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12 Feb, 2015 by Annette
Brian Wheeler is an amazing attorney. He walked me through a very long and complicated bankruptcy. He is knowledgeable, professional, and caring. In the end, I was able to eliminate all my credit card debt and keep my house. Filing bankruptcy with him was one of the best decisions I have ever made. His fees are very reasonable and well worth all the time and service he gives to his clients. I really can't imagine going through this process without a good attorney, I would highly recommend him to anyone thinking of bankruptcy!
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26 Sep, 2014 by Kelly
I cannot sing Brian's praises loud enough. I found him through an Internet search engine after my wages started being garnished. My financial life was in a spiral after a particularly difficult separation from my spouse. Brian was quick to respond to my email inquiry, set up an immediate appointment, walked me through the process step by step and reassured me the entire way. Due to the garnishment, he worked extra hard to make sure my case was ready to file ASAP. I literally had a case number within 8 hours of our first meeting. I was astonished at his "drop everything and help you" attitude. I've worked with lawyers in the past that have made the legal process drag on forever. Brian's knowledge, positive attitude, fabulous communication (through phone and email), and friendly personality was the rock that I needed to get through a scary time. Highly recommend him to anyone who is struggling financially.
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31 Jul, 2014 by Brandon
We were going through a rough time, I mean lose everything brought time and he helped us by holding are hand the whole way. I would recommend him to any one who needs to stop people harassing them because of situation out of are control.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer ramirez
10 Dec, 2024 by Matt anderson
Steven is an outstanding representative for someone who is going through a divorce. He communicates through the whole process and keeps you up to date. I would have him represent me or any of my friends.
Thank you
Steven
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05 Dec, 2024 by Goldie stay
I consulted with Mr. Leskin today. I appreciated his proactive approach, his willingness to help and the information he provided. Thankfully I am not needing to retain an attorney - so this review is not based on me being a client. However, I was impressed with my call with Mr. Leskin today & I wanted to post a review.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Valorie
After finding myself in a sudden and major life crisis last year and without the resources needed to deal with it, I contacted my local legal aide office for direction.
They connected me with Michelle Freed, who graciously took on my case.
I was treated with great respect and sensitivity as well as consistent support as I was walked through every step of the bankruptcy process. Her staff, primarily James Thompson Morales, patiently explained the documentation needed and answered my frequent, sometimes repeated questions.
I am very, very grateful of the success of the outcome of my case and relieved of a major life stressor.
I highly recommend Michelle Freed and her staff to anyone facing such a need and truly feel I could not have found a better team to assist me with a seemingly impossible chapter of my Life!
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23 May, 2022 by Alan
From my first encounter and conversation with Michelle I knew I was in good hands. She did everything possible and used her legal skills to apply the needed pressure to get this Internet bank to respond and ultimately recover my hacked funds. I am grateful to have met Michelle through this transaction and legal advice and would highly recommend her services to anyone in my sphere.
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23 Mar, 2022 by Jennifer t
Michelle was super helpful with information in dealing with a creditor. Thanks to her, I have some hope in getting my problem fixed. Thank you, Michelle!
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27 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
In providing legal services to our business for a number of professional concerns over the past year Ms. Jaffe has proven herself to be an attentive, responsive, and tenacious advocate. She has expertly taken us through the process of identifying and reviewing points of concern, presented our options and lead us to successful resolutions.
Through all of our interactions Ms. Jaffe has demonstrated an ability to address our legal concerns with a fine balance of empathy and sober dedication to protecting our interests.
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24 Sep, 2010 by Kate
Melissa has helped us understand our needs around intellectual property and contractor agreements for our small online business. She not only has expert knowledge in these areas, but she has an empathic skillfulness in explaining the process and what we needed to know to make good decisions.
We're looking forward to continuing our work with her for further legal assessment and support as needed.
For those of us entrepreneurial types wanting to do business ethically and with heart and often somewhat reluctant to retain lawyers, Melissa provides a sturdy bridge between doing business differently and taking care to cover ourselves legally.
We look forward to a long term relationship with Melissa as our lawyer.
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23 Sep, 2010 by Mark
As a small business owner with a small budget legal advice and support has been one of those things that we've needed for a long time, and have avoided out of nervousness about cost and about legal issues themselves.
Melissa has been fantastic- she's speaks our language and gets us, listens and truly hears us, and has been totally on top of what we needed. She's really guided us through the process of putting a critical part of our legal structure in place.
