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05 Aug, 2016 by Katie
Mr. Mulvaney was extremely pro-active about helping us get justice in our lanlord-tenant dispute. He was very pleasant to work with and made sure to make us feel comfortable about our case even though it was very sensitive for us to talk about. From the get-go he was very upfront and straightforward about how our case was going to work, what we needed to get together for a successful case, and how payment would be handeled. Mr. Mulvaney was very helpful in helping us ammend our answer and counterclaim. He spent numerous hours on the phone with us before meeting us in person in order to take our case. He was very kind, and humble and did not pressure us about payment or our choice in attorney. On the day of our first settlement mediation with our landlord and his attorney we were not expecting what transpired to have transpired what-so-ever. In fact we did not expect to be able to reach an agreement on our first day of mediation. Instead Mr. Mulvaney showed up early, and made sure to inform us (seeing as how this was our first time dealing with a legal battle) of how the mediation would transpire, and what to expect from our landlord and his attorney, as well as some advice on how not to act in this situation. Mr. Mulvaney did not make us feel intimidated or uneasy, but rather confident in our case. He was very kind as magistrates and other lawyers walked by saying hello to each of them and telling us a little about each one and how he knew them. He was extremely humble and courteous. As our landlord's attorney walked in Mr. Mulvaney informed us of who he was, and told us that he was representing our landlord in this mediation. After a short time of going over everything once more with us, he politely walked over to our landlord's attorney, introduced himself and spoke with him about our expectations. Before even entering the mediation chamber he was able to reach an agreement that was better than what we had hoped for with the other party. Mr. Mulvaney kept a very cool, and collected composure with the other party, and stayed firm with our settlement number. He advised us to keep our composure even though we were extremely happy with the outcome while he entered the mediation chamber with the other party to draw up our settlement agreement. Not only did our case not have to go to trial, but we got exactly what we had hoped for, and were able to reach an agreement before even going into mediation. Mr. Mulvaney gave us hope when we were feeling hopeless, and he took such a heavy load of stress off of our shoulders by taking our case and so graciously approaching our concerns. We will be using Mr. Mulvaney again in the future should we have any issues, and will reccommend him to ANYONE in a troubled situation regarding a landlord/tenant dispute. Mr. Mulvaney is a GREAT lawyer, he is easy-going, and easy to talk to, he is humble, and takes his clients' concerns seriously, and most importantly, he got justice for us when we were fearful and hopeless. He turned a very unfortunate situation for us into a wonderful resolve.
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27 Mar, 2016 by Harriet
I own a 6-unit apartment building and wanted to be very clear on the leases what my rights and responsibilities are and those of the tenants should there be any problem with bedbugs. I was a bit hesitant to see an attorney but I am so glad I contacted Mr. Mulvaney. He has expert knowledge and is very easy to work with. My leases have been revised in a number of areas. Highly recommend for any real estate issues.
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22 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
When we came home from vacation to find 5 of our 30 year old pine trees cut down, the police told us we needed a civil attorney. We contacted Paul Kray. He met with us quickly and was very knowledgeable, also offering several alternatives. He is quite willing to take the case but also said he is your neighbor so try to work it out with him first. I was impressed with his common sense and honesty.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Kevin
As a start-up company, we contacted Paul Kray and he demonstrated knowledge of our needs and an appreciation of our budget and helped us get incorporated, review vendor agreements and catch issues that we otherwise would not have identified. He helped us get off to the right start and his ongoing support has helped our continued success. I highly recommend for small to midsize businesses clients.
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05 Jul, 2019 by Hugh james
My wife and I have used Attorney Mark Sweeney many times. We hired him to draft a stock purchase agreement when when bought the shares of our family business from the original co-owners. After the purchase was complete, he amended the company's articles of organization on file with the Secretary of State. Finally, we hired him to prepare our wills. At all times Mr. Sweeney accommodated our busy schedules and was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Attorney Sweeney for small business matters.
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24 Oct, 2018 by Linda
I have been a client of Mark Sweeney since 2015 when I hired him to prepare an estate plan. During that time he offered on his own initiative to review my business income taxes, which a national chain had always prepared. Mark suggested strategies which we implemented in tax years 2016 and beyond that have reduced my total taxes by 40% per year.
