Christopher Celentino, Bankruptcy Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 · 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
AttorneyatDinsmore & Shohl LLP
San Diego, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in San Diego since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Christopher Celentino?
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Quick answer
Christopher Celentino is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Christopher has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Chapter 11 · Chapter 13
- Handles Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Christopher Celentino: Christopher Celentino is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Christopher has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Christopher takes on
Christopher concentrates on bankruptcy, chapter 11, chapter 13, chapter 7, and civil rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Chapter 11
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Chapter 13
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Chapter 7
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Civil Rights
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Creditor Rights
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Estate Litigation
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M&A
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Bankruptcy cases in San Diego, California
Christopher takes bankruptcy matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Chapter 11 cases in San Diego, California
Christopher takes chapter 11 matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Chapter 13 cases in San Diego, California
Christopher takes chapter 13 matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Chapter 7 cases in San Diego, California
Christopher takes chapter 7 matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in San Diego, California
Christopher takes civil rights matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Christopher Celentino — bankruptcy lawyer in San Diego
Christopher Celentino is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Christopher has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Christopher Celentino is a lawyer practicing creditor's rights, chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 11 bankruptcy and 6 other areas of law. Christopher received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Christopher practices at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in San Diego, CA.
Christopher's approach to bankruptcy cases
Christopher Celentino is a lawyer practicing creditor's rights, chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 11 bankruptcy and 6 other areas of law. Christopher received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. Christopher practices at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in San Diego, CA.
Clients Christopher works with
Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, chapter 11, and chapter 13 matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. · 1987
Northwestern University
B.S. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Christopher's state bar admissions
California United St
1987 · ACTIVE
Christopher studied at J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.S. in Northwestern University.
Law school and academic background
Christopher completed J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.S. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Christopher has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Christopher Celentino's office in San Diego
Christopher's primary office is at 655 West Broadway, Suite 840, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Christopher Celentino — 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Christopher. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in San Diego.
4.9
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Christopher Celentino claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Christopher Celentino — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christopher
Christopher discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christopher's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Christopher Celentino
How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Christopher is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Christopher handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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