At this point, basically she's our lawyer, and we'll be doing more work with her in the coming years.
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04 Sep, 2011 by Peter
Joe Field is a really good listener who challenges us with tough questions that make us think and get us involved. Joe is great at analyzing difficult situations and at coming up with efficient solutions. Joe takes the stress out of working with a lawyer and always seems to be on top of things. Joe knows how to cut to the chase and to get results in court and through direct negotiations too. I give Joe my strongest recommendation.
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01 Sep, 2011 by Steve
Great attorney, really smart, always honest and fair. Great guy too. I highly recommend Joe Field & Field Jerger for all of your litigation and commercial needs.
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01 Sep, 2011 by Michael
Joe Field defended us in a multi-party lawsuit after a business deal blew up. He did a great job throughout and got us a great result. Joe is extremely smart and very tactical. Joe's diligence and work ethic was exceptional, and he took our lawsuit as seriously as we did. Joe billed us fairly too. I completely recommend Joe Field without any reservation.
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19 Sep, 2017 by Sjm
I had the opportunity to discuss a matter with Mr. Coyle and was impressed with the depth of his knowledge in his practice area. I am an attorney in VA and had an issue arise which required that we seek local Counsel in OR. Mr. Coyle was spot on with his assessment and provided several possible avenues for a resolution. His focus was on the client's best solution, which is the attitude I needed.
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26 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
At the age of 63, I was forced to file bankruptcy due to the closure of the company I owned. I also owed quite a bit in taxes. Having never gone through this, I was terrified of losing my home, car, and everything. Chris came highly recommended to me by another attorney, so I made an appointment to meet with him. Chris was very empathetic to my situation and thoroughly explained everything to me. He was always available whenever I had questions, or just needed reassurance. Although still a very difficult thing to have to go through, Chris made it much easier for me by putting everything into perspective. I am so grateful for all that Chris has done to help me with this. I would highly recommend him.
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01 Mar, 2015 by Jay
Scot handled our bankruptcy with the utmost care, professionalism and expertise. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you!
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16 Jul, 2011 by Mark j.
Talked to Scot on the phone for 45 minutes. He gave me helpful advice.
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29 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Mark Ditton helped me through an uncomfortable situation. I expecially appreciated his manner; he was straight-forward and kind.
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25 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Mark helped me file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy last year. He made the process easy by answering all my questions and concerns, filing all the paperwork, allowing me to make payments to him and guiding me through the court process at the meeting of the creditors. He was available through the whole process by phone and e-mail. I would highly recommend him.
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02 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Mike represented my small business in a Ch 11 last year. He and his team did a phenomenal job which ultimately led to my plan of reorganization being approved by the court!!! I was truly blessed to have been referred to Mike Fletcher because he is the reason why my doors are still open today. If anyone is in need of top level legal representation look no further!
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02 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I've had the opportunity to utilize Mr. Fletcher's legal expertise on both a corporate and personal basis.
I believe Mr. Fletcher's ability to "size up" complex legal issues quickly and completely, as nothing short or extraordinary! Mr. Fletcher also has the ability to recognize financial issues that impact businesses; a talent and expertise which many commercial legal counsel lack. I would highly recommend Mr. Fletcher in any (and all) corporate/private commercial legal matters.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Jacki grace
My planning experience was a bit bumpy, but they all worked hard to make sure I was well taken care of.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Steve schroeder
After determining that the only viable option for us in a dispute with our neighbor, was hiring an attorney, we found Mr. Hammond thru search engines and reviews. Our choice to go with Mr. Hammond fit our situation well.
Mr. Hammond had a very calming and reassuring presence, that helped greatly with navigating us through this process. He was honest with what to expect and came up with some very creative and resourceful options for us to consider. His knowledge and understanding was greatly appreciated. We would have him represent us again, if needed. S. Schroeder, Oregon
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01 Aug, 2024 by Hazzel swenson
Contacted Susan for a consult. She was very candid in her responses, kind, and helpful. Very easy to communicate with. I was glad to hear her professional opinion on the situation.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sean wonnacott
Yadira Ramirez is an excellent attorney. I was blindsided by false sexual assault allegations. Yadira was always calm, cool and collected. I felt she had my best intentions. She had a lot of patience when I got angry or upset because I didn't understand how the courts work, or how lawyers communicate with the courts, and also the laws. I felt more at ease once when she thoroughly explained how court proceedings take place. Although, I could not ever be fully at ease because of the implications in my case. We had evidence that showed my innocence. But even with that, I still felt anxiety because of how inconsistent the courts in America are. Yadira could have told me that I had a airtight case and that we were going to win in court. But she was honest and said that courts are unpredictable and that she can't guarantee a victory. Which I understand. But she also said that we do have good evidence and that would show favorably for me in court.