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07 Jan, 2016 by Andrew
John was invaluable to me and my family following my accident last fall. He was on top of all aspects of the court and litigation process. Never had to wait long for a response, and he was eager to answer all my questions and lay out all my options. In the end, he helped to secure my family's well being in a difficult time.
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13 Jun, 2013 by Jason
John was great at litigating an issue I had with my HOA. He was very professional and responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend John, and plan on using him in the future if needed.
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19 Dec, 2016 by Kristen
Gretchen Weston has been our attorney on multiple matters and has always been efficient and extremely competent. Thank you!!!
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30 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
I used Ms. Weston for my divorce and found her to be extremely caring, tough and a great listener all in one package! Her prices are fair...as a lawyers can be, and she was willing to work with me! Go Ms. Weston!
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13 May, 2016 by Steve
Chuck has worked with our various entities on over 30 matters. From landlord/tenant disputes (both sides), contract litigation, evictions, multi-million dollar property acquisitions, and even an adverse possession claim, he has handled each matter with professionalism and competence.
For more complex matters, he has built a team of other attorneys and professionals with the skills and experience to get each unique situation resolved. He works diligently on every case, communicating effectively with us along the way. He has gone far above and beyond anything I have ever expected, often handling the roles of attorney, advisor, and negotiator.
Chuck also has a unique ability to keep calm and collected in situations where the opposing litigant (and occasionally the opposing counsel) has been extremely unreasonable and/or aggressive. This calm has allowed us to settle matters that, had cooler heads not prevailed, would have gone to trial, costing us far more in legal expenses and given us an uncertain outcome.
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19 Apr, 2016 by George
Chuck Royer literally saved my practice. Initially, he was brought in as co-council (to avoid being "homered") for the corporate attorney who was originally representing me. As time went on the other attorney became difficult to reach and was delaying a settlement by dragging his feet. When it became painfully apparent that the case was not being handled in a way that was in my best interest, Chuck took over at my request and settled the case within 2 weeks. Not only could the law suit have dragged on another two or three months, but it would have cost me a fortune, and left me bankrupt. Further delay would also have turned the judge against me since my side would have been responsible for the delay in reaching a settlement. Instead of remaining in the backseat and watching my case slip away while still being paid as a bystander (co-council) as a third attorney did, Chuck listened to my concerns, showed compassion for my situation and quietly took charge, while still maintaining good terms with my other attorneys who were nonetheless valuable for arguing the details of my case. Even though he was brought into the case five months after it had begun and as one of three attorneys representing me, Chuck was able to distill the case into its essential parts, identify what key elements had to be accomplished in order to reach a settlement, and then saw to it that all the players (including my other attorneys, the judge, and the opposing council) acted in a timely fashion in order to push the long over due settlement through. Chuck Royer is an extremely competent attorney, but his compassion for me, his client, is what made him uniquely qualified to settle a case that two other attorneys could not. Thank you, Chuck!
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22 Mar, 2021 by Michael
I retained Molly for a review of a current contract and how it could be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. I asked for her expertise when it came time to amend said contract. Throughout the entire process she was very prompt in returning clarification to my many questions and provided guidance on how to navigate a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Molly and plan to utilize her expertise in the future. Thank you!
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28 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I retained Molly as counsel for an issue, and found her to be an experienced expert in her field. She responded quickly to questions, and gave sound, dispassionate advice. She rapidly navigated the process and brought it to a quick, favorable conclusion. Her work, demeanor, availability and knowledge were excellent.
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22 May, 2020 by James
I switched to him in the middle of my divorce case and I have zero regrets. I am picky with selections and I would highly recommend him for a divorce. He dealt with a lot of BS in my case and had no issues. Even after the divorce was finalized, he still responds and addresses any issues that arise. Well worth the extra money you may pay compared to someone else. Thank you for everything
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21 Jul, 2015 by Lauren
Attorney Giannini is a very respected and experienced lawyer. I used him for my domestic relations case. He is very knowledgeable and always kept me informed as to what I could expect. He did very well for me.
