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15 Nov, 2019 by Radley
As a first time for sale by owner house seller I reached out to Rob based off of other reviews I had seen. I was not disappointed! He reviewed our contract before he even received the payment, always got back to us in a timely manner, answered all of our questions, and made us feel really comfortable. He joined us at closing and did the job of the title processor better than the actual title processor did! Rob is wonderful...if you need a real estate lawyer you need to choose him!
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09 Mar, 2015 by Tuy
Mr. Pope offered sound legal advice and helped to facilitate the resolvement of our legal disputes quickly, successfully. We are very happy with Mr. Pope proefessionalism, integrity, and strong legal background.
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19 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
It's hard to believe that a month ago I didn't even know Robert Pope. In the past few weeks, he has been the calm in a stormy sea. His manner has always been professional. His accessibility and competence have been reassuring during a most stressful time. Robert is a good listener, and an even better writer. His interactions with other members of the Bar are collegial and respectful, and I believe all of these qualities enabled us to resolve our contract dispute without need of litigation. I highly recommend Robert to any person seeking an honest, hard working attorney who possesses the highest level of intelligence and integrity. If a case can be settled, saving all concerned time and money, Robert will make it happen.
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22 Dec, 2020 by Al
I was between a rock a hard place and had to seek help in very short order, or I would lose my home to unfortunately circumstances. When I found Brian's information, I picked up the phone, on a whim, and assumed that I'd be leaving a voicemail and then waiting for days to hear back, as time was ticking away. I believe it was a weekend evening; phone started to ring and he answered right away! I was completely unprepared, but midst being very emotional and almost crying, I tried to explain my situation. He listened, he asked key questions, he seemed empathetic and he calmed me down by providing a few possible solutions. I hung up the phone feeling entirely different and relieved. From that point on we communicated by text message and a few phone calls, and he never missed a beat. He was immediately responsive, frank, to the point and ready to clarify my clueless questions. Long story short, he was able to stop a foreclosure within 24 hours. He then continued to guide me forward in solving my issues in a timely manner and closing that chapter of life. All of this was done without even meeting face to face (Covid). If only other professionals could take a note in being responsive, frank, blunt and effective as Brian, I'm sure many aspects of life would be far better than they are, for many. My family and I full heartedly recommend Brian's services.
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27 Jul, 2018 by Allen and lynne
My wife and I recently filed for bankruptcy. We met Brian who immediately let us know all the material he would need to proceed and information he would need to determine we could keep our house and car. He was available always to answer all questions even from our kids. He is professional and personable. knows his craft. We would recommend him to all.
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07 Nov, 2017 by Wondim
It was one fateful Friday evening when I reached out to Brian if he can help me save my house from the auction block on a Monday five years ago. His reply, 'sure I can if you do what I tell you'. People, take that important first step and call him. He talked with me in conversational words not loaded with legalese. At the end of that first call, I knew I had finally arrived at the solution that I was looking for. Through out the years, Brian was there to help me out with my case. Always courteous and professional. Needless to say he is extremely knowledgeable. I wholeheartedly recommend him with 10 stars (except the limit here is 5). Take that first step and reach out to him with your case.
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16 Dec, 2021 by Jose
Excellent job and customer service. They helped me with my process, now I have my green card.
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21 Oct, 2010 by Saul
As a US citizen I required Dr Park to take over the procedure in order to bring my daughter (Minor under 18) to the country. All paperwork was filed the same day, we had a response and got confirmation in less than 3 month keeping me informed at all steps of the process. PRICELESS!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Path of the veiled moon
I was very fortunate to have been matched with PJI through the Virginia State Bar. I had a very bad experience with a previously but Bret Giaimo was AMAZING. He took the time to understand my case and my needs. He took the time to explain things to me and showed me he truly cared. Can’t recommend this law firm enough!! THANK YOU!
