Joel Gregory Samuels, Bankruptcy Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratSidley Austin LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Los Angeles since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Joel Gregory Samuels?
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Quick answer
Joel Gregory Samuels is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Joel has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joel Gregory Samuels: Joel Gregory Samuels is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Joel has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joel Gregory Samuels
Joel concentrates on bankruptcy, business, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel 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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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes bankruptcy matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes business matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes real estate matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joel Gregory Samuels — Over 42 years of California bankruptcy experience
Joel Gregory Samuels is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Joel has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Joel Gregory Samuels is a lawyer practicing corporate reorganization and bankruptcy, real estate workouts and restructurings, business law and 2 other areas of law. Joel received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Joel practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Joel's approach to bankruptcy cases
Joel Gregory Samuels is a lawyer practicing corporate reorganization and bankruptcy, real estate workouts and restructurings, business law and 2 other areas of law. Joel received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Joel practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases Joel takes
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Joel Gregory Samuels's legal education and bar admissions
Stanford University Law School
J.D. · 1984
Princeton University
A.B. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
California U.S. Cour
1984 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at J.D. in Stanford University Law School and A.B. in Princeton University.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed J.D. in Stanford University Law School and A.B. in Princeton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joel runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joel Gregory Samuels
Joel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Joel Gregory Samuels's office in Los Angeles
Joel's primary office is at 555 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90013. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joel Gregory Samuels — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Joel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joel Gregory Samuels claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joel Gregory Samuels — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel'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; Joel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Los Angeles, 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 Joel
Joel 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. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joel'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 Joel Gregory Samuels
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joel offer a free consultation?
Joel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Joel'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. Joel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joel take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Joel 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 — Joel 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 Joel?
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. Joel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joel accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Joel'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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Joel handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 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
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in California
If Joel's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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Michael Brett Abramson
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