Michael John Primus

Michael John Primus

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Chapter 7 bankruptcy Lawyer at Walnut Creek, CA
Practice Areas: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy & Debt, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

2950 Buskirk Ave, Suite 300, Walnut Creek, CA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 26%

Most common type of bankruptcy.

32 years

26%
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy 24%

Business Reorganization

32 years

24%
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 24%

Reorganization for individuals and small businesses. Can remove a second mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit in many cases.

32 years

24%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 33 years

State: California

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael John Primus

2950 Buskirk Ave, Suite 300, Walnut Creek, CA, 94597

Law Offices of Michael John Primus

511 West 3rd Street, Antioch, CA, 94509

Law Offices of Michael John Primus

500 Alfred Nobel Dr Ste 135, Hercules, CA, 94547

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Michael John Primus's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 9 of 9 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2013 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Honest advice!

Myself and my husband had met with 3 other lawyers prior to meeting with Michael. All 3 lawyers had assured us that they could help us but were unwilling to answer our questions or give us specifics unless we retained them (which was a hefty fee). We were looking for advice regarding bankruptcy an...d to see if we would qualify to have our Home Equity Line of Credit "striped". Within a couple of minutes of meeting with Michael it was clear that we probably would not be able to "strip" our HELOC and that bankruptcy probably wouldn't be the best option for us. We were the last appointment of the evening (6:30pm) and even though he would not benefit from assisting us further he went on to counsel us on how we could/should proceed. While discussing our credit card debt, he advised us NOT to hire a Debt Consolidator but to instead act on our own behalf which was refreshing advice. He did not try to rush us out of his office at anytime but instead answered all of our questions HONESTLY. This was the first lawyer that had done this for us. I can't convey enough the relief that I felt leaving his office. Although, bankruptcy turned out not to be the best option for us I was relieved to finally have a firm answer. We could now move forward without the question "what if...." If you are like us and need honest answers, please call Michael. The relief you will feel leaving his office will be awesome. I would not hesitate to recommend him.

Posted by Eric | October 09, 2012 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Trustworthy and Professional- I recommend Michael Primus

At a time where it seems impossible to get a helping hand and no hope in sight we found Michael Primus. Michael made us feel comfortable and informed of all the necessary steps that we had to take throughout our financial crisis. He is a professional and i consider him a friend, i have recommended ...his services to others and feel 100% confident that he will help them too. Thanks again Michael !

Posted by Steve | July 27, 2011 | Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Very happy

I hired Mr Primus after going to 4 different free consultations. (I had a horrible experience with an attorney before) So I didn't have a whole lot of faith going into this process, but I needed a Lawyer. I hired Mr Primus in late 2008 for a chapter 13. From the very beginning Mr Primus, and his w...hole staff, has answered every question that I have ever had. From them free consultation to the last appt I had with him, to all the ones in between. He NEVER pressured me because of a "time limit." He sat there and patiently answered all that was asked, untill I understood what I was asking. A TRUE PROFESSIONAL!! I would highly recommend Mr Primus if you need a good attorney.

Posted by anonymous | May 17, 2011 | Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Michael Primus Services

Michael assisted us with the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filing. He explained the process in detail and kept us informed of any new development at all times. We felt comfortable working with Michael. He was compassionate with our situation and allowed us to ask questions. His guidance from start to fin...ish is commendable. We were very pleased with his service, as well as his staff.

See All Client Reviews

Michael John Primus's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Robert Todd Mosley headshot
Robert Mosley

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Whenever I have a question on bankruptcy law in California, Michael is always the attorney I ask first."

Jeffrey Jay Bursell headshot
Jeffrey Bursell

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is the consummate professional. I have been amazed at how his mind works when dealing with unique problems. He always questions why to learn the what behind a situation. A true guardian of the rights of his clients."

Anne Y Shiau headshot
Anne Shiau

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Mike for over 7 years now. He's a diligent and dedicated attorney who cares and fights for his clients. He is a respected name in the bankruptcy community and I do not hesitate to recommend him."

Stuart Gregory Steingraber headshot
Stuart Steingraber

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Other

"I am pleased to endorse Mr Primus to the Avvo community as a competent bankruptcy advocate. His Avvo rating of "10" suggests the quality of his work and his reputation is among the very best. The answers he has given to Avvo posts are clear, concise, and accurate. I am happy to endorse him."

E. Vincent Wood headshot
E. Wood

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael cares about his clients and he is very experienced. I endorse this lawyer."

Dale Alan Orthner headshot
Dale Orthner

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with him on bankruptcy cases and have been impressed with his knowledge of bankruptcy law, and skill in applying that knowledge to bankruptcy issues."

