Our Attorneys
Michael R. Germain
Michael R. Germain has practiced bankruptcy and real estate law for his
entire legal career. Mr. Germain has filed approximately 3000 bankruptcy cases
on behalf of clients. Mr. Germain has represented around 3000 Chapter 7 debtors,
approximately twenty-five Chapter 11 debtors, and 250 Chapter 13 debtors in
cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California
(mostly the Modesto Division) and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
Northern District of California. Mr. Germain has obtained confirmation of
roughly fifteen complicated Chapter 11 reorganization plans on behalf of clients.
Mr. Germain also has represented approximately 100 creditors in different
cases under various Chapters of the Bankruptcy Code in different Bankruptcy
Courts throughout California, Oregon and Washington. Additionally, Mr. Germain
has represented bankruptcy trustees on approximately fifteen occasions. Mr.
Germain attained the designation of Certified Specialist in the area of bankruptcy
law from the California Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of
California.
Mr. Germain also is an expert in the area of real estate law and is a licensed
California real estate broker. His knowledge of bankruptcy and real estate law
allows him to assist clients in obtaining real estate loan work-outs, modifications
and restructurings, both inside and outside of bankruptcy.
Mr. Germain graduated from the Law School of the University of California,
Davis, in 1987 and was admitted to practice in 1988. Following graduation from
law school, he worked as an associate attorney for Cooper & Shaffer, a "boutique" bankruptcy
firm in Sacramento, California until January 1990. In January 1990, he joined
the Sacramento firm of Weintraub, Genshlea, Hardy, Erich & Brown, now Weintraub,
Genshlea & Sproul, where he was a Senior Associate Attorney in the Bankruptcy
Department until January 1992. In January 1992, he left Weintraub to join the
San Francisco firm of Farella, Braun & Martel, where he worked until October
1992, in the firm's bankruptcy and insolvency department. In October 1992, he
relocated to Sonora, California in order to raise his two sons. Mr. Germain
started his own office in Sonora, California, where most of his practice has
been devoted to bankruptcy-related law ever since.
Mr. Germain enjoys spending time with his wife of 25 years, and his two sons.
Mr. Germain also is an avid triathlete, skier and mountaineer.
Patrick B. Greenwell
Patrick B. (Pat) Greenwell was born and raised in Ohio. After a six year enlistment
in the U. S. Navy at the end of the Vietnam War, he worked for various computer
and high tech companies in Silicon Valley. Being dissatisfied with electronics
and electrical engineering, he wanted to work in a field that was more people
oriented, he chose law.
He attended Western State University, College of Law in San Diego. During
law school he clerked for the law firm of McCarty, Patterson & Ferguson.
After graduation, the firm offered him a job as a bankruptcy and real estate
law associate. He stayed in that position for several years before entering
private practice. His office practiced extensive real estate law in representing
homeowner’s associations, landlords, developers, and realtors. He relocated
to Tuolumne County in the fall of 1989.
Mr. Greenwell served for ten years as the County Counsel for Tuolumne County,
California. In that capacity, he served as the chief legal advisor for the elected
Board of Supervisors as well as the County’s boards, commissions, committees,
and districts. In addition to other County departments, Mr. Greenwell advised
County Planning Department, Building Department, and numerous commissions on
all aspects of real estate, planning, land use, and development law.
Mr. Greenwell once again went into private practice in 2000. His practice
has emphasized bankruptcy, real estate, and business law. He partnered with
Mr. Germain in late 2008 to form The Bankruptcy Center.
Mr. Greenwell is very active in the local community. He is a member of Sonora
Sunrise Rotary Club (Past President 94-95); active in the Chamber of Commerce
(Past Chairman 2004); founding member and board member for the High Country
Sports Arena (Chairman 1995-2006); member of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks; and many other civic groups and organizations.
For fun he likes to fly (Commercial Multi Engine licensed pilot), snow and
water ski, travel and spend time with his four kids.