Court was set for a Friday, and on Monday my accuser decided she wanted a consent agreement. I did not know what that was, and Yadira thoroughly explained what it was.
The first draft of the consent agreement their attorney sent Yadira was bogus and unfair. Yadira told me to stand firm and not accept the terms. Yadira redlined the document an added language in my favor. Their side sent back another agreement, and Yadira once again said to stand my ground and not accept it...
So finally 2 days before we're supposed to go to court. My accuser and her attorney caved and gave in to our terms and a much more favorable consent agreement, which ended up in a dismissal of my accuser's restraining order against me...
I was extremely anxious and nervous the entire time, 3 months of absolute hell. Yadira gave me my life back and restored a little faith in the legal system. There are lawyers out there that 100% care about their clients and Yadira is absolutely one that cares.
I recommend Yadira for any legal matters regarding restraining orders.
Thank you Yadira
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29 Apr, 2024 by Tiffany millikan
Thomas Ybarra is a highly organized and knowledgeable attorney and I'm so grateful for his attention to detail when it came to my divorce proceedings. He was always honest with me about what to expect and also heard me when I told him what I wanted/needed. He was able to successfully argue my position for sole custody of my two children, secure me spousal support and child support, and negotiate an agreement that allowed me to keep my house. His attention to my case was constant and I could always get ahold of him when I needed advice. I highly recommend Mr. Ybarra's counsel if you are looking for representation in a divorce or child custody case. He knows the law and is able to explain how the process works. He made my very volatile divorce bearable and having him in my corner was a complete godsend. No one truly wins in divorce, but in my case he got me a big win on paper. Grateful for his representation.
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08 Jun, 2023 by Valeria mallett
Thomas Ybarra has been an amazing lawyer for my case. Thomas is a great listener and knowledgeable about family law. Thomas made me feel very supported throughout the process. I would highly recommend Thomas as a lawyer.
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11 Jan, 2020 by Avishai meyer
Great food with plenty on vegetarian options. Exceptional service
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07 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Piteo was amazing to work with. My elderly mother was scheduled for an eviction hearing within a week or less. I called more than a dozen lawyers but they either said it was too late or they were just too busy. Mr. Piteo was able to find a way for my mother to keep her house. I would recommend Mr. Piteo because he is great to work with, he knows his stuff, and his service is worth way more than what he charges. He is a lifesaver. And our family will be forever grateful.
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09 Jan, 2021 by Terry
I am so appreciative of the excellent help, competency, and kindness I received from Michael O'Brien and Ted Piteo!
I spoke with 7 bankruptcy firms, and because of my particular type of debt and amount of assets I have, none of them had a solution that helped me out - I was very worried about financial hardship without bankruptcy. Finally, I found O’Brien and Associates, and they were the only firm in the entire state of Oregon that had first-hand experience with a new part of the Chapter 11 code (subchapter V) – this is the route we took to succeed in my bankruptcy.
I worked with both of the firm’s attorneys, Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Piteo. They are both highly qualified and competent, with complementary strengths that make them an excellent and formidable team. They are just honest, good people – I’d enjoy having them as neighbors!
Both Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Piteo have a high degree of integrity, and I trust them both. For example, at one point, I understood Mr. O’Brien to have made a billing commitment, and when I saw something that seemed to not match that commitment, I called him up and we worked it out in a mutually acceptable, reasonable way that left me trusting him more.
My case was moderately complex (at least for a small business owner such as myself), and both Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Piteo did an excellent job of assessing potential weaknesses in my case and explaining potential outcomes, so I always felt secure knowing what potential pitfalls might come and how to deal with them.
Mr. O’Brien did high-quality and skillfully-nuanced settlement negotiations with one of my creditors (my ex-wife).
Mr. Piteo represented me during the pendency of my case in bankruptcy court. He did an excellent job of negotiating with one of my creditors to ease the way to getting my plan confirmed. He also was timely with answering my questions, and allaying my concerns by providing me with honest, accurate information. An added bonus is that Mr. Piteo is lively and fun, which made the entire process easier to handle, and I even enjoyed it!
