Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

Practice is focused on Elder Law issues with a special focus on probate and trust litigation, including the appointment of a guardian and conservator - contested and uncontested - and Medicaid consultations, including guardianship and conservator appointments; personal representative appointments in a probate estate; drafting a will or a trust; drafting power of attorney; drafting advance health care directive, general estate documents.

Abraham Bates is a foreclosure-defense attorney practicing in Utah. Based out of Salt Lake City, his practice covers the entire state of Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California, and he is the Managing Partner of a law firm with attorneys licensed in the states of Nevada, Arizona and California. Abe is a committed defender of the rights of homeowners and he strongly believes that homeownership - including having equity in your home - is fundamental to the fabric of democracy and American society.

As Managing Partner of Wasatch Advocates and Homeowner Legal Defense Advocates, Abe manages a team of over 30 attorneys, housing paralegals, forensic loan auditors, loan modification staff, and others who share his commitment to hold the Big Banks accountable for their unconscionable, predatory lending behavior - lending behavior that is directly responsible for the foreclosure crisis, economic depression and 10% unemployment rate that we as citizens and homeowners currently face. Many of the committed staff which Abe manages formerly worked for what he calls "the dark side," meaning employees of foreclosure service agents of the Big Banks and attorneys and mortgage lenders who made hundreds of millions of dollars of sub-prime loans before the collapse of the housing market. Now that these staff members have "seen the light" and recognize the problems with the lenders and servicers for whom they previously worked, they are incredibly useful tools to the Firm's foreclosure-defense practice given their intimate knowledge of the dirty tricks, deceptive practices, concealment, fraud and other bad acts perpetrated by the Big Banks (and the 400+ failed sub-prime lenders whose loans the Big Banks purchased with tax-payer (TARP) money) and the servicers who foreclose upon homeowners based on fraudulently executed (robo-signature) documents and false sworn testimony regarding possession of a homeowner's "wet-ink" mortgage promissory note.

Wasatch Advocates, the Utah-focused foreclosure-defense practice which Abe manages, has filed over 100 cases in the last six months in defense of the rights of homeowners in foreclosures. He has won numerous victories after evidentiary hearings and achieved settlements whereby homeowners get principal reductions and affordable fixed interest rates instead of the predatory sub-prime mortgages which they previously faced. For homeowners who want to move out of their homes, Abe has secured deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure, credit repair, and favorable short sale approval terms (along with credit repair), enabling the homeowner to walk away from their home without the consequences of a foreclosure. Abe is also spearheading an effort in the 2011 Utah legislative session to enact mandatory foreclosure-mediation laws which would requires the banks and securitized trusts to send a representative authorized to execute a loan modification, short sale approval, or deed-in-lieu, before any foreclosure of a home in Utah can occur. The local and national media frequently call on Abe for comment on MERS, the foreclosure crisis, and solutions to the national foreclosure crisis "Prof Says Banks Undermined the System (SLTRIB)."

Abe is also a long-time friend and colleague of Associate Dean Christopher Peterson at the University of Utah College of Law. Dean Peterson is the leading expert in the country on the issue of MERS and, while not formally associated as an attorney of the firm, provides valuable insight and assistance with Abe's efforts to defend homeowners facing foreclosure. Additionally, Dean Peterson serves as an Expert Witness on a number of the cases which Wasatch Advocates and Homeowner Legal Defense Advocates prosecutes in defense of homeowners facing foreclosure.

LITIGATION VICTORIES

Abe secured the first-ever ruling on the merits against the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS") in Utah after an evidentiary hearing for a preliminary injunction within hours of the homeowner's foreclosure sale. Abe also secured the first-ever injunction in a foreclosure case awarded by Chief Judge Tena Campbell of the United States District Court in Utah against Provident Funding, based on Provident's negligent misrepresentations, bad faith and unfair dealing in servicing the homeowner's loan. Abe has also won a handful of "free and clear" (Quiet Title) judgments on behalf of homeowners, although this strategy is not a primary focus of Homeowner Legal Defense Advocate's efforts. Abe is currently involved in several state-wide class actions designed to bring down foreclosure-rescue scams, is involved in planning a national class-action lawsuit against MERS and the Big Banks, and is appealing two non-judicial foreclosure cases to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and to the Utah Supreme Court.

OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE

Abe is a strong believer that everybody should have access to an aggressive and empathetic foreclosure-defense attorney and has built Wasatch Advocates and Homeowner Legal Defense Advocates with a team of staff dedicated and committed to keeping clients updated on the status of their litigation while simultaneously making efforts to ease the anxiety and trauma that comes with the foreclosure process. He believes that you have a right to know exactly what is going on in your case, your available legal and non-legal remedies, your chances of success, and what it will cost you to prosecute your claims against the Big Banks. The Firm offers free consultations and advice as a matter of course, and provides documents at no charge which homeowners can use on their own to preserve their rights and prevent negative credit reporting prior to a foreclosure. Wasatch Advocates and Homeowner Defense Legal Advocates want to ensure that every homeowner understands the process, the timelines, the defenses available, and the legal and non-legal remedies a homeowner may take on their own, or with the assistance of a foreclosure-defense attorney, to stave off foreclosure.

EARLY CAREER

Prior to law school, Abe worked for two powerful and well-connected members of the United States House Of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Abe then returned to his home in Utah, where he worked as a chemical addiction counselor. Abe also helped start several high-technology companies in the mid- to late-1990s. Each of these experiences has enabled Abe to build Homeowner Defense Legal Advocates, a regional law firm committed to defending homeowners facing foreclosure in four out of the five "hardest hit" states in the country (Nevada, Arizona, California, and Utah), whether through driving legislative action, training his staff to empathize with homeowners who face the emotional and psychological trauma that is a natural consequence of the prospect of losing the family home, and by using the Internet to educate homeowners nationwide of their rights both and prior to foreclosure.

Attorney Ed Jones is an expert criminal defense attorney with a successful record exclusively in the area of criminal law. He is licensed to practice law in all of the State and Federal Courts of Utah and California, and the United States Supreme Court. He has handled a wide range of cases from high profile murder cases, to simple infractions. Put Ed Jones' expertise and success to work for you. He is a Powerful Defense Fueled by Experience!

Jerry Salcido
Salt Lake City, UT
Partner

Phone (801) 207-8212 (Local)
(888) 337-3235 (Toll Free)
Fax (801) 207-8212
Email jerry@salcidolaw.com

Jerry Salcido is a trial and appellate lawyer who is licensed to practice law in Utah, California, and Arizona and a founding Member of Salcido Law Firm PLLC. Before founding Salcido Law Firm, Jerry practiced litigation in the San Francisco Bay Area from 2004 to 2009, including at the world's largest law firm Baker & McKenzie LLP. In doing so, Jerry gained invaluable experience in representing everyone from the local individual to the multinational Fortune 500 company. In addition to having appeared countless times before both state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels, Jerry has experience in mediation and international arbitration.

Jerry has substantial experience in representing individuals injured in various ways including car accidents, slip and falls, and through medical malpractice. Among other things, Jerry's criminal experience includes a stint with the Utah County Public Defender's office where he defended numerous individuals accused of crimes such as DUI, drug possession, and other crimes. Jerry has also provided pro bono services to disabled children and victims of domestic violence which has even included filing a brief with the United States Supreme Court on their behalf.

Along with representing individuals, Jerry has represented financial institutions, energy companies, technology companies, charitable organizations, medical companies, and a wide array of other small and large businesses in all types of litigation including contract disputes, shareholder disputes, and breaches of fiduciary duties.

Jerry strives to use his experience to protect constitutional and natural rights. In 2008, after the California Court of Appeals ruled that homeschooling is illegal without a state teaching certificate, Jerry represented California Homeschool Network in persuading the court to reverse its decision, thereby protecting the rights of the nearly three hundred thousand California children who receive their education at home. Jerry also has served on the legal team of the Homeschool Association of California for four years, and served as its legal chair.

