Schaefer, Elwyn F.

Renee Sawyer was an integral part in starting the San Fernando Trust operation in 1999 where she served as the Senior Staff Attorney for Elizabeth Rojas, the Chapter 13 Trustee in the San Fernando Valley and Northern Divisions. In addition to almost ten years with Ms. Rojas, Renee was also a Staff Attorney for Nancy Curry, the Trustee in the Los Angeles Division for five years.

Renee’s volunteer work at both the Long Beach and the Los Angeles Legal Aid was instrumental in her decision to become an attorney. It was during her years at the Family Financial Crisis Clinic that she developed a keen sense of the dilemma families in financial trouble face. She recognized the difficulties families face in their attempts to obtain practical and compassionate legal advice dealing with the realities of their situation.

Renee’s ongoing goal is to assist people in financial trouble. In each aspect of her career, her focus has been on allowing people in financial trouble to have a fair playing field and the opportunity to make a fresh start.

Renee has conducted many workshops and seminars on budgeting and financial issues to various groups in the community, including: senior citizens, families in shelters, high school students and the unemployed.

Renee has a Law Degree from Loyola Law School and a Masters in Business Administration from CSULB. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Renee was a controller for a small corporation and also did consulting for small businesses.

Renee was an extern for the Honorable Kathleen T. Thompson, United States Bankruptcy Judge, worked for a small Chapter 11 practice and had her own practice for three years.

Renee is now an attorney with Simon & Resnik, working out of the Los Angeles Office.