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!

Mr. Utley interned at several Utah law firms and the Utah Fourth District Court before joining a Northern Utah Law Office as a Bankruptcy Associate. After relocating from Cache Valley, Mike opened Utley Law Office PLLC in Utah County where he currently practices in the areas of Bankruptcy, Estate Planning and Landlord Tenant Law.

Mike graduated from BYU Law School where he was an Editor for the Journal of Public Law and was Vice President of the Natural Resources Law Society. He also graduated from BYU College of Engineering with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and was a research assistant at the Environmental Modeling Research Lab.

5-Star Rated UT Real Estate Attorney and licensed UT Broker. Quoted in SLC Tribune regarding foreclosure boom. First Attorney in the nation to successfully nullify trust deeds with proven legal techniques. Member of BBB, free consultations. Former Chicago Prosecutor. Commercial and residential real estate solutions: short sales, foreclosure, eminent domain, landlord tenant, eviction, construction law, land use development, condemnation, property tax appeal and assessment, contracts, real estate fraud.

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

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

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.

Shortly after I graduated from law school, I started with a Salt Lake City firm where I represented persons who had been injured due to the carelessness or recklessness of someone else. I enjoyed what I did and took great satisfaction in helping real people, not insurance companies or corporations. I decided that this was the area of law I wanted to devote my legal career to.

I now own my own law firm, Kramer Law Group. We represent the same sorts of people I represented when I first started practicing. And I still enjoy it!

Our focus here is on personal injury law. Our cases mostly involve car accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. We also handle slip and falls, dog bites, etc. And a small part of our practice is devoted to sexual harassment cases. We have experience handling cases involving brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, herniated and bulging disks, fractures, lacerations, burns, bites, etc.

We are based in Draper, Utah, which is in southern Salt Lake County. We also have an office in Utah County, located in Provo at 495 N. University. Even though our offices are in Northern Utah, we have handled, and continue to handle cases throughout the state of Utah. In Northern Utah, we represent the areas of Alpine, American Fork, Bountiful, Cedar Hills, Clinton, Cottonwood, Duchesne, Eagle Mountain, Farmington, Herriman, Highland, Holladay, Kearns, Layton, Lehi, Lindon, Magna, Murray Nephi, North Salt Lake, Ogden, Orem, Payson, Pleasant Grove, Price, Provo, Riverton, Roosevelt, Sandy, Santaquin, Saratoga Springs, South Jordan, Spainish Fork, Springville, Sugarhouse, Taylorsville, Vernal, West Jordan, and West Valley.

Throughout the state, we service:
St. George
Moab
Vernal
Price
Beaver
Nephi
Logan

If I didn't mention it above, we handle the following kinds of cases:

PERSONAL INJURY AND ACCIDENTS

* Asbestos Exposure
* Auto Accident
* Truck Semi AccidentM
* Motorcycle Accident
* Car Accident
* Pedestrian Accidents
* Dog Bite and other Animal Bites
* Back Injury
* Neck Injury
* Brain Injury
* Birth Injury
* Boating Accident
* Construction Worker Injuries
* Dangerous Product Liability
* Recalled Products
* Sexual Harassment
* Hospital Negligence
* Doctor Negligence
* Physician Negligence
* Prescription Drug Medicine
* Lead Paint Exposure
* Medical Malpractice
* Nursing Home Neglect
* Nursing Home Abuse
* Slip or Fall
* Wrongful Death
* Sexual Abuse
* Sexual Molestation

Wendy graduated in the top 1/4 of her class from the University of San Diego School of Law. Wendy graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management while being a devoted single parent and active community volunteer.

As a result of her passion for the personal aspects that family and elder law provide, she has chosen to focus her practice to only those two areas. As a result, Wendy is able to stay abreast of the latest developments in family and elder law and is able to be efficient and focused for her clients.