Education:

* Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School, 2004
Juris Doctor, cum laude
* Brigham Young University, 2001
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude - History

Bar Admissions:

* California 2004
* Arizona 2008
* Utah 2008

Professional Affiliations:

* California State Bar
* Arizona State Bar
* Utah State Bar
* American Bar Association
* J. Reuben Clark Law Society

Notable Cases:

* Jonathan L. v Superior Court, 165 Cal.App.4th 1074 (2008) -- represented California Homeschool Network in the landmark case that cemented the rights of parents to homeschool their children in California.

Publications:

* Upholding Comity, The Daily Journal, April 10, 2008
* Lockeing Up Leviathan, Campaign for Liberty, May 13, 2009
* The Separation of Marriage and State, Campaign for Liberty, May 21, 2009
* The Return of America's Anathema, Campaign for Liberty, July 18, 2009
* Publik Edumacation Refermation, Campaign for Liberty, September 3, 2009
* Independence Needs Independents, Campaign for Liberty, September 23, 2009
* Obama Deserved It, Campaign for Liberty, October 10, 2009
* Save Those Bullets for the Monsters, Campaign for Liberty, November 23, 2009
* Too Kooky for the Constitution, Campaign for Liberty, November 26, 2009

Community Involvement

* Chairman, Alameda County Republican Party, 2009
* Legal Chair, HomeSchool Association of California, 2009
* Legal Team Member, HomeSchool Association of California, 2005 - 2009
* Legal Team Member, California Homeschool Network, 2008 - 2009

Awards:

* Pro bono volunteer of the year, Baker & McKenzie LLP, San Francisco/Palo Alto, 2008.

Websites:

http://www.salcidolaw.com
http://www.utahdefenders.com

We focus on comprehensive estate planning, including matters of tax and business planning and health and financial planning.

When planning hasn't happened or has been inadequate, we handle all kinds of probate issues and probate litigation.

Randy has practiced law in Utah since April of 1984. He offices in Heber City, Utah, and handles legal matters throughout the State. He has extensive experience in construction claims and litigation, collections, trucking, commercial and criminal law. He is a frequent speaker on construction and collection law topics, and has substantial experience with real estate matters. With a J.D. degree from the University of Utah, he is a trained mediator and arbitrator, and speaks Spanish. Until his appointment as Heber City's Justice Court Judge, a part time position, he was a member of the Utah Association for Justice (formerly Utah Trial Lawyers Association), and was on the Board of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has been a licensed real estate agent.

Handling cases in:
Wasatch County
Heber City
Midway
Charleston
Wallsburg
Summit County
Park City
Coalville
Kamas
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake City
Duchesne County
Duchesne
Roosevelt
Uintah County
Vernal
Utah County
Provo
Orem

Marco Brown currently owns and operates Brown Law, LLC, a firm that practices primarily in the areas of criminal defense and family law.

Before opening Brown Law, Marco graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law. He then was the judicial law clerk for six judges before practicing as a litigation associate for one of New Mexico's largest firms. While a litigation associate, Marco practiced in the fields of workers' compensation, employment law, insurance defense, and construction law.

These experiences have made Marco's transition to criminal law, family law, and constitutional law (his legal passions) seamless. He is fully committed to defending the rights of all his clients and obtaining the best resolution possible.

Saunders Law is a small, boutique law firm located in Park City, Utah. At Saunders Law, we are committed to pursuing innovative, creative, and progressive approaches to solve your legal issues and problems. We offer services in business and contract law, landlord/tenant law, and DUI defense. As a small firm, we are able to provide exceptional and professional representation to our clients without losing a personal connection.