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20 Sep, 2024 by Davey chamberlain
The team at PLC are highly knowledgeable and provide top notch service!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Yuliana alas
They are amazing they listen to everything you need!
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11 Aug, 2024 by Jaivin karnani
I had a terrible experience with Camille Crandall at Hicks Crandall Juhl, P.C. Her handling of my case was deeply flawed, leading to significant financial losses. Camille failed to secure an updated appraisal for a major asset, causing it to be grossly undervalued during my divorce proceedings. This oversight resulted in me losing a substantial amount of money. Additionally, her inadequate representation led to an unrealistic and excessive financial burden for me. When I sought accountability, I was met with threats and baseless accusations from her firm. I strongly advise against hiring Camille Crandall if you want competent and ethical legal representation. My experience with her has been a costly mistake.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Young ae choi
Susan and Haley are truly professionals with a clear sense of vocational calling. They were the lawyers who helped me through my divorce. Although my ex-partner appealed, and I consulted with other lawyers, the more I met with them, the more I realized how outstanding Susan and Haley are. They are not only professional but also genuinely kind-hearted. They answered all my questions promptly, often on the same day, and meticulously assisted me with every detail of my divorce, from beginning to end. I want to express my gratitude once again.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Anju varughese
Awful. Will never use Crandall again.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Tito montano
Muy buena atención responsabilidad, ética, y respeto.
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10 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
After being charged with DWI, dealing with other attorneys who had given up on my case and being left in the dark with almost zero chance of success was tremendously stressful. After contacting him, he is not only shown care but also taken the time to hear my side of the story and have treated me as more than simply a client. As a result, I’ve started to experience a wave of relief. Although, I had a very slim chance for a favorable outcome he made tireless efforts using his exceptional case-building skills and professionalism. He went through the intricate details of my case. Prior to court date he was ready to fight hard for my case in every direction using clever, clear and great plan of action to argue and strategically invalidate the prosecutor’s contention. He always returned my calls and emails and always gave me the assurance that we would get through that trying time. His experience and insights have driven my case from the beginning and have given me immense confidence. He arrived at court with assurance and tenacity. He provided a conclusion for my case that exceeded my expectations. I could not have asked for anyone better, and I am in awe of his legal knowledge. With the help of his dedicated assistance and competent legal counsel my charges dropped down. I’ll never forget the value of his services to my family and I. He was not only helping me to get back to the life by alleviating my stress and anxiety; he had also much surpassed what I expected and made me to feel that he was not only an excellent attorney, but an angel sent by God. Words cannot convey how much I’m very appreciative for his entire legal service & I would 1000% recommend his representation.
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04 Aug, 2019 by Andrew lingg
Came out to look at an issue we were having with our home builder. Asked us to write up a summary and they would let us know what options we have. I took the time to put together a detailed summary and never heard back. I followed up with them and they said they would give me a call, and never did. If you don’t want the work or don’t think we have a good case, why not just say so to my face instead of wasting my time?
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24 Jan, 2021 by Donald
I was successfully represented by this Attorney eight years ago. I recently had a reason to reach out to him for some advice and he was very kind and helpful.
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23 May, 2019 by Chris
I hired David to handle the very simple matter of filing a claim for me in a bankruptcy case. Then he disappeared and let the deadline for filing a claim pass. Now I am not eligible to file to get my money and David will not respond to my emails or phone calls. I filed a complaint with the Virginia State Bar and he replied (to them) that he made a mistake and would compensate me for my losses, but he continues to ignore my phone calls and emails for months now. Very unprofessional.
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28 Mar, 2017 by Gavan
I found David's advice to be excellent. He resolved a difficult and complicated issue for me with efficiency and skill. And his services were very reasonably priced.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Do for You

