Two attorneys · distinct strengths
The person you meet is the person who knows your matter.
Bird & Van Dyke is intentionally personal. Mary Ann leads criminal and federal defense. David leads bankruptcy and debt-relief work. Both bring local roots, decades of California practice and direct client attention.
Stockton based. Serving clients across the Central Valley and Northern California.
Partner · Criminal & federal defense
Mary Ann F. Bird
Mary Ann has spent her career seeing the criminal legal system from more than one angle—as a prosecutor, a public defender and private defense counsel. That perspective informs a defense style built on disciplined preparation, close client contact and attention to the detail others may overlook.
Criminal defense · Federal defense · DUI · Serious felonies · White-collar matters
2000
Eastern District of California · Northern District of California · U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Past positions
- Deputy Public Defender, San Joaquin County, 2001–2004
- Deputy District Attorney, San Joaquin County, 2000–2001
Education
- J.D., Humphreys College, 1999
- B.A., Rhetoric, University of California, Berkeley, 1989
Understand the person and future behind the file, then prepare with the assumption that every relevant detail matters.
Partner · Bankruptcy & debt relief
David S. Van Dyke
David has practiced in California since 1991. His work focuses on helping people understand debt, property, creditor pressure and the real differences between Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and available alternatives.
Consumer bankruptcy · Debt discharge · Foreclosure · Garnishment · Estate administration
1991
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, 1993
Education
- J.D., Humphreys College, Stockton
Separate the fear created by financial stress from the legal choices that actually exist, then build a practical plan.
A small-firm advantage
Clear ownership. Direct communication.
Clients should know who is responsible for their matter, how to reach the office and what happens next. At Bird & Van Dyke, legal work is organized around the attorney whose focus fits the problem.
A steady first step
Meet the team before you choose the firm.
Call for a free initial consultation and a clear conversation about who would handle your matter and what the next step may be.