Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

I focus on a variety of family law issues: divorces, custody disputes, visitation, alimony. Also, I handle grandparent visitation and adoption cases. I have been maintaining an office in Bountiful, Utah since 2000. I am a member of the Utah State Bar Family Law Section. I provide individualized solution to clients' unique problems.

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!

Chris Salcido is a Utah licensed attorney and a founding Member of Salcido Law Firm PLLC.

Prior to founding Salcido Law Firm with his brother, Chris practiced complex commercial and civil litigation with a law firm in Salt Lake City, focusing his practice on the representation of injured victims in personal injury and medical malpractice suits. In recent years, Chris has been involved with some of the largest personal injury and medical malpractice verdicts in Utah.

Chris's past experience also includes the representation of large corporations as a corporate attorney. Chris has considerable experience and knowledge in the representation of ecommerce companies and start-ups. Since co-founding Salcido Law Firm, Chris has focused his practice to personal injury, criminal defense, bankruptcy, family law, and small business representation.

Chris is an experienced divorce and family law attorney. He has represented clients in difficult family law matters including custody disputes, complex divorces, and property divisions. Chris has developed unique and effective approaches to resolving family law matters for his clientâs and their families.

In addition to his legal practice, Chris has maintained a commitment to teaching legal and general education courses at colleges throughout Utah. Chris has taught college courses in American History; Philosophy; Logic & Critical Analysis; Humanities; Probate Administration & Estate Planning; and Evidence.

Chris is committed to giving back to the local community. Chris served as a member of the Utah Army National Guard for several years and is a decorated veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Chris offers pro bono services to veterans on a case by case basis. Chris personally aspires to 100 hours of pro bono service a year. Chris also supports his alma maters by offering reduced fees to students and alumni of the University of Utah and Utah Valley University.

Utah Bankruptcy Attorney

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.

Glen has been practicing DUI and Criminal Defense Law since 1998. He is one of two Board Certified Lawyers in DUI Defense in the State of Utah. He is a graduate from the Trial Lawyers College taught be the famous attorney, Gerry Spence, in Dubois, Wyoming.

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.

Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney

As the founder of Levitt Legal, PLLC, Darren M. Levitt is a strong advocate for men, women, and minors charged with alleged criminal offenses. His firm works closely with individuals who face misdemeanor or felony offenses in Utah. Levitt Legal, PLLC, is based in Salt Lake City, Utah and represents clients throughout Salt Lake County, Box Elder County, Chase County, and the surrounding communities.

Darren Levitt provides all clients with the utmost attention, no matter the seeming severity of the charges they face. His Salt Lake City practice focuses solely on criminal defense. This includes DUI (Driving under the Influence), marijuana charges, domestic violence crimes, weapons violations, assault, violation of probation, property crimes, juvenile offenses, and other offenses. Other practice areas include records sealing and expunging for those eligible under state law.

Prior to opening the doors of Levitt Legal, Darren refined his criminal defense skills during his time working with some of Utah's most renowned criminal defense attorneys. During this time, Darren also worked on one of the highest profile murder trials in the state's history. He has also handled many full trial civil litigation cases within family law, personal injury, and property law. As a criminal defense attorney, this additional perspective has proven invaluable in cases that include family law or personal injury elements.

To learn more about your legal options, call Levitt Legal, PLLC at (801) 455-1743. During your free, no-obligation consultation, Darren will personally review your case, help you understand the charges, and begin charting a favorable course of action. Call today to begin the important first steps towards defending your future or that of your loved one.

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.

Mr. Geoff N. Germane earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University's nationally ranked School of Accountancy. During school and after graduation, Geoff gained valuable experience as a financial analyst and representative for Northwestern Mutual. While there, he ranked in the Top 10 of all College Agents in the USA for volume production, and was the top College Agent in the Western Region.

Geoff then pursued a legal education at Brigham Young University's well respected J. Reuben Clark Law School. While in school he worked as a legal extern for the international law firm of Baker & McKenzie in Monterrey, Mexico and later for the San Diego Public Defender. He graduated cum laude and was selected as a member of the prestigious national Order of Barristers.

Upon completion of law school, Geoff began his legal career at San Diego's oldest and largest law firm, Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps, LLP. There he provided legal service to clients in numerous areas, including estate planning, charitable giving, probate and estate administration, probate and civil litigation, and business advisory. Anxious to pursue his own visions and ambitions in his legal career, Mr. Germane formed his own law practice.

As a Utah native, Mr. Germane chose to return to Utah from California and serve the legal needs of his community.

At Geoff N. Germane, Attorney at Law, we believe that your greatest peace of mind comes from knowing your property, your wishes, your legacy and your loved ones are protected. Our firm works to help you create personalized documents from business and tax planning to estate planning and trusts.

Unlike many lawyers, we focus all of our attention on these areas. You can count on us to provide you with creative strategies and several options you can take advantage of to protect what is most important to you.

Family and small business oriented law firm where you can get an appointment the day you need one. Lonnie's general practice includes Estate Planning (wills & trusts), Family law (divorce, adoptions, guardianships), Business organizations (partnerships, corporations, LLC's) and wrongful injury law. Your legal issue is important, and will be handled efficiently and professionally.

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.

Perry represents clients on a broad array of intellectual property matters. His experience includes complex patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret litigation, domain name dispute resolution, patent and trademark licensing, merger acquisitions and other technology based transactions, intellectual property due diligence, European drug regulatory litigation, and consultation regarding various foreign intellectual property matters.

I am a commercial litigation attorney.

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

Lawyers who listen carefully to your personal injury case. Attorneys willing to stand up for your social security disability or worker's compensation claims. A law firm that protects your rights during bankruptcy. Call us...we are ready to listen.

Prior to partnering with Carson Pearson, Jeff Butler worked as corporate in-house counsel for companies in Utah and California. He has experience with real estate law, mortgage law, business law, and healthcare law.

Mr. Butler grew up in Utah and California. He graduated from Brigham Young University where he graduated with University Honor Program. He attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University while also pursuing a master degree from the Romney Institute of Public Management. During law school, he externed for two federal judges, the Honorable Judge Benson and the Honorable Judge Green.

Mr. Butler is licensed to practice in the State of Utah and the State of California.

General practice with offices in American Fork and St. George, serving all of Utah from Ogden to St. George.

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.

Dallas graduated from Albany Law School in Albany, New York in 2008. Before joining Ivie & Young, he clerked for Judge David N. Mortensen in the Fourth District Court in Utah. Dallas represents the fourth generation of the Young family to practice at Ivie & Young.