Mr. Piteo did such an excellent job of litigating my case in bankruptcy court, to the point that the judge gave her ruling at the end of the hearing, and we won everything we proposed in the Chapter 11 reorganization plan. He also did an excellent job preparing me to testify, both with specific questions he’d ask me, and how to handle combative questions from my ex-wife’s lawyer.
I am so relieved I found O’Brien and Associates, that I could trust them, and I am very grateful for their great care, competence, and help in my 100% successful bankruptcy case. They delivered as they said they would, without surprises, and I highly recommend them.
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01 Apr, 2019 by Andrea
I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. When I came in for my consultation, I was at the lowest point of my life. I feeling very scared about my future ahead and had a lot of shame about considering filing for bankruptcy. From the beginning, I was impressed at the level of care and empathy that was shown to me by everyone at the firm that interacted with.
I am forever grateful for this firm. Lauren was always available to answer my questions. Ted especially was an amazing advocate for me and always made sure that I had access to all my of options and was able to make informed decisions. I never thought I would ever have so much trust in an attorney and always felt like he had my best interest at heart.
Six months after my initial consultation, I feel confident that I made the right choice for myself and am able to move ahead in this new chapter of my life. I have this firm to thank for that, and have already recommended them to several people I know who are considering filing.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Brenda carrasco
Thanks to the amazing team I now have my green card, it took less than a year, everyone’s case is different so timeline will differ. Everyone here truly is amazing, they work with you and help you throughout the process and any questions you may have they are quick to respond. I was referred by a friend because they had nothing but positive feedback and I can also say I had a very positive experience. It’s worth calling and seeing if they can help you. All the legal advice and information they provide is helpful. Thank you again.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Liz mancilla
Jeffery Gonzalez Gonzalez has the been the lawyer I knew I could trust with all my immigration needs, I highly recommend anybody with Daca to DO advanced parole with this office, Just as mentioned my lawyer made the whole process easy and fast made it even more convincing for me to apply and proceed. Right after traveling with Advanced Parole my husband petitioned for my resindency and it only took 6 months thanks to that Advanced parole. Please don’t hesitate to do Advanced parole.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Ricardo mancilla
My wife received her green card through DACA advanced parole with the office and it came very quickly. I am very happy with the results and am happy that my wife is now a resident. I would recommend this office to anyone looking for immigration advice.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Brenda carrasco
Thanks to the amazing team I now have my green card, it took less than a year, everyone’s case is different so timeline will differ. Everyone here truly is amazing, they work with you and help you throughout the process and any questions you may have they are quick to respond. I was referred by a friend because they had nothing but positive feedback and I can also say I had a very positive experience. It’s worth calling and seeing if they can help you. All the legal advice and information they provide is helpful. Thank you again.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Liz mancilla
Jeffery Gonzalez Gonzalez has the been the lawyer I knew I could trust with all my immigration needs, I highly recommend anybody with Daca to DO advanced parole with this office, Just as mentioned my lawyer made the whole process easy and fast made it even more convincing for me to apply and proceed. Right after traveling with Advanced Parole my husband petitioned for my resindency and it only took 6 months thanks to that Advanced parole. Please don’t hesitate to do Advanced parole.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Ricardo mancilla
My wife received her green card through DACA advanced parole with the office and it came very quickly. I am very happy with the results and am happy that my wife is now a resident. I would recommend this office to anyone looking for immigration advice.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Diane barr
Great to work with. She was instrumental in helping resolve a collections case. I would highly recommend.
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26 Jun, 2023 by S
We had an unfortunate experience that needed dealing with and Chris was thoughtful, patient, and went above and beyond to help resolve our issue. Would definitely recommend!
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14 Apr, 2023 by Brandon moye
Terrible, dishonest, disgusting, Big B
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04 Mar, 2024 by Johnso116
Thank you so much for your quick response to my sister having a stroke w/o will or POA. Since the eldest son is here from overseas, it was a great comfort to discuss his options with him. We spent most of Sunday with the family and my sister...she passed quietly in her sleep early Monday morning...once again...thank you so much..
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24 Oct, 2019 by Georg
Ms Reisman was a great help to me. I came to her with my legal problem which was also a great source of stress. She was very responsive to my request, and helped me personally. She provided relevant and useful information and also showed that she cared about me and my well-being. She is very knowledgeable and also showed that she is a kind and caring human being, and not just looking for clients, but does want to help people.