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30 May, 2018 by Matthew
After receiving a summons regarding past debt, I inquired with several RI lawyers that specialize in debt. I found Mr. Longo to be the most knowledgeable, by far. I met with and hired Mr. Longo to address the situation. He handled it in a very timely manner and was successful. He also refunded me part of the retainer fee due to the case being resolved so quickly. I will hire him again if I ever need help with anything regarding his specialties. I strongly recommend Mr. Longo
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27 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I recently met with Mr. Longo for a consultation on a summons I received. He was very informative, offered tons of advice and he even drew a diagram to help explain how debt collection works. He even offered to meet me on a weekend day, which works great when you're a busy mom who works full time. I would recommend him to anyone who needs representation and advice.
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19 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired David in 2014, a year and a half we had our trial. The long wait was just circumstances, not David.
He is not a dirty lawyer, no tricks etc. He was extremely honest with me, with the other party, the judge and other lawyers.
I'm a father, I had joint custody from 2008 forward. We had a GAL. In 2015 we had a two day trial. I received sole physical and legal custody. The mother also had to pay $8000 of my legal fees.
There was a lot of manipulation, lots of badmouthing. Patients is key in all this. David was very good at keeping me calm, giving me advice, sometimes what seemed like daily. He answered my calls way more often than most lawyers would. Very personal relationship with David was established.
David far exceeded my expectations, he earned every penny I gave him and then some. He was always on time, always called when he said he would.
This was a long painful experience but David made it pleasant from time to time. Thank you David for all you have done for me and our family!!!!
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13 Oct, 2012 by Nadine
I hired David Walk to write my Last Will & Testament, Living Will, and Power of Attorney, and I had a very positive experience. Mr. Walk explained the process and legal language in simple terms, which was important to me because English is my second language. I felt that he really listened to what I wanted and he made me feel like an important client. I am happy with the Will Package and would definitely hire Mr. Walk again.
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21 May, 2013 by Debbie
Mr. Walker represented me and my siblings in a case against another family member, after our parents passed away. He's very professional and honest. Mr. Walker gave us alot of good advice on how to handle our case. I really beleive he's one of the good guys, not out for just the money! He told me what paper work and things that I could do myself for our case. That saved us alot of money. Him and his staff was always good to return my calls and answer my questions. I highly recommend his services!
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08 Jan, 2015 by Bill
Sandy Bowen handled my separation and divorce with the utmost professionalism and was able to take me through a very difficult process with positive results. Sandy took the time to fully understand the dynamics of my case, determined what I wanted to achieve and gave me realistic advice on what to expect and not expect at trial. Sandy Bowen was very organized and fully prepared during the several times we were in court. I was impressed with how she presented the facts of my case and her abilty to cross examine and interact with the judge and citing other cases for precident. Most impressive was how she explored the law and suggested the use of a vocational expert to represent earnings potential of my spouse. I found Sandy to be very down to earth and easy to relate to and a true collaborator. While no one is comfortable in this kind of situation where results in court can be unpredictable, I had a feeling with Sandy Bowen that she was working in my best interest.
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31 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
I had a phone consultation with Rachel about an issue concerning my dogs. She immediately provided me with the relevant ordinance law and made a recommendation for how to proceed. I followed her advice and as a result avoided having the situation escalate to where I’d need to hire a lawyer. I will definitely keep Rachel in mind if I ever need a kind and helpful representative!
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21 Feb, 2022 by Rick
This is one Hot lawyer! Beautiful! And not only nice to look at she is very knowledgeable on the law. Very pretty! This is one person you would really like to get to know better. I sure would! I can't wait till the next time we get together
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18 Jul, 2016 by Amber
Mr. Carter was an absolute pleasure to work with. Although we had a set idea of what to expect during my husband's hearing the result was completely the opposite. Instead of my husband having to spend time in jail, Mitch was able to get the same sentence in community service instead. We cannot ever express our appreciation and gratitude to him.
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23 Mar, 2022 by Brenda
Mr. Forton listened to me and was great help. He and all the people at Legal Services are great help.
