John Spalding

What makes me different is the personal service I provide to every client. All clients get my mobile number and email, so they can reach me when the inevitable panic attack happens. Before I became a lawyer, I worked as a paralegal in New York "big law" as well as for a few different small firm and solo practice lawyers.
What I lack in decades of practice experience, I make up for with my tenacity and my client-friendly fees. Right now, I am looking to make a name for myself, which means that my clients get my A-game.
I am also a military veteran who trained in military intelligence. I enjoy spending my free time with my spouse and kids.

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Washington

Washington State Bar Association

ID Number: 60837

Since 2023

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

Since 2023

United States District Court - Eastern District of Washington

Since 2023

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

J.D.

Honors: Dean's List.

City University of New York - John Jay College of Criminal Justice

B.A.

2005

Honors: Magna cum laude; Dean's List each semester.

Activities: Justice Thurgood Marshall Scholarship.

Spokane County Bar Association

Member

Current

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

Current

King County Bar Association

Member

Current

Washington State Bar Association  # 60837

Member

2023 - Current

American Bar Association

Member

2023 - Current

Global Arbitration Practice

Mitchell Hamline School of Law via Queen Mary University of London

2019

Q. I am over $100,000 in debt interested in filing for bankruptcy which is the best way to go about it?

August 7, 2024

A: With that kind of debt, it's a good idea to reach out to a local bankruptcy attorney to determine what and cannot be discharged and which chapter is appropriate. Not all debts are equal. For instance, priority debts like taxes are treated differently than unsecured debts. There's a lot to consider. Good luck.

Q. The other party in a family case is communicating with the court without copying me (and lying). What prevents this?

October 24, 2023

A: If by "the court," you mean they're contacting the judge directly on a matter related to the case, and if you can prove it, the other party can be sanctioned. You need to be able to prove it. Best to check with your lawyer about this.

Q. When filing for a chapter 7 bankruptcy do I need to include all vehicles that are in my name even if its not my vehicle?

October 2, 2023

A: Hi there, as to the first question, the answer applies universally (i.e. regardless of jurisdiction). Yes, you need to disclose all assets in your name. This includes vehicles that you're letting others borrow/drive/possess. Additionally, if you intend to file a bankruptcy petition, you definitely do not want to simply give away assets to relatives as the panel trustee is likely going to sue your relative(s) to get those assets back, especially if those assets have enough value to make collection worth the effort.

As for the second question: If you still owe money to the lender after the repo, then you should include that amount in your bk filing because the amount owing is no longer secured and can be discharged. The reason is that once the repossession is done, though you may still owe money, the amount owing is called a unsecured deficiency balance. The lender could still sue you for the difference between the amount owing minus the auction price (assuming they auction the vehicle and obtain less than what you owed. them), but they cannot collect if you've filed for chapter 7. Hope this helps. Good luck. ... Read More

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