2021 Avvo Client's Choice Recipient. Consumer Defense and Bankruptcy Attorney. Serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1996
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
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions to discharge debt and protect consumers' property, and consumer rights in debt collection cases. Defending consumers against debt buyers and collection agencies. Student loan cases.
25 years, 178 cases
Enforcing consumers' civil rights against abusive debt collectors in Federal Court, Bankruptcy Court and California Superior Court.
13 years, 22 cases
Preventing foreclosure with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and helping homeowners obtain a loan modification.
18 years, 25 cases
2912 Diamond St #373
San Francisco, CA, 94131
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1996 | 06/09/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2021 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2020 |
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2019 |
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2012 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney at Law | Law Office of James A. Michel | 1996 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Association of Consumer Attorneys | Member in Good Standing | 2014 - Present |
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys | Member in Good Standing | 2008 - Present |
State Bar of California | Menber in Good Standing | 1996 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
AVVO Legal Guides | How to Opt Out of Arbitration Agreement Announced re Chase Bank Credit Cards | 2019 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Golden Gate University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1996 |
St. John's College | B.A. | 1992 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Private Student Loan Dischargeability in Bankruptcy: A New Perspective | Student Loans and Bankruptcy | 2017 |
How to Fight Debt Collectors in State Court | How to Fight Debt Collectors in State Court | 2016 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Reyes v. Franchise Tax Board | settled 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, Ramil | Homeowner 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. Norberg | award of attorney fees for borrower's lawyer, in the amount of $24,412.50 |
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November 11, 2021
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November 10, 2021
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November 10, 2021
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November 10, 2021
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November 9, 2021
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September 12, 2019
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May 24, 2019
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May 23, 2019
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May 23, 2019
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May 20, 2019
Mark Romeo, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 28, 2021
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I am a creditor's attorney in the bankruptcy courts. I have had a number of matters as opposing counsel with James Michel. I have always found him to be diligent in his work for his clients, and always well-prepared in court. He has a thorough grasp op of the legal issues in hearings and can ably argue and articulate his position, even if I don't agree with his position. He is a detail-oriented attorney and in bankruptcy law, which has many technicalities, this is super important.
Erika Heath, Consumer protection Attorney on Nov 23, 2021
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I've worked with James before, and he's a highly skilled attorney for bankruptcy and/or consumer protection matters. I highly recommend him.
Joshua Cohen, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 23, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
James is an astute lawyer, with his finger always on the pulse of the law, both with evolving and historical trends.
Alexander Berry-Santoro, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 19, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Michel is thoughtful, tenacious, and intelligent. He has a knack for creativity in approaching problem solving and is a wonderful Attorney. I highly recommend.
Richard Granvold, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 19, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Why? Attorney Michel provides answers to persons questions so that they know what to do or where to go for answer. If you look at his over 500 questions he has answered here on AVVO you can see why his knowledge in practicing bankruptcy since 1996 is crucial. When hiring an attorney you want one who has "seen it all" and not "practicing" on you. He has knowledge his answers establish to assist a debtor in filing bankruptcy and the many issues related thereto. For that reason set forth I endorse him. Sincerely, Richard D. Granvold Attorney at Law
Tammy Gruder Hussin, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 18, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
James is a top notch attorney, and clients are lucky to have him on their side.
Michael Cataldo, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 17, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. His responses to questions on Avvo have shown a high understanding of bankruptcy law
David Dastrup, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 17, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I 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, Bankruptcy and debt 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, Bankruptcy and debt 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, Unknown 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 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am impressed by Attorney Michel's credentials. I endorse this lawyer.
Gary Stanley, Unknown Attorney on Dec 11, 2013
Relationship: Other
I am very impressed with James Michel and his credentials. I endorse this attorney.
Robert Devries, Bankruptcy and debt 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, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jun 17, 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.
Cash, Check