How do I choose an attorney for my bankruptcy?

1. Choose some one that will speak to you and meet with you personally. Ask to speak to the lawyer who will be handling your case on the telephone before you make the appointment. If the firm won’t let you speak to the lawyer who will be handling your case, call someone else.

2. Choose some one who will meet with you personally. Bankruptcy is an important decision. Don’t choose a firm that requires you to meet with an assistant to make this important decision.

3. Choose a lawyer who will handle your case personally. Too many law firms delegate your case to associates with little or no experience. Sometimes that lawyer has not even met the client prior to the hearing that is required.

4. Reputation. Choose someone who has satisfied clients. Ask to see recommendations from other clients. Also, call the State Bar of Arizona to see if the attorney has had serious problems with other clients.

5. Experience. Law school does not teach the practice of law. It's all book work. Make sure you choose someone who has been actively practicing for at least 10 years and actively practices in the bankruptcy court.

6. Aggressive Representation. Most bankruptcy lawyers are not trial lawyers. So when a conflict arises that requires court appearances, they often send the case to another lawyer. In my years practicing law, I have tried over 200 cases in court. So I am no stranger to the courtroom. Although most cases do not become contested, its good to know that your attorney can handle whatever might come up.

7. Personal Guarantee. In 1986 I became the first lawyer that I know of that offered a money back guarantee. It's simple. If I am unable to obtain a discharge in your case, based on the information you provide me, I will return every dollar you paid me. There is only one “catch” to this guarantee, you have to provide me with accurate information.

8. Confidential Service. I promise when you hire my services, I handle your bankruptcy case myself. Our lawyer-client relationship is between you and me. Period.

9. Fair and reasonable Fees. When you hire my services, you are not paying for a penthouse suite of offices or a huge support staff of secretaries and assistants. I keep close watch on my overhead and regularly monitor my fees to make sure they are fair and reasonable for both of us. You don’ want a cheap lawyer who charges so little that he goes out of business. Nor do you want the most expensive lawyer who charges you for the paintings on his walls. The best lawyer-client relationship is the one when both you and I are happy. I promise to work with you to that end.