John Fredrick Finston, Bankruptcy Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Government, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratFaegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in San Francisco since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John Fredrick Finston?
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Quick answer
John Fredrick Finston is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Government, and Insurance. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Government · Insurance
- Handles Bankruptcy, Government, and Insurance matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Fredrick Finston: John Fredrick Finston is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Government, and Insurance. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in San Francisco
John concentrates on bankruptcy, government, and insurance. 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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Government
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Insurance
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Bankruptcy cases in San Francisco, California
John takes bankruptcy matters in San Francisco, 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.
Government cases in San Francisco, California
John takes government matters in San Francisco, 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.
Insurance cases in San Francisco, California
John takes insurance matters in San Francisco, 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 Fredrick Finston, bankruptcy attorney serving San Francisco
John Fredrick Finston is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Government, and Insurance. John has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from San Francisco, California and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
John Fredrick Finston is a lawyer practicing insurance, administrative law, insolvency. John Fredrick received a B.E.S. degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. John Fredrick practices at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in San Francisco, CA.
How John handles bankruptcy matters
John Fredrick Finston is a lawyer practicing insurance, administrative law, insolvency. John Fredrick received a B.E.S. degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. John Fredrick practices at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, government, and insurance matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
St. John's University
J.D. · 1980
Johns Hopkins University
B.E.S. · 1977
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Oregon
1996 · ACTIVE
California
1991 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1987 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1982 · ACTIVE
New York
1981 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in St. John's University and B.E.S. in Johns Hopkins University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in St. John's University and B.E.S. in Johns Hopkins University. 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.
Locations
John Fredrick Finston's office in San Francisco
John's primary office is at Four Embarcadero Center, 27th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94111-4180. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Four Embarcadero Center, 27th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111-4180
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John Fredrick Finston — 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 Francisco.
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 Fredrick Finston claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Fredrick Finston — 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 Francisco, 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 Fredrick Finston
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 Francisco?
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 Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego 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 Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 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
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