James S. K. "Ike" Shulman

Ike Shulman is an attorney and nationally known bankruptcy expert who has dedicated his professional career to defending the rights of working people.

After earning a BA from the University of Wisconsin, Ike received his law degree from Santa Clara University and passed the California State Bar in 1985. In 1995 he formed his own firm, which specializes in consumer and small business bankruptcy. Over the past 25 years he has helped thousands of clients with debt and credit problems achieve a fresh financial start.

In 1992, Ike recognized a serious and growing problem for his clients. Large banks and credit card companies were actively pushing federal legislation to reduce the rights of individuals with debt and credit problems by making radical changes in bankruptcy laws. He became a co-founder of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), and served as its first president from 1992-96. Today, the organization has over 3000 members from all over the United States. Ike remains active in NACBA, serving as its Treasurer and as Chair of NACBA's Legislative Committee, working directly with Congressional leaders for legislation that supports the rights of consumers.

In July, 2004, Ike was selected by the Bankruptcy Judges of the Northern District of California to serve a three year term on the Court's prestigious Bench Bar Liaison Committee.  This committee of thirteen attorneys and trustees consults with the Court on important issues in the bankruptcy arena.  In July 2006 Ike was chosen to serve as Chair of the Committee.

Ike has received many awards for his leadership and success. Martindale-Hubbell, the prestigious source for independent information about the legal profession, has given him the highest possible rating, indicating "very high to preeminent legal ability and very high ethical standards as established by confidential opinions from members of the Bar.

"My commitment is to help each client work out a personalized solution, and do it in an atmosphere that is welcoming, informational and stress free," he says. "I've intentionally kept my firm at a size where I can give my individual time to each and every client I represent." 

When a new bankruptcy law went into effect in 2005, Ike quickly immersed himself in the new law, and was selected by NACBA as one of a handful of trainers to educate over 3000 attorneys on how to practice under the new law.  "The new law put up a number of roadblocks to keep working people from getting a fresh start," Ike says with passion in his voice.  "But we have learned to work with the new law, and are achieving excellent results for our clients."

Ike and his wife Margaret, a retired special education teacher, live in Silicon Valley and have raised their family there. Ike is also a dedicated San Jose Sharks fan.