Penn Ayers Butler, Bankruptcy Attorney in Oakland, California
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy and Business · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatWendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP
Oakland, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Oakland since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Penn Ayers Butler?
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Quick answer
Penn Ayers Butler is an of counsel based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Business. Penn has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Oakland, CA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business
- Handles Bankruptcy and Business matters from Oakland, CA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Penn Ayers Butler: Penn Ayers Butler is an of counsel based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Business. Penn has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Penn takes on
Penn concentrates on bankruptcy and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Penn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Oakland, California
Penn takes bankruptcy matters in Oakland, 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 Penn agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Oakland, California
Penn takes business matters in Oakland, 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 Penn agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Penn Ayers Butler — bankruptcy lawyer in Oakland
Penn Ayers Butler is an of counsel based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Business. Penn has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Penn Ayers Butler is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, business law. Penn received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1970, and has been licensed for 53 years. Penn practices at Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP in Oakland, CA.
How Penn handles bankruptcy matters
Penn Ayers Butler is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, business law. Penn received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1970, and has been licensed for 53 years. Penn practices at Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP in Oakland, CA.
The kind of cases Penn takes
Penn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy and business matters in Oakland and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Hastings College of the Law, University of California
J.D. · 1973
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
Penn's state bar admissions
California
1973 · ACTIVE
Penn studied at J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
Penn completed J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Penn runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Penn has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Penn's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
Member, Insolvency Law Committee · membership
Locations
Penn Ayers Butler's office in Oakland
Penn's primary office is at 1111 Broadway, 24th Floor, Oakland, CA, 94607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP
1111 Broadway, 24th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Penn Ayers Butler — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Penn. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Oakland.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Penn Ayers Butler claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Penn Ayers Butler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Penn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Penn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Penn'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; Penn will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Oakland, 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 Penn
Penn 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. Penn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Penn'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 Penn Ayers Butler
How much does it cost to hire Penn for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Penn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Penn offer a free consultation?
Penn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Penn's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Penn'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. Penn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Penn take my case if I'm outside Oakland?
Penn 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 — Penn 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 Penn?
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. Penn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Penn accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Penn'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 Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Penn handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 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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