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Gabriel John Waddell
also known as Gabriel J. Waddell, Gabe Waddell
About Gabriel
Biography
Attorney Gabe Waddell is a Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and is a shareholder of the Fresno firm of Fear Waddell, P.C. He represents debtors and trustees, with particular focus representing consumer debtors in Chapters 7 and 13 and in bankruptcy-related litigation matters.
He is admitted in the Eastern District of California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all courts of the State of California.
Gabe received his law degree from the Oak Brook College of Law, with honors, and his B.A. from Thomas Edison State College, and has been representing parties in bankruptcy since 2009. Gabe is the past President of the Central California Bankruptcy Association, is on the Board of Directors of the California Bankruptcy Forum, and is a member of the Federal Bar Association and the Federalist Society.
Prior to joining Fear Waddell, P.C. Gabe worked with a wide variety of non-profit organizations, doing public policy, humanitarian, and legal advocacy work. Most recently, Gabe led an international humanitarian organization providing relief to widows and orphans in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He has traveled widely, and continues to be active in humanitarian work. More locally, Gabe serves on the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley, Inc., working to provide a “home away from home” for families with critically ill children receiving treatment at Valley Children’s Hospital.
Gabe and his wife Katie live in the Madera Ranchos. When he’s not at the office, you might find him searching for scenic views to photograph, reading a wide variety of literature, or cooking for friends.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Bankruptcy and Debt
100%
18 years | 700 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 17 years
State: California
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Gabriel John Waddell
7650 N Palm Ave Ste 101, Fresno, CA, 93711
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Gabriel John Waddell's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Flor | May 4, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Fantastic
Atty. Gabe Waddell is personable, knowledgeable and always followed through and responded to my calls and questions promptly. He is tough and straight forward whenever needed. The office staff is very helpful and knowledgeable too. He is dedicated to and cares genuinely about his clients. I highl...
Posted by Paul S | May 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Could not be more grateful for the service provided
Mr Waddell and his staff are the absolute best. Helped us through a tough time. While it was difficult at times Mr Waddell and his staff are the consummate professionals and had all the right answers when we needed them. Truly a lifesaver.
Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
the best
I am a senior citizen and Gabriel took me by hand, guided me through the process of bankruptcy with patience, caring and most of all he cared about my feelings and the stressful time i was going through. Excellent attorney. I give an A+
Posted by Lisa | June 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
CHOOSE THE BEST
Gabe Waddell is highly professional, extremely thorough, and compassionate when you need it most. I am grateful for the top-level Chapter 13 bankruptcy service from Gabriel Waddell. Mr. Waddell and his team have you do the hard work up front–you want this so that you are prepared for your court meeti...
Posted by Sandra | May 27, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
None better!
Mr. Waddell has the integrity, competence, client empathy and respect (very important to me) of any attorney I have ever encountered. After a nasty divorce, I determined to consult more than one attorney for my legal requirement. No need. Mr. Waddell gave me all the information I needed with a free ...
Gabriel John Waddell's Lawyer Endorsements
"I strongly endorse Gabe Waddell. Not only is he a knowledgeable practitioner who can skillfully maneuver complex bankruptcy laws, he is a kind and empathetic person who spends his free time helping the poor, the sick and the underprivileged in our community and around the world. He brings that same compassion and empathy to the practice of law and will be there for you as a trusted adviser in the difficult times."
"Gabe is a rising star in our profession. He has the requisite knowledge and skills to provide exceptional representation to his clients. A natural leader professionally and personally, Gabe's integrity is well known by everyone who has the pleasure to know him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"Gabe Waddell has established a great reputation in the legal community for his leadership in attorney organizations, client feedback, and his understanding of the law. From working with Gabe on the Board of the Oak Brook College of Law Alumni Association, I can tell you that Gabe knows how to be a voice of reason, is conscientious, and will do a great job on your legal matter."
"This attorney is extremely well respected in the community and is looked up to by all fellow attorneys. Clients report fantastic experiences with this lawyer and their experience speaks for itself!"
Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Sep 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have come up against Gabriel in cases. He is tough, but fair, and a pleasure to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for someone who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. Extremely knowledgeable and competent. Do contact this attorney for your area representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Gabriel is an excellent attorney, you can trust him to help you with the most difficult legal proceedings."