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04 Mar, 2015 by Paul
I had a judgment against an individual who did not want to pay me. He did not work on the books and was great at hiding his assets through llcs and the like. I was not able to get in contact with this individual as he traveled state to sate across the country. Basically, a nightmare for wanting to collect on my judgment. So, I was referred to Jay Scheinfield. Right away, he was able to get a complete report of this individual's information including his aliasis, properties owned, income, and much, much more. He called this individual, his wife, associates, and was very thorough in working to collect on my judgment. He was available when I needed to communicate with him and always worked towards my best interest.
My overall experience was a very positive one.
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23 Jul, 2013 by Jen
Tony is a very competent lawyer with knowledge on a multitude of areas. He has gone way above & beyond what was required. He will take however long it takes to answer your questions & advise you on a pending matter even if it's after hours. He is very easy to reach & will email/call you the same day. He treats his clients w/professionalism & respect. Tony is very easy to talk to & isn't one of those fast talking lawyers that leaves you feeling uneasy. He has a very pleasant demeanor & will take the time to explain himself. His rates are also VERY reasonable & he doesn't over-bill or nitpick time spent on your case like most other lawyers do. I've dealt with MANY lawyers throughout my life & he is one in a million!
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30 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
I sincerely mean everything I am about to say about Ed Kelleher, and I have extremely high expectations of my legal council which was exceeded by Ed. My case was a federal non-competition, non-solicitation and trade secrets case my prior employer filed against me. Large company with a lot of money. Ed proved to me he was very knowledgeable and experienced in these areas. He is excellent at analyzing the situation, foreseeing each possible outcome to determine what steps should be taken, and when, to achieve what we wanted. He is very level headed, and he does not let emotion dictate what action is needed in a case. He has excellent listening and communication skills which is great for those he represents, and bad for opposing council. He has high morals and ethics too. The best review of a person is answering the question, would you hire him again? Absolutely! Better yet, I have referred several others because I trust him with thier difficult legal situations. (Yes, we won!)
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11 Mar, 2015 by Cristin
My husband and I found Chip very professional, but also easy to talk to. He listened and then shared his thoughts in a way we could understand. I appreciated his no-nonsense approach, giving us our options straight, and also making sure we understood before we decided which path to take.
I would recommend Chip!
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01 May, 2015 by Stacy
Christine was very trustworthy and help our family with a difficult adoption. She was kind, sweet and very knowledgeable. I am so thankful we found her!!!!!!!!!!
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23 May, 2016 by Ce
Great attorney!! Never thought I would say those words. But, Mr. Blackwell laid out every option for our problem. Incredibly intelligent on every aspect of debt and bankruptcy.
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27 Jan, 2015 by Dimnd
This attorney assisted me regarding questions on statutes of limitations for small claims landlord matters. There was no Utah Code per se regarding limitations of actions. Thus, I learned I had more time to file the claim as Shane explained things to me and listened and responded attentively with a phone call out of the blue.
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18 May, 2021 by Chris
James Dunkelberger was my litigator on a suit I filed against an errant Uncle who was trustee of my Grandpa's estate. Said Uncle ran to the "No. 1" law firm in the state to defend our suit. When that "didn't work" Uncle ran to the "No. 2" law firm in the State. Hilarity ensued!
It was a 15 month fight into which both James and I each put a lot of time but in the end the beneficiaries on my side got 87% of what their full inheritance would have been and that's a lot better than some on Errant Uncle's side ended up with.
My brief take away is that I would never hire one of those "Big Firms." What you need is a good facts and a great lawyer who is honest, smart, clever and professional (did I say smart?).
It was a long slog but we had good facts and James is a great lawyer and all of those things above. He was instrumental to our favorable outcome.
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26 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Our company found itself the defendant of an action that put significant and unanticipated financial strain at a time when we were attempting to double our capacity. Ted Cundick was our guide, studied resource, and pragmatic problem solver through our very complicated matter. His representation of our company was crucial. While very seldom does either party "win" entirely, Mr. Cundick methodically guided our case to resolution that definitely was a win for us. It is with pleasure that we would recommend Ted Cundick to those seeking an appropriately aggressive problem solver.