As a mother herself, Wendy understands the importance of balancing family life and the near and dear issues that are so often involved. She is empathetic to her client's family needs and therefore works to remain flexible to her client's schedule and available for their particular needs.My area of focus is primarily on all aspects of family law, including, but not limited to adoptions, foreign judgments, child support, alimony, divorce, custody, modifications, guardianships, parent time disputes, etc. I am experienced in representing client's in both mediation and litigation.I love the personal aspects of helping clients through the stressful events and challenges that family and elder law entail. I enjoy assisting clients in finding peace of mind vis-a-vis taking a mediative approach, yet am competent at resorting to litigation if necessary to find the best solution for my client's dilemma. I am assertive, but not arrogant. I am approachable and make myself available to clients. I am a proactive problem solver being amicable, yet keeping opposing counsel on their toes. I am efficient and mindful of the balance between effectively protecting a client's interests without taking unnecessary legal actions or fees.

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.

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.

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.

Attorney Dean N. Zabriskie graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Southern California (USC). After obtaining his Bachelor's Degree, Dean continued his education and earned his Juris Doctorate from the Gould School of Law at the USC. Dean practiced law in Southern California for several years where he gained experience both in prosecuting criminal cases and in complex civil litigation. After gaining years of litigation experience working for the county, Dean went into private practice in the Los Angeles area where he gained a national reputation as a litigation attorney. Dean has traveled around the country handling high profile cases. In 1980 he became a member of the Utah Bar Association. Over the years, Dean has narrowed his practice to handling only criminal and personal injury cases. Dean continues to successfully litigate cases in all courts throughout the State of Utah.

I work exclusively in the area of estate planning and probate. I listen to my clients and draft documents to meet their unique situation. I provide easy to understand explanations of the differences between wills and trusts and the advantages of different estate plans. It is my goal to provide my clients with all the estate planning documents they need, including wills, trusts, powers of attorneys and health care directives.

I am a commercial litigation attorney.

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.

Prior to opening Utah Lease Law, Dean served as in-house counsel for a national commercial real estate owner and developer, where he performed virtually all legal and pre-development responsibilities in connection with the acquisition, entitlement, development, leasing and disposition of single-tenant and shopping center projects from 1 to 40 acres in multiples states. For complete profile and services visit www.UtahLeaseAttorney.com

Mr. Unrau has practiced law for over 19 years. His main areas of experience are: Family Law (divorce, custody, paternity, adoption), Criminal Defense (DUI, Possession, Murder, Assault, etc.), Juvenile Court (Juvenile Criminal Defense, DCFS matters), Bankruptcy and General Practice (Contracts, Landlord/Tenant, etc.).

Mr. Unrau is an experienced Mediator with hundreds of successfully mediated cases.

Mr. Unrau is also trained as a Guardian ad Litem, and is occasionally appointed to represent the interest of minor children or incapacitated adults in various cases.

Mr. Unrau's staff is friendly, efficient and helpful.

I have practiced in Park City, Utah for 15 years, always maintaining strong relationships with colleagues and professionals in the courts and community.

Born and raised in Spanish Fork, Utah, John has enjoyed spending his years as a resident of Utah County. John attending Brigham Young University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Finance. Once he graduated from BYU, John worked in the finance arena for two years and then went on to attend law school in Oklahoma. While attending law school, John actively worked in criminal defense, property, and family law. John gained insight into the importance and sanctity of human rights guaranteed to all individuals under the constitution as he worked in the Public Defender's Office.
John specializes in Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, Family Law and general litigation. John spends his free time with his wife and two daughters enjoying the fresh mountain air of Utah. They like to hunt, fish, hike and horse back ride. They reside in Utah County.

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.

Carol Mortensen brings over 10 years of counseling and advocacy experience into her legal practice. She has worked as a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor and Social Service Worker for many years prior to joining the legal profession. As a result, Carol has a unique and comprehensive insight into the dynamics of individuals and families dealing with the judicial system.

Family & Juvenile Law Expertise:
Carol is a long time and committed advocate for individuals and families dealing with issues such as: divorce, custody and domestic violence. She has worked extensively with DCFS, Dependency Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court and has worked with youth in Juvenile Delinquency proceedings.

Criminal Law Expertise:
Carol has advocated for clients in the Justice and District Courts and through Drug Court Programs for drug related charges, DUI / DWI, domestic violence, assault, probation / parole violations, theft and other property crimes.