John Duncan Hames, Bankruptcy Attorney in Chico, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning
MemberatJohn Duncan Hames
Chico, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Chico since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you John Duncan Hames?
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Quick answer
John Duncan Hames is a member based in Chico, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John Duncan Hames.
- Based in
- Chico, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Estate Planning
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning matters from Chico, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About John Duncan Hames: John Duncan Hames is a member based in Chico, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John Duncan Hames.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on bankruptcy, business, estate planning, litigation, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Estate Planning
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Litigation
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Chico, California
John takes bankruptcy matters in Chico, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Chico, California
John takes business matters in Chico, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Chico, California
John takes estate planning matters in Chico, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chico, California
John takes litigation matters in Chico, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Chico, California
John takes probate matters in Chico, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John Duncan Hames — bankruptcy lawyer in Chico
John Duncan Hames is a member based in Chico, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Planning. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John Duncan Hames.
John Duncan Hames is a lawyer practicing business litigation, bankruptcy law, estate planning and 2 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices at John Duncan Hames in Chico, CA.
John's approach to bankruptcy cases
John Duncan Hames is a lawyer practicing business litigation, bankruptcy law, estate planning and 2 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices at John Duncan Hames in Chico, CA.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and estate planning matters in Chico and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
King Hall School of Law, University of California at Davis
J.D. · 1982
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in King Hall School of Law, University of California at Davis and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in King Hall School of Law, University of California at Davis and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Fresno County Bar Association
Secretary, 1988-1990) State Bar of California (Member, Conference of Delegates Resolutions Committee, 1990-1991 · membership
Locations
Office locations for John Duncan Hames in Chico, California
John's primary office is at Chico, CA, 95927-8868. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Duncan Hames
John has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire John Duncan Hames — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Chico, 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 John
John 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John'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 John Duncan Hames
How much does it cost to hire John for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check John'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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Chico?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
John'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 Chico, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
John handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Chico handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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