Bearnson & Caldwell, LLC was formed in 2011 by Brad H. Bearnson and Wayne K. Caldwell. Brad & Wayne created their firm to focus their efforts on practice areas directly aimed at serving their clients and their clients' specific needs. Bearnson & Caldwell, LLC serves clientele in the practice areas of Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Family Law, Social Security & Disability, Estate Planning, Business Law, Tax Law, Medical Malpractice, Labor & Employment, Real Estate Law and Litigation.

Jennifer Smock focuses on debtors' rights counseling. Bankruptcy can be an important tool that helps those overburdened with debt to get a fresh financial start. Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure on a house, eviction from a rental, prevent repossession of a car or other property, stop wage garnishment or debt collection harassment, aid in avoidance of liens, and prevent termination of utility services. Bankruptcy can also help reduce and eliminate high medical bills, provide help for large amounts of student loan debt, and challenge claims of fraudulent creditors.

Jen has handled hundreds of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings from all over the country. Working two years in the legal compliance department for a national auto finance company gave Jen specialized insight into bankruptcy from the creditors standpoint -- from Proof of Claim filing to contesting Discharge. Jen supports the right to file bankruptcy and the policies to ensure that the bankruptcy process works as intended - to provide debtors a new beginning. Whether you file for Liquidation (Chapter 7) or Reorganization (Chapter 13) you can feel confident with Jen on your side.

Jen balances her bankruptcy service practice with consumer law and general civil litigation. Her consumer law litigation practice includes representation in mortgage foreclosure defense, class actions, unfair debt collection, deceptive advertising, warranty fraud, auto-dealer fraud, truth-in-lending, predatory lending, payday lending, unfair credit reporting, identity theft, and tenant's rights. She also worked for Hanes & Associates, P.L.L.C., which focused on legal issues related to Construction Law, including mortgage and promissory note negotiation, lease agreements, and lien avoidance.

Matt Wadsworth earned his Bachelor’s from the University of Utah in Economics where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class. Matt earned his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he graduated in the top third of his class and earned the Cali Award in Real Estate Finance and Development and the top grade in Land Use and Development.

Upon admittance to the Utah State Bar Association, he was offered a position with the largest foreclosure firm in Utah, Lundberg & Associates. During this time he managed the processing of thousands of foreclosures and post eviction files, giving him the experience and skill to handle Arnold & Wadsworth’s expansive mortgage lending practices litigation. He is also the firm’s legislative liaison and handles their lobbying needs. Matt’s most recent legislative work with the Utah legislature was sponsoring House Bill 299 with Gage Froerer, which amended the State’s unlawful detainer statute.

Matt practices in the areas of residential and commercial foreclosures, workouts, personal injury, real estate, title, evictions, landlord/tenant law, debt collections, and consumer law, appraisal litigation, loan fraud and bankruptcy. He has significant expertise in the Federal Truth in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Mr. Chesley is licensed to practice law in Utah, Kentucky and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His practice comprises of Intellectual Property Law and Elder Law.

Over 30 years experience in Estate Planning, Business Law and Company Formation, Asset Protection, Elder Law, Real Estate and Tax Planning.

Former Managing Partner at large Salt Lake City law firm.
Rated AV, the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell the pre-eminent lawyer ratings service.
Featured in Top 100 Utah Lawyers, Utah Business Magazine.
Law Practice with significant management experience in law, business and real estate.
Complex and simple estate planning, company formation, large and small business ventures and transactions, real estate transactions,1031 exchange transactions, business advising, and asset protection.
Frequent speaker at conferences on business, trust, estate planning and tax planning workshops and seminars.
Managed the largest private brownfield redevelopment and environmental remediation site in the country (former Geneva Steel near Provo, Utah) for nearly 5 years until returned to law practice.

Leonor has been practicing exclusively immigration law for over 15 years. She represents clients in immigration court, Citizenship & Immigration Services, the Board of Immigration Appeals and Federal Court.
Leonor has been an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) for over 15 years and has served as the Utah Chair and other executive positions. She is current the Chair of the AILA/Immigration Court Liaison Committee.