A bankruptcy lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses manage overwhelming debt by filing for bankruptcy or exploring alternatives to bankruptcy. They guide clients through the complex legal process of discharging or restructuring debts, represent them in court, and work to protect assets such as homes and cars. Bankruptcy lawyers can also help stop creditor harassment, wage garnishment, and foreclosures through bankruptcy protections.

If you're facing financial hardship, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy is the right option and assist you through the legal process.

When Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in the following situations:

  • Unmanageable debt: If you're unable to pay your bills and debts are piling up, a lawyer can help you explore options such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
  • Foreclosure or repossession: If your home is at risk of foreclosure or your vehicle is in danger of being repossessed, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you use bankruptcy protections to prevent this and potentially reorganize your debts.
  • Wage garnishment: If your wages are being garnished, filing for bankruptcy can stop garnishments and allow you to regain control of your finances.
  • Creditor harassment: If creditors are constantly calling or sending collection notices, a bankruptcy lawyer can stop these actions by filing for bankruptcy, which enacts an automatic stay that halts collection activities.
  • Small business debt: If your business is struggling with debt and cannot meet financial obligations, a lawyer can help you file for Chapter 11 (reorganization) or Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy.
  • Medical debt or credit card debt: If you have large amounts of unsecured debt like medical bills or credit card balances, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you seek relief through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer early in the process can prevent further financial damage and help you choose the best legal option for debt relief.

What Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Do?

A bankruptcy lawyer provides a range of services to help individuals and businesses handle their debts. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Evaluating your financial situation: Assessing your income, assets, debts, and expenses to determine if bankruptcy is the right option and which type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11) best suits your situation.
  • Filing bankruptcy petitions: Preparing and filing the necessary documents to initiate your bankruptcy case, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
  • Stopping creditor harassment: Once the bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay is enacted, which stops creditors from pursuing collection efforts. A lawyer ensures this protection is applied immediately.
  • Representing you in court: Representing you in court proceedings, including meetings with creditors and any hearings related to your case.
  • Negotiating with creditors: In Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 bankruptcies, negotiating a repayment plan that restructures your debts and allows you to manage payments more effectively.
  • Advising on asset protection: Guiding you on how to protect certain assets, such as your home or retirement savings, through available bankruptcy exemptions.
  • Explaining the impact on your credit: Informing you about how bankruptcy will affect your credit and advising on steps to rebuild your credit post-bankruptcy.

How Are Bankruptcy Lawyers Paid?

Bankruptcy lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways depending on the complexity of the case and the type of bankruptcy being filed. Common payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: Many bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee for handling Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. This fee usually covers the entire process, from preparing and filing paperwork to representing you in court.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as Chapter 11 bankruptcy (often used by businesses), some lawyers charge an hourly rate. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more.
  • Retainer: In cases where ongoing legal services are required, such as in Chapter 11 bankruptcies or complex Chapter 13 cases, a lawyer may request a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, as bankruptcy law requires lawyers to disclose all fees and ensure they are reasonable and fair.

How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer varies depending on the type of bankruptcy and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy: For individuals, legal fees usually range from $1,000 to $3,500. This flat fee generally covers the entire process.
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy: For individuals filing Chapter 13, legal fees typically range from $2,500 to $6,000. This cost is higher because of the additional work required to create and manage the repayment plan.
  • Chapter 11 bankruptcy (for businesses): Chapter 11 bankruptcy is more complex and usually more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size of the business and the complexity of the debt restructuring.
  • Filing fees: In addition to legal fees, there are also court filing fees, which are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2024.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand what services are included and whether payment plans are available.

Top Questions to Ask a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Before hiring a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with bankruptcy cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate, and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including filing fees and additional expenses.
  3. Which type of bankruptcy is best for me?
    Ask the lawyer to explain whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 is the best option based on your financial situation and long-term goals.
  4. What debts can be discharged?
    Ask which of your debts will be forgiven through bankruptcy and which debts (such as certain taxes or student loans) may not be dischargeable.
  5. How long will the process take?
    Bankruptcy cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last, from filing to discharge.
  6. Will I be able to keep my assets?
    Ask if you will be able to keep important assets, such as your home or car, and what exemptions might apply.
  7. What happens after bankruptcy?
    Ask about the impact of bankruptcy on your credit score and what steps you can take to rebuild your credit after the bankruptcy is finalized.

How to Check the Credibility of a Bankruptcy Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable bankruptcy lawyer, follow these 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 bankruptcy experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy cases.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on bankruptcy matters.
  • Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) or who have specialized bankruptcy law certifications.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • List of debts: Prepare a detailed list of all your debts, including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and any secured debts such as mortgages or car loans.
  • Income and expense records: Bring documents that show your current income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, and a list of your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, and other essential costs.
  • Asset information: Provide information on any assets you own, such as your home, car, investments, or other valuable property.
  • Credit reports: If possible, bring copies of your credit reports to give the lawyer a clear view of your financial situation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions you have about the bankruptcy process, the lawyer’s fees, and what to expect after filing for bankruptcy.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.

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