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05 May, 2015 by Jennifer
I had William Burrell as my lawyer back in 2005. Now I'm referring a dear friend of mine that has had unfortunate medical issues, equaling a lot of financial debt. Trying to pay something to all these creditors which are mainly hospitals, Dr's, and getting know where. $5.00 here 10.00 there. So I gave him Williams number hoping he can help. I'm sure he can. Very honest, responsive, knowledgeable and always kept me informed of my proceedings. I know its years later, but I would like to Thank you for everything you had done for me back then, to help me get a fresh start to financial security, whatever that is.
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14 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Eric Kraft is the best of the best. He's a concerned person, knowledgeable, goes the extra mile to get all the details, listens closely, and is true professional. In the courtroom he is confident but not arrogant, gives a smooth presentation in front of the judge, and speaks clearly so everyone can understand. He never shows signs of frustration or loses his cool. He won one case for me and now I have him working on another one. I have confidence the outcome will be the same as the first.
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04 Jul, 2015 by Rezq
She really helped through the divorce process. Always reminded me not to be emotional and only focus on my children. Thanks Kelli, you are the best
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06 Dec, 2019 by Bridgitte
Peter was referred to me by a friend who told me to call his office in Wall Township to get a referral for an attorney in my local area (Hoboken). Peter gave me clear step by step instructions to take when my tenants (self-proclaimed millennials) move out in order to collect unpaid rent. They have now left and I plan to use Peter if the security plus last month’s rent does not cover costs until I fill new tenancy. I appreciated Peter’s time to advise me with empathy in my situation.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Ashley
Russell is fast, professional, and friendly. He made me feel totally at ease at my hearing. He is very personable. His pricing is more than fair and he will do his best to work with you.
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Debt Collection Lawyer Can Do for You
A debt collection lawyer helps individuals and businesses navigate legal matters related to debt collection. Whether you’re a creditor seeking to recover unpaid debts or a debtor facing aggressive collection actions, a debt collection lawyer can provide valuable assistance. These lawyers help creditors pursue legal action to collect overdue debts and ensure compliance with debt collection laws. On the debtor’s side, they help defend against unlawful collection practices, negotiate repayment plans, or file for bankruptcy if necessary.
If you’re dealing with a debt collection issue, a lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and work toward a resolution that aligns with your financial or business needs.
When Should I Hire a Debt Collection Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a debt collection lawyer if you are facing any of the following situations:
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For Creditors:
- Unpaid debts: If you’re a creditor (such as a business or individual) with unpaid invoices, loans, or accounts receivable, a lawyer can help you pursue legal action to recover the debt.
- Debtor refuses to pay: When a debtor is unwilling or unable to make payments, a lawyer can assist with filing lawsuits, securing judgments, and enforcing those judgments to collect the debt.
- Negotiating repayment plans: If you’re willing to work with a debtor to arrange a payment plan, a lawyer can negotiate and draft a legally enforceable agreement.
- Legal representation in court: If a debtor disputes the debt or countersues, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure your legal interests are protected.
- Securing liens or garnishments: A lawyer can help you secure liens on a debtor’s property or garnishments on their wages to recover the owed debt.
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For Debtors:
- Facing debt collection lawsuits: If you’ve been sued by a creditor or collection agency, a lawyer can represent you in court and help you defend against the claim or negotiate a settlement.
- Debt collection harassment: If creditors or debt collection agencies are harassing you or violating your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a lawyer can help stop the harassment and potentially sue for damages.
- Negotiating debt settlements: If you owe a significant amount of money but want to avoid bankruptcy, a lawyer can negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount owed or set up a payment plan.
- Disputing a debt: If you believe a debt is incorrect or have been wrongfully targeted by debt collectors, a lawyer can help you dispute the claim and provide evidence to resolve the matter.
- Bankruptcy options: If your debts are overwhelming and you’re unable to repay them, a debt collection lawyer can help you explore bankruptcy as an option for debt relief.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help you protect your financial interests and avoid escalating legal issues.
What Does a Debt Collection Lawyer Do?
A debt collection lawyer provides a variety of services depending on whether they are representing the creditor or the debtor. Their responsibilities often include:
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For Creditors:
- Filing lawsuits: A lawyer can file a lawsuit against a debtor who has failed to pay what they owe. This includes preparing and submitting legal documents, representing you in court, and pursuing judgments.
