Banks Garcia & Janis

Banks Garcia & Janis is a well-established law firm located at 10788 Civic Center Dr #150, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, USA. As a firm listed under the "Lawyers Near Me" category, Banks Garcia & Janis serves the legal needs of individuals and businesses within Rancho Cucamonga and the wider Inland Empire region, including communities such as Fontana, Rialto, Upland, Ontario, and Corona.

The firm's office environment, situated within a professional complex, is designed to provide a conducive setting for legal consultations and operations. While specific details about the interior decor are not provided, the location within a suite suggests a professional and private atmosphere, typical of a law firm dedicated to handling sensitive client matters. The firm's long-standing history, dating back to 1969 when James Banks, Jr. co-founded it, implies a stable and experienced environment built on decades of legal practice.

Banks Garcia & Janis offers a focused range of legal services, primarily specializing in:

• Estate Planning: This includes the preparation of Wills, Living Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives (formerly known as Declarations Under the Natural Death Act and Directive to Physicians), and other related documents. A significant focus is on creating "probate avoidance trusts" to streamline the estate settlement process. They also handle more complex "estate splitting trusts" like A-B and A-B-C trusts (including QTIP provisions) and Disclaimer Trusts, designed to help couples lower death tax brackets. Other services may include Crummey Trusts, Permanent Trusts (for life insurance), Family Limited Partnerships, and Charitable Remainder Trusts upon request.
• Probate: The firm assists with the traditional court-supervised process of administering a decedent's estate, which typically takes about eleven months. They also handle "protective proceedings" such as conservatorships (for the elderly) and guardianships (for minors), managing the well-being and finances of the conservatee or ward under court supervision. A notable area of expertise for the firm is probate litigation, including Will contests, Trust contests, demands for accountings, and objections to actions taken by executors, administrators, and trustees.
• Business Law: Banks Garcia & Janis handles the formation and dissolution of various business entities, including partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and corporations (C and S or Sub-S). Their services extend to litigation by and against such entities, as well as disputes among business owners. They also undertake some collection actions and offer flat fees for uncontested formation and dissolution work.
• Real Estate: The firm's real estate practice focuses on more unique and challenging problems, such as construction defect cases, disputes within homeowners' associations, boundary disputes, and condemnation cases. While they do less landlord-tenant law and real estate sales/purchase transactions (unless in the course of probate cases), they are equipped to handle complex real estate litigation.

The firm emphasizes a problem-solving philosophy that has evolved over the years to place a greater emphasis on alternative dispute resolution techniques and a concerted effort to settle cases when it is economically justified and offers opportunities for success. This approach aligns with the California legislature's focus on moving cases through the courts more efficiently, which has led to increased efforts towards settlement.

A key feature of Banks Garcia & Janis, strongly supported by client reviews, is the quality and character of its attorneys. Attorney Steve Janis (Stephen P. Janis) is particularly highlighted, with one client calling him the "Best attorney" who is "Knowledgeable and patient." Another review praises the firm's attorneys collectively as "Honest, hard-working attorneys." These testimonials reflect a commitment to professionalism, a deep understanding of the law, and a client-focused approach where patience and clear communication are valued.

Stephen P. Janis, a partner at the firm, was admitted to the California Bar in 2005. He earned his JD from the University of La Verne in 2005 and a BA in Business Administration from Cal State San Bernardino in 1996. James Banks Jr., one of the founding partners (now Of Counsel and with an inactive license status as of December 31, 2024, but admitted in 1969), has a distinguished legal career, having tried over 300 cases to verdict, including 100 jury trials. The firm's long history and the individual experience of its attorneys contribute significantly to its reputation.

Promotional information for Banks Garcia & Janis, especially on platforms like "Lawyers Near Me," would emphasize their specialized practice areas, particularly their expertise in estate planning, probate litigation, and business and real estate law. The firm promotes a client-centric philosophy with clear goals: to work constructively to solve problems, never create them, keep clients well-informed through copies of correspondence and meaningful billing explanations, be straightforward and honest with clients, tailor service to the situation, maintain high quality of service (above the 80th percentile), and keep costs below the 80th percentile. This transparent approach to client relationships and fees, predominantly based on hourly billing, would appeal to individuals seeking clear expectations and value for their legal expenses.

The firm offers a free initial consultation, which is a significant advantage for potential clients looking to discuss their legal needs without an upfront financial commitment. This allows individuals to assess the firm's suitability for their case and get preliminary advice. Banks Garcia & Janis also states its primary operation in four courts: San Bernardino, Riverside, Pomona, and Downtown Los Angeles, indicating their active presence in these judicial districts. For cases that need to be litigated in other areas, the firm endeavors to help clients find suitable attorneys.

The firm's contact information, including the phone number (909) 980-0677 and mobile phone number +1 909-980-0677, provides easy access for direct inquiries, scheduling consultations, and maintaining communication. The firm's website (bankslaw.net) further serves as a valuable resource for detailed information about their practice areas and attorney profiles.

In conclusion, Banks Garcia & Janis in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, is a highly experienced and reputable law firm specializing in estate planning, probate (including litigation), business, and real estate law. With attorneys like Steve Janis praised for their knowledge, patience, honesty, and diligence, the firm offers comprehensive and client-focused legal services. Their emphasis on problem-solving, transparent communication, and a commitment to fair outcomes makes them a notable choice for individuals and businesses seeking legal representation in the Inland Empire through platforms like "Lawyers Near Me."