Kelley Michael Gale, Bankruptcy Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratLatham & Watkins LLP
San Diego, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in San Diego since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Kelley Michael Gale?
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Quick answer
Kelley Michael Gale is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Kelley has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Energy
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Kelley Michael Gale: Kelley Michael Gale is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Kelley has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Kelley Michael Gale
Kelley concentrates on bankruptcy, business, energy, environmental, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kelley handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Energy
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Environmental
View other Environmental attorneys
General
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Zoning
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Bankruptcy cases in San Diego, California
Kelley 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 Kelley agrees to represent you.
Business cases in San Diego, California
Kelley 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 Kelley agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in San Diego, California
Kelley takes energy 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 Kelley agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in San Diego, California
Kelley takes environmental 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 Kelley agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
Kelley 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 Kelley agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Kelley Michael Gale — Over 47 years of California bankruptcy experience
Kelley Michael Gale is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Kelley has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Kelley Michael Gale is a lawyer practicing project development & finance, environmental transactions, real estate and 9 other areas of law. Kelley received a B.S. degree from Wayne State University in 1975, and has been licensed for 47 years. Kelley practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in San Diego, CA.
Working with Kelley on a bankruptcy matter
Kelley Michael Gale is a lawyer practicing project development & finance, environmental transactions, real estate and 9 other areas of law. Kelley received a B.S. degree from Wayne State University in 1975, and has been licensed for 47 years. Kelley practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in San Diego, CA.
Who Kelley represents
Kelley reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and energy matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Kelley Michael Gale's legal education and bar admissions
University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law
J.D. · 1979
Wayne State University
B.S. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Kelley's state bar admissions
California
1979 · ACTIVE
Kelley studied at J.D. in University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law and B.S. in Wayne State University.
Law school and academic background
Kelley completed J.D. in University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law and B.S. in Wayne State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kelley runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Kelley Michael Gale
Kelley has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Kelley Michael Gale's office in San Diego
Kelley's primary office is at 12670 High Bluff Dr., San Diego, CA, 92130. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kelley Michael Gale — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kelley. 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 Kelley Michael Gale claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kelley Michael Gale — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kelley usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kelley charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kelley'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; Kelley 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 Kelley
Kelley 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. Kelley confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kelley'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 Kelley Michael Gale
How much does it cost to hire Kelley for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kelley walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kelley offer a free consultation?
Kelley charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kelley's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Kelley'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. Kelley gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kelley take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Kelley 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 — Kelley 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 Kelley?
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. Kelley will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kelley accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Kelley'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
Kelley 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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