- Negotiating settlements: If the debtor is willing to settle, the lawyer can negotiate a payment arrangement or reduced settlement that ensures you recover some or all of the debt.
- Securing judgments and enforcement: After obtaining a court judgment, a lawyer can help enforce it through methods like wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens.
- Reviewing contracts and agreements: A lawyer can review your contracts and lending agreements to ensure that they comply with the law and are enforceable if a debtor defaults.
-
For Debtors:
- Defending against debt collection lawsuits: If you’re being sued by a creditor, a lawyer can challenge the lawsuit, dispute the debt’s validity, or negotiate a more favorable settlement.
- Stopping harassment: If debt collectors are using unlawful practices to collect a debt (such as threatening you or contacting you excessively), a lawyer can intervene and protect your rights.
- Negotiating debt relief: A lawyer can negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount of debt you owe or develop a manageable payment plan that suits your financial situation.
- Disputing inaccurate debts: If a debt is not valid, a lawyer can help you gather evidence to dispute the claim and prevent further collection actions.
- Filing for bankruptcy: If your debts are overwhelming, a lawyer can advise you on whether filing for bankruptcy is the best option and help you through the process.
How Are Debt Collection Lawyers Paid?
Debt collection lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways depending on the complexity of the case and whether they represent a creditor or debtor. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many debt collection lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity. Hourly fees are common when the lawyer is representing either party in litigation or negotiation.
- Contingency fee: For creditors, some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover the debt. Their fee is typically a percentage of the recovered amount, usually ranging from 20% to 40%.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as reviewing a contract, drafting a demand letter, or defending a straightforward debt collection lawsuit, a lawyer may charge a flat fee.
- Retainer: For larger or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer fee ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected duration.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation and understand the total cost of their services before proceeding with your case.
How Much Does a Debt Collection Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a debt collection lawyer depends on whether you are a creditor or debtor, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Most debt collection lawyers charge between $150 and $500 per hour. Complex cases involving litigation or large amounts of money may result in higher legal fees.
- Contingency fees: If the lawyer works on a contingency basis, they typically charge between 20% and 40% of the recovered amount. For example, if you recover $10,000 and the contingency fee is 30%, the lawyer would take $3,000.
- Flat fees: For simpler services like drafting a demand letter or responding to a debt collection lawsuit, flat fees may range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the work required.
- Retainers: For larger or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer fee ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected duration.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to avoid surprises and ensure that the services fit your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Debt Collection Lawyer
Before hiring a debt collection lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with debt collection cases?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether you’re a creditor or debtor. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, on a contingency fee basis, or a flat fee, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Debt collection cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last, from filing the claim to recovering the debt or resolving the dispute. -
What are my legal rights?
Ask the lawyer to explain your rights as a creditor or debtor, including protections under laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Debt Collection Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable debt collection lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for debt collection experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in debt collection law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and ability to handle debt collection cases.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on debt collection matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for certifications or memberships in organizations like the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA) or other relevant associations that focus on debt collection law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a debt collection lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
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For Creditors:
- List of outstanding debts: Bring a detailed list of the debts owed to you or your business, including invoices, contracts, or other supporting documentation.
- Previous communication with the debtor: Provide copies of any emails, letters, or phone call logs showing attempts to collect the debt.
- Contracts or agreements: Bring any contracts or agreements related to the debt, as they may be critical in proving your case.
- Judgment information (if applicable): If you’ve already obtained a court judgment against the debtor, bring the judgment documents and any enforcement attempts.
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For Debtors:
- Debt collection letters or notices: Bring any correspondence from creditors or collection agencies, including demand letters and collection notices.
- Payment records: Provide proof of any payments made toward the debt, including receipts, canceled checks, or bank statements.
- Debt validation or dispute documentation: If you’ve disputed the debt or requested validation, bring copies of the dispute letters and the creditor’s response.
- Legal summons or lawsuit documentation: If you’re facing a lawsuit, bring the court summons, complaint, and any legal documents related to the case.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best legal advice tailored to your needs.
