me through the process, always answered my questions and helped me understand the l...
Reed Howard Olmstead's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Reed as opposing counsel on several cases over the past few years. Reed is a talented attorney and approaches his cases in a smart and efficient manner. He treats his clients with respect and works hard to represent their interests and find creative and efficient solutions often in difficult cases."
"Reed is a outstanding bankruptcy lawyer. He is also the type of attorney that represents his clients with great tenacity and yet never loses the ability to work with opposing counsel in a civil and productive manner. Reed's outstanding capabilities have resulted in his representation of Chapter 7 Trustees. He has great insight into the bankruptcy bar and knowledge of the subject area."
"I have worked with Reed on various bankruptcy related issues concerning real property. He is intelligent and knows the Bankruptcy Code, and supporting federal case law, inside and out. I strongly recommend Reed to any potential debtor, creditor, or trustee in the bankruptcy arena."
"I endorse this lawyer. From tiny issues in chapter 7 cases to monstrously complicated chapter 11 and trustee cases, Reed is a careful, diligent, and intelligent lawyer. Any debtor, creditor, or trustee can trust him to handle matters well."
Meghann Triplett
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Andrew Mansfield
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
G. Brelje
Landlord or tenant lawyer
John Faucher
Tax lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Certificate of Recognition, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Northern Division
2015
Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2014
William J. Lasarow Award, Honoring Outstanding Pro Bono Service, Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County, Central District of California, Northern Division
2014
Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2014
Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2013
Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2013
Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2012
Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2011
Certificate of Appreciation, Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Northern Division
2011
Certificate of Appreciation, Reaffirmation Calendar, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Northern Division
2011
Honor Roll of Pro Bono Volunteers, The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2010
Graduated with Honors, Santa Barbara College of Law
2009
Academic Achievement Award, Santa Barbara College of Law
2008
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence, Real Property, Witkin Legal Institute/Santa Barbara College of Law
2008
Academic Achievement Award, Santa Barbara College of Law
2007
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence, Legal Writing, Witkin Legal Institute/Santa Barbara College of Law
2007
Academic Achievement Award, Santa Barbara College of Law
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Owner/Attorney, Law Offices of Reed H. Olmstead
2012 - 2017
Partner, Hurlbett & Olmstead
2010 - 2012
Associate Attorney, Hurlbett & Faucher, LLP
2008 - 2009
Judicial Extern, United States Bankruptcy Court Central District Of California
Associations
2016 - Present
San Luis Obispo County Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Los Angeles Bankruptcy ForumMember
2015 - Present
California Bankruptcy ForumMember
2013 - Present
United States Tax CourtAdmitted to Practice
2010 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
2010 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
2009 - Present
American Bankruptcy InstituteMember
2012 - 2013
Santa Barbara County Bar AssociationCo-section head of the Debtor/Creditor Section
2011 - 2013
Santa Barbara BarristersBoard of Directors
2008 - 2009
William L. Gordon American Inn of CourtMember
Education
2010
Santa Barbara College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
University of California - Santa Barbara
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2011
I.P. in Bankruptcy Matters: Identifying It, Valuing It, Selling It
Intellectual Property in Bankruptcy Matters
Languages
English