Michael William Malter

Michael William Malter

4.6
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 45 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Santa Clara, CA
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Debt Settlement

2775 Park Avenue, Santa Clara, CA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 45 years

State: California

Acquired: 1980

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Binder & Malter, LLP

2775 Park Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95050

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Michael William Malter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Severely Overcharges - Would Not Recommend

His orignial quote was extremely less than what he ended up billing us. We were overcharged significantly with no warning. I would not recommend using him.

Michael Malter

Replied last April 13, 2022

It is difficult to reply to an anonymous comment but I'll try. As you can see from other reviews, I've been complimented for my ethics and integrity the entire 42 years I've been a lawyer and have enjoyed an AV rating my entire career because of it. I have always urged all clients to bring any and all billing concerns to my attention and have always reached amicable resolutions. I certainly do not overcharge and I do advise my clients if their case is getting more expensive than initially anticipated. Sometimes I am not advised of all pertinent facts and issues when I've given my original quote. Sometimes my client will be involved with litigation which becomes more intensive and time consuming than anticipated. But as you know, you were provided with extremely detailed monthly billings so you were in a position to know where you stood on retainer every month if you were reviewing your bills regularly. Nonetheless, I'm here and still willing to discuss any billing concerns you may have if you want to come forward and speak with me. I wish you all the best.

Posted by Garrett | September 12, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Integrity. Empathy. Consultative

There are many characteristics one should look for when interviewing attorney, the top of them being integrity, Mr. Malter has that in spades! Adding to his honesty, Mr. Malter’s consultative approach is admirable. He also listens well to his client’s entire situation and explains strategies, tacti...cs, and potential outcomes in a manner easily absorbed by clients. A third trait is empathy, Mr. Malter really cared about finding a solution that is in my best financial and legal interest. Being one of a very few attorneys who are Certified Specialists of Bankruptcy Law in Santa Clara County, and a former professor of bankruptcy law, Mr. Malter is the best resource for your financial/legal needs.

Posted by Bill | June 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

RELIEF

After being welcomed warmly by the front desk, I had my initial consultation with Michael Malter to review my case. I walked into this office with a heavy burden and shame that I have never felt before. My thoughts were, "what a failure!" Michael greeted me with a genuine hello and asked me "How are ...you?". He listened to me and responded with compassion and knowledge that dissipated the shame and burden I felt minutes prior to our conversation. When I left the consultation I was filled with hope and direction that I didn't have in a long time. Upon agreeing for services, I met with Nan Corber and Rebecca Gragg to walk through the process as Michael laid out earlier. The communication was clear and concise, while offering time for any/all questions I had. Other than the time it took to gather and fill out the necessary paperwork, the process was quick and there was never a step that I wasn't prepared for. Needless to say, this has been one of the most humbling experiences in my life. By having Michael and his firm by my side to facilitate the process it not only gave me relief in the financial sense, but also relief in the emotional and mental aspect of bankruptcy. If anyone has to walk through this process, Michael and his team is who you need by your side! Thank you!

Posted by J. Garcia | December 7, 2016 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Honest

Consulted twice and he gave us his honest opinion. He enlightened us in our case. He listened with compassion. He made you feel comfortable.

Posted by Patrick | February 20, 2014

Highly Recommended Firm: Responsive, Knowledgeable, Trustworthy

Very responsive and knowledgeable firm. They handled a complex bankruptcy case for me and the company I worked at for the last six months (If I was a more responsive client, it would have taken less than half that time). Their entire team is very knowledgeable and capable of answering any question...s you may have. Nan Corber and Michael Malter handled my consultation and gathering the necessary information for the case. Kristina Parson went with me to court to answer any questions the trustee had. They all kept me informed of anything and everything I would need to know before starting the case (during a free consultation) and as the case proceeded. I received updates through email, phone, and by mail of anything that was received or sent out regarding the case. The fee was clearly laid out during the free consultation, and I did not receive any additional fees whatsoever. They are a very trustworthy firm and more than capable of handling any bankruptcy case. As another reviewer stated, if your case is relatively simply, you may be better off doing it by yourself. However, if you are worried about your case or it's rather complicated, I highly recommend giving Binder & Malter a call. They executed everything they said they would while keeping me up to date and alleviating any concerns I had. I have dealt with around 5-6 attorneys in the past, and they are without a doubt the most professional and considerate. On a final note, their office is the nicest I've ever been to. I don't know when they found the time to become architecture and interior design experts, but their office is beautiful. It's tastefully done and every aspect is considered carefully. They clearly didn't go out and buy the most expensive, imposing items they could find as some attorney offices do. The space is very welcoming and designed well. If you want the same consideration applied to your bankruptcy case, I recommend visiting Binder & Malter.

See All Client Reviews

Michael William Malter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Robert Bruce Kopelson headshot
Robert Kopelson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable and well respected in his field. I have referred clients to him over the years, as I respect his expertise. He is a nice guy, too."

View All Endorsements
Eric A. Gravink headshot
Eric Gravink

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

1987

Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year, Santa Clara County Bar Association

1987

Pro Bono Award, Santa Clara County Bar Association

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Partner, Binder & Malter, LLP

2003 - 2008

Owner, Law Offices of Michael W. Malter

2002 - 2003

Partner, Malter & Ward

2000 - 2002

Associate, Law Office of Arnold L. Cornez

1985 - 2000

Adjunct Professor, Santa Clara University School Of Law

1983 - 1985

Professor, Santa Clara Law School Paralegal Institute

Associations

2002 - Present

Congressman Don Edwards

Co-Founder

2002 - Present

Congressman Don Edwards American Inn of Court

Member

1980 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1980 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1980 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association

Member

1980 - Present

San Francisco Bar Association

Member

2011 - 2012

Congressman Don Edwards American Inn of Court

President

2002 - 2004

Congressman Don Edwards

President

1998 - 2001

Bench Bar Liason Committee

Member

1988 - 1989

Judicial Appointment Panel

Member

1983 - 1983

Debtor/Creditor Committee

Chairman

1981 - 1995

Debtor/Creditor Executive Committee

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Pacific Steel Casting Company, Inc

Plan of Reorganization Confirmed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

University of Santa Clara School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1976

University of South Florida, Tampa

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Family Law Section

Bankruptcy and Family Law

2010

Family Law Section

Bankruptcy and Family Law

1990

Continuing Legal Education

Bankruptcy 101

Publications

1984

Mobile Home Weekly Malter's Column

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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