Sandra Banks | Oakland Family Lawyer

• Member, California State Bar Association
• University of San Francisco School of Law Alumi

• Awarded Top Lawyers In California by American Lawyer Media
  2013

I had a very difficult case wherein Mother attempted to keep Father from their child. The child was 18 months old. Mother tried everything, allegations that Father was unstable, allegation of Domestic Violence, all of which were not true. Father started out with Supervised Visits, after hiring me and a trial he now enjoys 40% parenting time with his child. This was very rewarding because he truly is a good Dad.

I began my practice 6 months after becoming licensed to practice law. I made a commitment that I would always have a free consultation. I believe knowledge is power and I have saved many individuals from making mistakes on their cases simply be giving them a free telephone consultation. Not all consultations turn into clients but I do have the satisfaction of knowing I have given those who call me some information they needed.

Clients should look for a lawyer who will tell them the truth about their case. It does not help a client to tell them what they want to hear only to tell them later that they will never get what they want. I always discuss the good, bad and ugly about my client's cases so they have a realistic expectation going into the legal process. The expectations ranges from the value of their case, the time it takes to move through the legal process and the costs involved.

Local knowledge can be helpful because you would know what, traditionally a particular Judge may want to see or hear or how they receive information. Although it is helpful, it is not mandatory to a successful outcome. I have had successes in cases in Fresno, Visalia and Los Angeles.

In a free phone consultation I can get a general overview of the case, discovery the problem areas advise a client on how I would handle the case and give the prospective client a retainer amount that is specific to their case. If the caller is not looking to hire an attorney but merely has a question, I will gladly answer it.

If there is an active case, If the parties have an agreement on any issue, What (generally) are the types of assets and debts, Do the spouses work, Are there children and is custody/visitation an issue

What sets me a part is my willingness to give free information. Many attorneys charge $350 or more for a consultation. Whereas I provide a free telephone consultation that give the caller valuable information and if we connect, we meet and move forward with my representation of them.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is when a case is complete and my client can invision a new, uncluttered future. Whether it is a divorce, or a complicated custody fight, I try to leave my clients with a road map on how to stay on track for the future.