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James Anthony Michel

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Avvo Rating7.8
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed for 22 years
  • Free consultation
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About James

I'm a consumer protection attorney helping people get relief from debt, and clearing their credit reports of errors. I also pursue debt collectors who violate the law.

I have been fighting for the interests of regular people since I became a lawyer in 1996. In those first years, I represented employees in discrimination cases and tenants in lawsuits against landlords.

In response to the global financial crisis of 2008, I turned my focus toward consumers seeking debt relief in bankruptcy court, obtaining discharges of all kinds of debt and preventing foreclosures of their homes. I responded to the student loan debt crisis by helping borrowers get into affordable payment plans, and by litigating private student loan cases in court.

Now I use all courts to represent consumers facing debt and credit problems: California Superior Courts, Federal Disctrict Court, and Bankruptcy Court, whereever it is in the best interests of my clients. There is a federal statute and a California state statute protecting a consumer's right to a credit report free from errors, even if you have filed a bankruptcy petition. 

Practice areas

ForeclosureDebt collectionBankruptcy and debtConsumer protection
  1. Consumer protection: 40%

    Enforcing consumers' civil rights against abusive debt collectors in Federal Court, Bankruptcy Court and California Superior Court.

    10 years, 22 cases

  2. Bankruptcy and debt: 33%

    Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions to discharge debt and protect consumers' property.

    17 years, 128 cases

  3. Debt collection: 25%

    Consumer rights in debt collection cases. Defending consumers against debt buyers and collection agencies. Student loan cases.

    10 years, 35 cases

  4. Foreclosure: 2%

    Preventing foreclosure with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and helping homeowners obtain a loan modification.

    15 years, 23 cases

Photos and videos

182464 1399991902

Contact

2912 Diamond St #373
address map

2912 Diamond St #373
San Francisco, CA, 94131

San Francisco Bankruptcy Blog

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199611/04/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers350
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Client's ChoiceAvvo2019
Client's ChoiceAvvo2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Attorney at LawLaw Office of James A. Michel1996 - Present
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Association of Consumer AttorneysMember in Good Standing2014 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember in Good Standing2008 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMenber in Good Standing1996 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AVVO Legal GuidesHow to Opt Out of Arbitration Agreement Announced re Chase Bank Credit Cards2019
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Golden Gate Univ SOLJ.D.1996
St. John's CollegeB.A.1992
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Private Student Loan Dischargeability in Bankruptcy: A New PerspectiveStudent Loans and Bankruptcy2017
How to Fight Debt Collectors in State CourtHow to Fight Debt Collectors in State Court2016
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Reyes v. Franchise Tax Boardsettled for less than one percent of claimed tax debt of $142,000
T.R.E.S. v. R. M.jury verdict in favor of James' client -- the jury found that the real estate brokers breached the fiduciary duties they owed to James' client
St. Francis Bay v. Ferro, RamilHomeowner paid nothing to Condo Ass'n. However, the homeowner obtained payment from debt collector JQD LLC (ProSolutions) who had sent a demand letter to homeowner.
National Collegiate Trust v. Norbergaward of attorney fees for borrower's lawyer, in the amount of $24,412.50

Reviews

(25)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review James Michel

Highly recommended!

Posted by PaulaThu Sep 12 2019

Mr. Michel carefully reviewed my questions very quickly and gave me some very important options to consider while other attorneys I consulted with gave me very round about answers that helped me very little. Mr. Michel appears to be very knowledgeable in many areas, competent, direct and considerate. I would highly recommend him!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
James Michel's response: Thank you; it has been my pleasure.

Debt Collection sue.

Posted by MishaFri May 24 2019

Big Thanks to James Anthony Michel!! A debt collector sued me for a few thousand dollars on an old credit card debt. I was ready to try to settle it by offering some money, but James found a way to sue the debt collector for violations of Fair Debt Collection laws. In the end I didn't have to pay anything.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
James Michel's response: That was a satisfying result. Thanks for giving me the chance to help.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(9)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Stuart Steingraber, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Aug 31, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Michel is a frequent contributor on the Avvo website. His responses are accurate, concise and best of all, practical and useful. I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Doland, Business Attorney on Jul 30, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

The answers of Mr. Michel are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney.

Lisa Espada, Debt collection Attorney on May 25, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James Michel is a true advocate for the little guy: the consumer who has just been sued by a creditor, the homeowner trying to avoid foreclosure... I have referred people to James because I know him to be smart, hard-working and a skilled attorney.

Ian Chowdhury, Consumer protection Attorney on Apr 10, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James Michel is a fighter, creative and a smart attorney. Any litigant would do very well to have him on their side.

Leon Bonney, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Mar 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I am impressed by Attorney Michel's credentials. I endorse this lawyer.

Gary Stanley

I am very impressed with James Michel and his credentials. I endorse this attorney.

Robert Devries, Real estate Attorney on Jul 15, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known James for years, and have had many occasions to refer clients to him. The reports I get back are always glowing. He has just the right mix of professionalism and bedside manner necessary to both get the job done and put the clients at ease.

Oliver Gardner, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jul 15, 2011
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. James attended my Bankruptcy Boot Camp intensive 5 day seminar and as a result he is fully qualified and competent to represent individuals in consumer bankruptcy and consumer rights cases.

Robert Boyd, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 18, 2011
Relationship: Friend

James Michel is a good lawyer with a good heart and he does very fine work for his clients. I refer clients to him without hesitation.

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