John Forest Hilbert, Bankruptcy Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatHilbert Satterly Llp
San Diego, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in San Diego since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you John Forest Hilbert?
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Quick answer
John Forest Hilbert is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hilbert Satterly Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Estate Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Forest Hilbert: John Forest Hilbert is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hilbert Satterly Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in San Diego
John concentrates on bankruptcy, business, estate litigation, general, and litigation. 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 Litigation
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Residential
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Bankruptcy cases in San Diego, California
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Business cases in San Diego, California
John takes business 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 John agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in San Diego, California
John takes estate litigation 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 John agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
John takes general 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Diego, California
John takes litigation 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John Forest Hilbert, bankruptcy attorney serving San Diego
John Forest Hilbert is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hilbert Satterly Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from San Diego, California and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
John Forest Hilbert is a lawyer practicing real estate litigation, business litigation, title insurance and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices at Hilbert & Satterly LLP in San Diego, CA.
John's approach to bankruptcy cases
John Forest Hilbert is a lawyer practicing real estate litigation, business litigation, title insurance and 4 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices at Hilbert & Satterly LLP in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and estate litigation matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 1982
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
California U.S. Dist
1982 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law 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.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
San Diego County and American Bar Associations State Bar of California
membership
Locations
John Forest Hilbert's office in San Diego
John's primary office is at 409 Camino del Rio South, Suite 104, San Diego, CA, 92108. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Hilbert Satterly Llp
409 Camino del Rio South, Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92108
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John Forest Hilbert — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in San Diego.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Forest Hilbert claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Forest Hilbert — 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 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 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 Forest Hilbert
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 San Diego?
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 San Diego, 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.
- 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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