
J. Russell Cunningham, Bankruptcy Attorney in Sacramento, California
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation · 4.6/5 rating from 11 verified client reviews
PartneratDesmond, Nolan, Livaich & Cunningham
Sacramento, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Sacramento since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 11 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you J. Russell Cunningham?
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Quick answer
J. Russell Cunningham is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. J. has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Desmond, Nolan, Livaich & Cunningham. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 11 client reviews.
- Based in
- Sacramento, CA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Sacramento, CA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About J. Russell Cunningham: J. Russell Cunningham is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. J. has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Desmond, Nolan, Livaich & Cunningham. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 11 client reviews.
Areas of practice
J.'s practice areas in Sacramento
J. concentrates on bankruptcy, business, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases in Sacramento, California
J. takes bankruptcy matters in Sacramento, 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Sacramento, California
J. takes business matters in Sacramento, 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Sacramento, California
J. takes litigation matters in Sacramento, 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 J. agrees to represent you.
Biography
J. Russell Cunningham, bankruptcy attorney serving Sacramento
J. Russell Cunningham is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. J. has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Desmond, Nolan, Livaich & Cunningham. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 11 client reviews. J. works from Sacramento, California and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
President, Sacramento United Soccer Club. Past-President: Sacramento Downtown Association; Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Forum. Past- Director: Sacramento Downtown District, Sacramento Downtown Partnership, and Nevada City Broadcast Group. Mediator, Sacramento Superior Court, U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
How J. handles bankruptcy matters
President, Sacramento United Soccer Club. Past-President: Sacramento Downtown Association; Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Forum. Past- Director: Sacramento Downtown District, Sacramento Downtown Partnership, and Nevada City Broadcast Group. Mediator, Sacramento Superior Court, U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The kind of cases J. takes
J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where J. studied and practices
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1987
University of California at Berkeley
A.B. · 1983
Jurisdictions
J.'s state bar admissions
California
1987 · ACTIVE
J. studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and A.B. in University of California at Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
J. completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and A.B. in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
J.'s legal honors and published work
J. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
J.'s professional memberships and bar associations
Sacramento County Bar Association State Bar of California Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Forum
membership
Locations
J. Russell Cunningham's office in Sacramento
J.'s primary office is at 15th & S Building, 1830 15th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95811. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Desmond, Nolan, Livaich & Cunningham
15th & S Building, 1830 15th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of J. Russell Cunningham — 4.6/5 rating from 11 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of J.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Sacramento.
4.6
11 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once J. Russell Cunningham claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire J. Russell Cunningham — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'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; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Sacramento, 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 J.
J. 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. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J.'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 J. Russell Cunningham
How much does it cost to hire J. for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J. offer a free consultation?
J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check J.'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. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J. take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?
J. 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 — J. 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 J.?
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. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J. accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
J.'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 Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
J. handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 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
More counsel
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If J.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Sacramento handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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