How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?

Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Michael Rinne, Bankruptcy Attorney in Walnut Creek

Quick answer

Michael Rinne is a member based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Commercial RE. Michael has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rinne Legal. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Walnut Creek, CA
Experience: over 21 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Commercial RE

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Commercial RE matters from Walnut Creek, CA.
Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on bankruptcy, business, commercial re, contracts, and estate litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Walnut Creek, California

Michael takes bankruptcy matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Walnut Creek, California

Michael takes business matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Commercial RE cases in Walnut Creek, California

Michael takes commercial re matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Walnut Creek, California

Michael takes contracts matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Walnut Creek, California

Michael takes estate litigation matters in Walnut Creek, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michael Rinne — bankruptcy lawyer in Walnut Creek

Michael Rinne is a member based in Walnut Creek, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Commercial RE. Michael has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rinne Legal. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Michael Rinne is a lawyer practicing business law, business development, business dissolutions and 33 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA in 2001, and has been licensed for 21 years. Michael practices at Rinne Legal in Walnut Creek, CA.

Michael's approach to bankruptcy cases

Michael Rinne is a lawyer practicing business law, business development, business dissolutions and 33 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA in 2001, and has been licensed for 21 years. Michael practices at Rinne Legal in Walnut Creek, CA.

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and commercial re matters in Walnut Creek and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA, USA
LL.M. University · 2005
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA Class of 2001
—

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

California
2006 · ACTIVE
Germany
2005 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at LL.M. University in Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA, USA and — in San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA Class of 2001.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed LL.M. University in Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA, USA and — in San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA Class of 2001. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Michael Rinne's office in Walnut Creek

Michael's primary office is at 1990 N. California Blvd., 8th Fl., Walnut Creek, CA, 94596. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rinne Legal

1990 N. California Blvd., 8th Fl.

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Rinne — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Walnut Creek.

4.8

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Rinne claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Rinne — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Walnut Creek, 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 Michael

Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael Rinne

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Walnut Creek?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Michael Rinne. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens To My House When I File Bankruptcy In California?
I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm about to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My home is currently worth around $600,000, but I owe $400,000 on the mortgage. I’m worried about
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · California
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Walnut Creek, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.