Andrew James McCall headshot
Andrew McCall

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Other

"Aggressive representation. I endorse this lawyer."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Thomas Lillard headshot
James Lillard

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a well resected lawyer in the community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

Kevin Michael Burke headshot
Kevin Burke

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Primus an outstanding and excellent attorney. I would recommend anyone and everyone to him for his services. I have been practicing for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, law professor, private attorney, and prosecutor, and I learn from his answers on Avvo every day. Simply an exemplary attorney."

M. Todd Miller headshot
M. Miller

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Marc Gregory Wagman headshot
Marc Wagman

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Offers concise and good advice. He is a very experienced attorney."

Michael Salanick headshot
Michael Salanick

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Concise answers to real world questions"

David Alan Arietta headshot
David Arietta

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Michael for over 10 years and we have exchanged ideas on several cases. I value his input from another attorney's perspective."

Shaye Larkin headshot
Shaye Larkin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I absolutely endorse this lawyer. Michael Primus is a fantastic attorney and probably one of the smartest people I know. He is an amazing strategist and fights tirelessly for the rights of his clients. I strongly recommend him - as a friend, colleague and fellow bankruptcy practitioner."

Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

Unknown lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Addison Vos headshot
John Vos

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Primus has enough experience to handle all manner of cases and is not shy of getting down to actually fight for his clients. You won't go wrong seeking out his advice."

View All Endorsements
Jennifer Lynn Wallis headshot
Jennifer Wallis

Estate planning lawyer

Paul Norwood Jonas Ross headshot
Paul Ross

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Angela Marie Haen headshot
Angela Haen

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Erin Lane headshot
Erin Lane

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Eloise A. Guzman headshot
Eloise Guzman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Kamilah Mariama Jolly headshot
Kamilah Jolly

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Robert Todd Mosley headshot
Robert Mosley

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Alan Dexter Borden headshot
Alan Borden

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

E. Vincent Wood headshot
E. Wood

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Dale Alan Orthner headshot
Dale Orthner

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Uma Subramanian headshot
Uma Subramanian

General practice lawyer

Andrew James McCall headshot
Andrew McCall

Family lawyer

William Monroe Rubendall headshot
William Rubendall

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Jeffrey Phillip Mathias headshot
Jeffrey Mathias

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Shaye Larkin headshot
Shaye Larkin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Marc Gregory Wagman headshot
Marc Wagman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Carl Richard Gustafson headshot
Carl Gustafson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Elliott Abrams headshot
Elliott Abrams

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Eric Charles Lewis headshot
Eric Lewis

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Michael Salanick headshot
Michael Salanick

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2021

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2021

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2021

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2019

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2019

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2018

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2017

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2017

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2015

Top Contributor, Avvo

2015

Pick of the Vine, Grapevine Monthly

2015

A+ rating, Better Business Bureau

2014

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2013

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2012

Client's Choice, Avvo

2012

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2011

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

1991

Academic Achievement Award, California Western School of Law

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Michael Primus

1995 - 2006

Attorney, Brule & Rooney, LLP

1992 - 1995

Associate Attorney, Law Office of James Coffer

Associations

2022 - Present

Contra Costa County Bar Association

Bankruptcy section board member

2000 - Present

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member

2000 - Present

Contra Costa County Bar Association, Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section

Member

1992 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2012 - 2017

Pleasant Hill Baseball Association

Baseball Coach - Boys Instructional, Pioneer, American, National

2010 - 2024

American Youth Soccer Association

Soccer Coach - boys and girls

Sample of Legal Cases

Big Win

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower courts

Bankruptcy of Frates (9th Cir. BAP 2014)

Win On Appeal

Bankruptcy of Ryder (Oakland, CA)

Published Decision - Win for Client

Bankruptcy of Hill (Oakland, CA)

Published Decision - Win For Client

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

California Western SOL

Law

1989

San Diego State Univ

undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2025

Annual Conference

The Malleable Means Test - Room to Move

2022

The Malleable Means Test - Room to Move

Means Testing in bankruptcy

2019

Luncheon

Trustee Best Practices: Dealing with Bankruptcy Trustees

2015

Top 9 Complications in Bankruptcy Court Dismissal and Ethical Considerations

2014

Contra Costa County Bar Association

Bankruptcy Appeals - Beginner's Guide

2014

Bankruptcy Litigation 101

Bankruptcy Appeals

2013

Nuts & Bolts of Bankruptcy The Basics of Chapter 13

2013

2013

Contra Costa County Bar Association, Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section Noticing and Service of Bankruptcy Matters

2011

2010

Contra Costa County Bar Association, Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section Bankruptcy - Tricks of the Trade - Timesavers for Debtors Counsel

Publications

2012

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution