Bankruptcy and Consumer Law Attorney

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Research. Meet with at least three attorneys before signing a client engagement agreement. SIGN A CLIENT ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT so that you know exactly what is expected of you and your attorney. Prepare your questions in advance and go with your gut. If you don't like an attorney but they seem super qualified why work with them? On the other hand if you like an attorney, just make sure you check with the California State Bar to be sure he/she is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. That attorneys don't have all the answers. Sometimes we have to look things up OR sometimes we're dealing in a grey area of the law. What does that mean? If I can't give you a definitive answer, it's often because the courts are not consistent with their answers and I'm trying to give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Just be honest and ask what you really want to know. There is no right question. I guess with attorneys it would be - am I responsible for costs and if so, how much? Costs are often billed separate from fees or attorney hourly rate. So know the differences between retainer, hourly rate, costs and flat fees. No question is a dumb question. There are NO DUMB QUESTIONS. Ask what you want to know. Ask what you need to know to feel most comfortable.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Sandra provides compassionate, quality service. Your questions will be answered. You will not feel lost in the process.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Meeting people and helping them in a time of stress.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. How much does it cost? Answer: It depends, but there won't be any surprises if you disclose everything that I ask, confidentially, of course!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish clients knew that they should not be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to keep asking a question until you get an answer that makes sense to you.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I'm an actress and I owned a theatre for 8 years. Everyone came to me with questions. How do I start a theatre? What should I do to get a better agent? Who is your CPA? The questions were endless and I found I loved to help. Actors, due to the nature of their craft ... they have to be accessible which means they have to have flexible (often low paying) jobs - makes them vulnerable to problems. I found I like helping people in distress. Bankruptcy, in general, is good people in distress.

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. My warm, friendly personality. The fact that I don't judge. Further, I am open and have had experience as an actress, business owner, secretary, word processor, secretary, student . . . it goes on and on. So I can pretty much relate to anyone! And, I like meeting people.

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. Expanding my divorce practice. Divorce and DUI.