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.

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.

Russell Weekes is a knowledgeable and experienced corporate executive and attorney who focuses on his client needs and goals. Russ Weekesâ approach emphasizes understanding his client's needs and goals first, then providing appropriate counseling and solutions, and providing superior legal services. My bankruptcy practice focuses on bankruptcy, business, criminal defense, estate planning, family law, foreclosure defense, loan modification, personal injury, probate, and trial/civil litigation. Contact me to find out how I can help you with your legal need.

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.

Practice Summary

Brad has a diverse background in the law. His particular emphasis is on assisting personal injury, products liability and other injured victims in obtaining a fair recovery for their losses. Because of his prior extensive business background he also continues to assist clients in business related issues and commercial litigation. Brad is admitted to practice in Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Wyoming. He appears frequently in both state and federal court and is admitted in the Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals. Brad also served as general counsel for Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. where handled a broad range of legal issues from mergers and acquisitions to product liability and employment matters. He has mediated over 400 cases.


Academic Degrees

Brad graduated from Utah State University, where he obtained a B.A. degree in accounting in 1979. He obtain his Certified Public Accountant designation in that same year. He pursued his legal education at the University of Utah, where he obtained a J.D. degree in 1982 and was admitted to the Utah State Bar.

Professional Memberships and Activities

Brad was recently named to Utah's Best of the Best for litigators for 2011. He has been given an AV rating for legal ability and ethical standards - the highest possible from Martindale-Hubbell legal directory. Brad is also a member of the Utah Association for Justice and the Attorneys Information Exchange Group.

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.

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

Steve advises business owners and individual in incorporating their ventures, acquiring existing businesses, negotiating contractual relationships, resolving partnership disputes, real estate, recapitalization, mergers, acquisitions, and the structuring of financing instruments.
Prior to joining Vantus, Steve worked with Hirschi Christensen, PLLC, Cottonwood Capital, LLC and Cherokee & Walker, LLC, a private equity firm, all located in Salt Lake City, Utah. As in-house counsel at Cottonwood Capital, Steve was integral in the acquisition of over $400MM in national commercial real estate and in the formation of Cottonwoods acquisitions, management, development and financing arms.

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.

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.

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.

My law practice is dedicated to helping individuals who have been injured in an accident due to someone else's negligence. I handle cases throughout the State of Utah involving wrongful death, car accidents, slip and fall, dog bite, product liability, brain injury, etc.

Aggressive, strategic and experienced legal representation. Aviation, product liability, construction, contract and personal injury litigation.

Steven L. Rinehart is a registered Utah patent attorney who prepares patents and trademarks. He obtained his J.D. from the University of Utah, and studied Computer Science, Naval Science and English as an undergraduate at BYU. Steve regularly files patents on improved mechanical devices. Steve is the founder of www.theopticon.com, a free legal file exchange for attorneys and non-attorneys.

JEFF D. RIFLEMAN, Attorney at Law, Mediator

Mr. Rifleman holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) from St. Mary's University School of Law of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Rifleman completed his undergraduate work by earning his Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Consumer and Community Studies from the University of Utah. Additionally, Mr. Rifleman received training and certificates in Mediation and is qualified as a court appointed mediator in Texas courts, trained in peer-school mediation, family dispute/divorce mediation, domestic violence, and has volunteered time mediating small claims cases in Utah courts.

Practice Areas:
Family Law, Simple Misdemeanors, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Wills and Estates, Real Estate Law.

Admitted:
Utah Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
Member, Utah State Bar

Leadership:
Past President Alternative Dispute Resolution Association, St. Mary's University School of Law

Contact:
jeff.rifleman@gmail.com
801-566-1884 (office)
801-510-0503 (cell)

Areas Served:

Herriman, Bluffdale, Copperton, Bingham, West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Draper, Sandy. Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Tooele, Summit, Weber and outlying counties.