Business Details
Trusted Creditor Legal Representation in California
Established to deliver strategic legal solutions for creditors, our firm specializes in consumer and commercial collections, bankruptcy litigation, and debtor/creditor rights. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys approach each case as if representing our own interests, prioritizing cost-effective outcomes aligned with client objectives. We pioneered alternative fee structures like flat fees for standard legal matters, eliminating unnecessary overhead charges to ensure transparency and budget predictability.Our commitment extends beyond individual caseswe actively shape creditor-friendly legal environments through advocacy, education, and participation in industry organizations such as the National Creditors Bar Association and Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. Clients trust our team for our deep expertise, ethical standards, and dedication to treating every case with the urgency and attention it deserves.
Services
Consumer Collections
Commercial Collections
Bankruptcy Litigation
Debtor/Creditor Rights
Alternative Fee Billing
Appellate Representation
Secured Transaction Disputes
Non-Dischargeability Litigation
Credit Union Legal Services
Judicial Advocacy
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized experience in creditor law.
- Our alternative fee structures eliminate hidden costs for predictable billing.
- We maintain active roles in shaping creditor-friendly legal policies.
- Our attorneys treat every case as if representing their own interests.
- We provide transparent, client-centric communication throughout the process.
Associations and certifications
- National Creditors Bar Association
- California Credit Union Collectors Council
- National Equipment Finance Association
- Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
What people say
Strong recommendations
High-quality service
Professional network
Dedication and transparency
Cost-effective solutions
Services
Consumer Collections
Specialized legal representation for recovering consumer debts through litigation and negotiation. Our attorneys handle secured and unsecured loan disputes, automobile leasing claims, and personal property transactions. We utilize cost-effective strategies tailored to maximize recovery while maintaining compliance with evolving consumer protection laws.
Bankruptcy Litigation
Comprehensive defense strategies for creditors in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings. We litigate non-dischargeability claims, objections to plan confirmations, and relief from stay motions. Our team combines deep procedural knowledge with practical cost-benefit analysis to protect creditor interests throughout the bankruptcy process.
Alternative Fee Billing
Innovative billing solutions eliminating traditional overhead charges. We offer flat fees for standard matters like replevin actions, claim disputes, and bankruptcy objections. This approach provides budget predictability while maintaining high-quality legal representation, with no hidden costs for photocopying, postage, or electronic communications.
Commercial Collections
Targeted legal services for recovering commercial debts involving equipment leasing, real estate transactions, and complex creditor rights issues. Our attorneys represent financial institutions and businesses in disputes involving secured and unsecured commercial loans, emphasizing efficient resolution while preserving client relationships.
Judicial Advocacy
Active participation in shaping creditor-friendly legal environments through court education and industry leadership. We advocate for balanced debtor/creditor laws by presenting at seminars, publishing articles, and serving in key roles within organizations like the National Creditors Bar Association and Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.
People
Barry W. Ferns
Founding Attorney
Specializes in collections and bankruptcy litigation with decades of experience representing creditors in secured and unsecured loan disputes. Active in creditor rights advocacy and alternative fee structure development since the 1980s.
Laurel A. Adams
Founding Attorney
Focuses on bankruptcy litigation and appellate matters with extensive involvement in creditor organizations since 1981. Combines trial experience with policy advocacy to protect creditor interests in California courts.
Amanda N. Ferns
Associate Attorney
Concentrates on consumer and commercial collections, applying modern litigation strategies to debt recovery cases. Represents credit unions and financial institutions in complex creditor rights matters across California.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus on creditor representation including consumer/commercial collections, bankruptcy litigation, and debtor/creditor rights with specialized expertise in secured transaction disputes.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary initial consultations to discuss your legal needs and potential strategies for debt recovery or bankruptcy defense.
How do your billing practices differ from other firms?
We pioneered alternative fee structures eliminating overhead charges, offering flat fees for standard matters to ensure predictable legal costs since the 1980s.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
Our legal services cover all California regions from offices in Walnut Creek and Pasadena, representing clients statewide.
What experience do your attorneys have?
Our founding attorneys have over 40 combined years in creditor law, with active roles in industry organizations and extensive appellate and trial experience since the 1980s.
How do you handle complex bankruptcy cases?
We develop tailored defense strategies for Chapter 7, 11, and 13 proceedings, focusing on non-dischargeability claims and relief from stay motions while maintaining cost efficiency.