"Not all lawyers or law firms provide the same level of skill and service. In a practice area that can rewrite the entire financial future of a family, Gabe has the skill and experience that makes the difference. I recently spent time talking with him and was impressed with his comprehensive knowledge of both Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy law. If you are considering either option, you are in good hands with Mr. Waddell and the skilled staff at his office."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Gabe for a long time, both personally and professionally. He has become a masterful bankruptcy practitioner. Whenever I run into bankruptcy issues with my own clients, I contact him first. His advice is always timely and thorough, and I highly recommend him to anyone with bankruptcy questions or those wondering how bankruptcy can help improve their lives."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
RIsing Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law, California Board of Legal Specialization
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo
2015
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo
2014
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Attorney and Shareholder, Fear Waddell, P.C.
2014 - 2015
Attorney and Shareholder, Fear Law Group, P.C.
2009 - 2013
Attorney, The Law Offices of Peter L. Fear
Associations
2025 - Present
California Bankruptcy ForumTreasurer
2015 - Present
California Bankruptcy ForumDirector
2014 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Federalist SocietyMember
2009 - Present
Central California Bankruptcy AssociationMember
2024 - 2025
California Bankruptcy ForumConference Co-Chair
2020 - 2022
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley, Inc.President
2020 - 2022
California Bankruptcy ForumConference Education Co-Chair
2019 - 2020
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley, Inc.Vice President
2019 - 2022
Ninth Circuit Judicial ConferenceLawyer Representative
2019 - 2020
California Bankruptcy ForumConsumer Co-Chair for 2020/2021 Insolvency Conference
2016 - 2023
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley, Inc.Director
2014 - 2015
Central California Bankruptcy AssociationPresident
2014 - 2015
Judicial Advisory Committee, Eastern District of CaliforniaMember
2013 - 2014
Central California Bankruptcy AssociationVice President
2013 - 2016
Central California Bankruptcy AssociationDirector
Sample of Legal Cases
M------ v. SolarCity
Judgment against creditor.
In re R-----
Complicated Chapter 13 successfully completed and discharge entered.
M------ v. Department Store Credit Card
Case settled when department store creditor agreed to pay damages for violation of the automatic stay.
Education
2008
Oak Brook College of Law & Gov't Policy
Juris Doctor
N/A
Thomas Edison State College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
Veterans' Seminar
Bankruptcy and Debt Relief
2025
Dinner presentation
20 Years of the Means Test, and What it Means for Your Practice Today.
2024
General Information on Bankruptcy Options for Debtors and Homeowners
Bankruptcy and Debt Relief
2024
Central California Bankruptcy Institute
Caselaw Update
2023
Central California Bankruptcy Institute
Caselaw Update
2022
Conference of Chief Bankruptcy Judges, Clerks and Bankruptcy Lawyer Representatives
Sales of Assets and Compromises
2022
Central California Bankruptcy Institute
What Comes Next? Ninth Circuit Caselaw Update
2021
Staff Program
Echoes of History: Ancient Insolvency Systems and Why They Matter
2021
Lunch Program
Current Issues in Chapter 13
2021
Lunch presentation
Pandemic Fallout: Helping Clients Recover from Financial Devastation
2021
Fundamentals of Bankruptcy
Pre-filing Issues for Debtors and Their Attorneys
2021
Central California Bankruptcy Institute
Echoes of History: A Survey of the Interplay of Culture, Economics, and Law in Ancient Insolvency Systems
2019
Luncheon Program
Civility in Bankruptcy Practice
2019
Business Development Tips and Tricks for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys
Opting Out of Chapter 13 "No Look" Fees
2017
Central California Bankruptcy Institute
Complex Chapter 13 Plan Modifications
2017
2017 Insolvency Conference
Session Producer: Keynote Address and Judges' Roundtable
2016
Central California Bankruptcy Institute
Advanced Chapter 13 Practice: Competently Protecting Clients' Rights After the Chapter 13 Plan is Over
2015
Lunch Meeting Panel with Hon. Fredrick E. Clement, Glen Gates, and Trudi Manfredo
10 Things About Bankruptcy Every Family Law Attorney (and Family Court Judge) Should Know
Publications
2019
California Bankruptcy Journal
Echoes of History: A Survey of the Interplay of Culture, Economics, and Law in Ancient Insolvency Systems
2005
Oak Brook College Journal of Law and Government Policy
J.D. Student Editor
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a property equalization payment from a MSA be discharged in a Chapter 13 BK?
03 Nov 2015
Q&A
Currently i am not eligible for a Chapter 13 discharge, how can i get my case discharge later?
21 Sep 2015
Q&A
I Filed bk 7 in 2010. I worked out a modification with my 1st Mortgage lender and had a HELOC which was listed as unsecured
17 Sep 2015