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 entire case to assistants with little or no experience.

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 a firm that 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. 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.

8. 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.

9. Free Meeting with Experienced Attorney.

Our initial meeting will not be a sales presentation.  You will not be pressured in any way to hire us to file a bankruptcy. I like to call it a "game plan" meeting.  We will discuss your situation in detail and explain how the law bankruptcy would apply.  Sometimes we discover non- bankruptcy alternatives that may produce better results for you. 

What you can expect from this meeting:

1. A through review of your situation;

2. Your questions answered in plain English;

3. A review of the advantages and disadvantages of a bankruptcy filing in your situation;

4. An outline of the different options available that fit your situation;

5. A review of any non-bankruptcy options that may effectively deal with the problems you are facing;

6. A step by step explanation of the bankruptcy process and what will be expected of you;

7. Plenty of time to discuss your questions and concerns;

8. Follow up questions answered by telephone or email without an additional fee;

9. An explanation of how we charge and what it will cost for us to handle your bankruptcy;

To schedule your meeting, please call us at 480-820-0800.