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James Anthony Michel

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Avvo Rating7.8
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed for 24 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. 

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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.

    12 years, 22 cases

  2. Bankruptcy and debt: 33%

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

    19 years, 128 cases

  3. Debt collection: 25%

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

    12 years, 35 cases

  4. Foreclosure: 2%

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

    17 years, 23 cases

Photos and videos

182464 1399991902

Contact

2912 Diamond St #373
San Francisco, CA, 94131

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive199602/03/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers557
    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
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    3 Star
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    2 Star
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    Review James Michel

    Highly recommended!

    Posted by

    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

    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.

    Very Knowledgeable, Creative, and Trustworthy

    Posted by

    We've talked with a lot of lawyers. Most are arrogant, and self claimed know it alls. After speaking with James, he came across as sincere, knowledgeable and trustworthy. We hired James to help with some tax issues. The issues and problems were very complex. My wife and I are seniors, simple people, and could not make sense of a lot of the paperwork, rules, and regulations. It was a huge stress. We hired James who helped us understand what was going on, simply and directly, and helped us resolve our problem. He is very knowledgeable with the law. He helped us with a creative solution to our problem. I would recommend him to anyone because I never got the impression he was rushing us along or pushing us toward a goal just to make money. We felt that he was listening to us and helped recommend options for us to take, that was in our best interest, not his wallet.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    James Michel's response: I'm humbled that you would take the time to share your experience. I was privileged to be a part of this case.

    Extraordinary Bankruptcy Litigator

    Posted by

    I am a big fan of James Michel. He knows his Bankruptcy law cold, and when there are court hearings, he runs circle around the other attorneys. In my situation, a creditor had a large judgment against me and I was ready to take out a loan in order to try to settle it. But James came in and argued that the creditor violated the bankruptcy stay. At first the Bankruptcy Court didn't think so, but after a few months, James changed the Judge's mind. It turns out that the automatic Bankruptcy stay is much more favorable to creditors than most people realize. Now I don't have to pay the judgment, and the creditor is going to pay James’ attorney fees. James would be especially helpful for bankruptcy debtors, where creditors have violated the automatic stay.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    James Michel's response: It's always reassuring when the law achieves its purpose and bankruptcy statutes are applied fairly and consistently. But there are times you have to fight to make it so!

    Lucky

    Posted by

    So happy and lucky to have him as my lawyer.... he explain everything well to me the way I will understand the situation. So hands on. So reliable.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    James Michel's response: It was a pleasure!

    My hero!!

    Posted by

    James Michel is God’s gift to seniors. Only James, of the many attorneys I contacted, was caring enough to listen to my shock at finding a big hole in my Social Security deposit. Only he took it upon himself to find and contact the right person for me. Only he arranged my debt to be tiny instead of hurtful. Only he would then refuse to accept remuneration. Need I say more? Richard Gross San Francisco Bay Area
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney
    James Michel's response: Thanks for your kind words. You deserve the best and I was happy to nudge the debt collector in the right direction.

    Tenacity

    Posted by

    Mr Michel has been my lawyer for the past 6 years. From the moment we met, I realized that I had made the right choice. His knowledge of the subject matter made me feel at ease. I said "tenacity" due to the length of the procedure, but I always knew Mr. Michel was on top of the situation. Glad I met you James!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    James Michel's response: I'm happy it worked out and be sure to stay on top of the situation because these things have a way of showing up again on credit reports, despite the fact that we took care of it this time.

    Very Thorough!

    Posted by

    I'd been searching for an attorney due to getting sued by a student loan. I called him and we were able to meet the very next day. Very personable listened to all my concerns and reassured me to no worry that he had dealt with this company many times and menruined the companies lawyers by first name which was a huge relief. He's been super thorough this this stressful process and it's been a huge relief. We are still in proceedings but everything has been going smoothly. So far so good. Definitely would recommend!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Superb attorney

    Posted by

    If there is anyone who is undecided about hiring James, they need to know our story.  We got into financial trouble from overwhelming medical expenses.  I wish we have been profligate and scattered our money experiencing wild and exciting things, but that was not the case. Before we were in contact with him, we spoke with other attorneys.  We felt they did not spend the time to provide us with good information and advice.  We felt that they just wanted to push us into doing what was best / easiest for them.  We would have been lost had James not helped us. He spent the time and made the effort to help us understand the rules so that we could make the right decisions and get the best deal possible.  He helped us survive even though we have hit some rough spots. 
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    James Michel's response: Thanks, Dan, and don't be afraid to get back in touch if anything gets weird in the future. Although we wrapped it up for now, certain parties can play games after the fact and hope you don't notice!

    Excellent Choice for an Attorney!

    Posted by

    James Michel has been an excellent attorney throughout my Chapter 13 filing. Without his attention to detail and always looking out for my interests, I would not have been able to afford to modify my mortgage and keep my home. He was instrumental in getting me a $32,000 credit card debt removed from the bankruptcy plan, thereby enabling me to be able to afford my new mortgage payment. He is now working with me to help me modify my second mortgage as well. His specialized knowledge with regards to debt buyers and claims by creditors based on purchased debt gives him the ability to potentially reduce the amounts that need to be repaid. I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a confident, experienced attorney.
    James Michel's response: This was a fun one. I couldn't tell from the beginning how it was going to turn out but sometimes with faith and the right client, something that seems impossible can be turned around.
    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, 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

    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

    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.

    Cost

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      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        15 minutes
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check