I'm a graduate of the University of La Verne College of Law in Ontario, CA. I practice law in Salt Lake City, Utah with a focus on immigration law. I speak English and Spanish.

Mr. Carman has been practicing law in Salt Lake City, Utah for over 30 years. He has substantial experience in estate planning, tax law and business matters. He has received the highest ratings from other practicing attorneys who are familiar with his work.

Brett’s practice focuses primarily on patent procurement, and includes extensive experience with both U.S. and foreign patents. Brett has drafted and prosecuted patent applications for a wide range of technologies. Brett has experience with patent appeals, patent re-examination and reissue proceedings, patent infringement analysis, and freedom to operate analysis, as well as experience with trademark prosecution and enforcement, copyright filings, and litigation.

Alder & Robb, P.C. is a boutique law firm specializing in Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship, Adoption, Parenting & Partnership Agreements, Small Business Law, and other legal protections.

At Alder & Robb, P.C., we pride ourselves on providing expert, customized, comprehensive and caring legal services. In order to achieve your goals, dreams and values and meet your unique legal needs, we believe that we must get to know you personally and work closely with you. We develop close relationships with our clients that often last for many years. We are here when you need us.

Philip Dracht is a shareholder in Fabian. He is a trial lawyer in the litigation and employment departments. Phil focuses on complex litigation and class actions, with experience in product liability and consumer litigation, intellectual property (copyright, trademark, and trade secrets) disputes, real estate disputes, and business litigation. Phil also litigates contractual disputes, business disputes, unfair competition claims, and trade libel claims.

The Law Offices of Jason F. Barnes, P.C. are located in Utah, and provide a wide range of legal services.

We are highly focused in the area of:

- Mediation (Utah Court Rostered/Approved Mediator)

- Adoptions, all aspects.

- Family law & divorce, all aspects including:
> Annulment
> Paternity
> Guardianship's
> Custody
> Child support
> Visitation
> Alimony
> Property
> Military,
> Retirement division (government, military, and private retirements)
> Modifications to decrees.

- Business - formation, succession planning and transactions.

- Bankruptcy.


When you start the process, you will have many questions, some of which should only be answered by an attorney.

The Law Offices of Jason F. Barnes, P.C. provides a comfortable yet professional atmosphere, meeting personally with each client, promptly addressing questions and concerns, and striving to make the process as smooth and as stress-free as possible.

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MEDIATION (family law)-

-> If you are thinking about doing your own legal work, for example an online divorce, we encourage you to contact our office to see how we can help. Often we can help in the area of mediation, by bringing the parties together and helping them reach a mutual decision. If successful, the parties will save a lot of money and will be able to get a solution must faster than through litigation. We can also review documents for you that you have prepared or help you by preparing the documents for you.

FAMILY and DIVORCE LAW
Key Topics
- Adoption
- Spousal Support
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Visitation Rights
- Paternity
- Domestic Violence
- Marital Law
- Divorce
- Unmarried Couples
- Guardianships
- Premarital Agreements
- Alimony
- Annulment
- COAP
- Military
- Modifications to Decrees
- Prenuptial Agreement
- Property Division
- QDRO
- Retirement Division

ADOPTION SERVICES
Key Topics
- Open Adoption
- Closed Adoption
- Adoption Law
- Adult Adoption
- Agency Assisted Adoption
- Father
- Guardianships
- ICPC
- International Adoption
- Interstate Adoption
- Mother
- Private Adoption
- Special Needs Adoption
- Step-parent Adoption
- Surrogacy Agreements Area
- Domestic Adoption
- International Adoption

BUSINESS LAW
Key Topics
- Partnerships
- Incorporation
- LLCs
- Non-Competition Agreements
- Contracts

BANKRUPTCY
Key Topics
- Ch. 7 (fresh start)
- Ch. 13 (reorganization of debt)


HOURS:
- Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday closed
- Sunday closed