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19 Jul, 2019 by Denise
I spoke with Joanne and she really knows her stuff. She helped point me in the right direction which was more than helpful. I would definitely recommend her to fight for me on any case.
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28 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Where do I start? From the moment I contacted Jake I felt at ease. Facing criminal charges is no joke and to say I was stressed out would be an understatement. Jake listened to my side of the story and spent nearly an hour with me. He went over several different ways he could approach my case, including ones that didn't involve hiring him. I decided to have him represent me and it was the best decision I could have made. Jake's knowledge of the legal system was amazing. Through the whole process he was easy to get a hold of and worked around my schedule. Even at 9 pm he was working on my behalf. He was able to get the charge dismissed and kept me out of the system, protected my family and saved my career. He's a fantastic person who works off the facts, passes no judgement and does his level best to get you the most desirable outcome. Thank you a thousand times, Jake!
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26 Nov, 2018 by Max
Jacob Braunstein is the only attorney I'll ever work with if I can help it. He has represented both me and one of my adult children on different issues and I couldn't be happier with his services. I sought help from Mr. Braunstein when I needed to file bankruptcy. He and his staff function like a well oiled machine and I recommend him to everyone I know. Mr. Braunstein is very patient and obviously cares about his clients. I had a ton of questions but he didn't treat me like I was a bother and he took a lot of time to answer all of my questions. He was also able to work with my schedule, which meant meeting me on the weekend. He's a great attorney who really seems to care about his clients.
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05 Jan, 2017 by John
I was referred to Jake by one of my good buddies who'd gotten into some legal trouble before. He said, "Call Jake. The dude's awesome!" So I called on the weekend expecting to get a voicemail and he actually picked up the phone. I explained my situation and he said he could meet with me that afternoon since I work long hours all week. First off, my friend was right. Jake is really laid back and easy to talk to. He didn't judge, he just wanted to hear my side of the story. He didn't try to push a contract at me or pressure me into hiring him to help me with my case. He was straightforward, honest, and told me about all of my options, not just the ones that involved hiring him.
I ended up choosing Jake to represent me that day. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. He knew the process inside and out and he helped me every step of the way. It was obvious the judge knew him. She told me right there that Jake had gotten me the deal of the century and normally the prosecutor doesn't agree to things like that. Thanks to Jake and all the work he did on my case, I was able to get the most serious charges dismissed and one of them converted from a felony to a misdemeanor. I was able to stay out of jail and keep my job thanks to Jake. If you need an awesome attorney, call him. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
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15 Mar, 2013 by Linda
From the start, Baxter and Baxter law firm got results. While I was in the office for my initial consultation, Mr. Baxter contacted the attorney for the collection firm and immediately got the false judgment vacated. It was reassuring to hear Mr. Baxter tell me that it was terrible what the collection agency had done to me. I had felt so helpless because nothing I had done had stopped these people from coming after me.
Baxter and Baxter attempted to settle out of court and through mediation. But when the issues could not be resolved that way, Mr. Baxter was ready to challenge the collection firm through the court system. A jury decided in my favor with a verdict for $100,000.
Baxter and Baxter represented my case with integrity, professionalism and competence. The victory was due to their diligence and knowledge of the law. I would have been lost without their help. Baxter and Baxter is a family run law firm that represents the victim with compassion and dignity.
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06 Nov, 2012 by Becky
I am so grateful for their representation. As a victim of identity theft ranging back to the 1980s, I found myself continually fighting the credit bureaus to clean my credit report of false information. The final straw occurred when I was forced to take my name off the deed of our home because of false information on my credit report. Fortunately for me I found the law firm of Baxter & Baxter LLP who brought a case against Equifax under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. After a weeklong trial in federal court, a jury returned a verdict of $200000. Best of all, I finally got a clean credit report. I am so appreciative of the excellent work done by Justin and Michael Baxter — not only due to the results of the lawsuit, but because of the personal and caring attention I received. I wholeheartedly recommend the legal services of Baxter & Baxter!
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03 Aug, 2012 by Mike
Mr Baxter asked me repeatedly to explain my case AFTER he has filed the suit (the second time) The first time he filed in the wrong court and half the suit was thrown out because I couldn't sue the trustee only the bank. Despite winning the suit elements of the settlement STILL aren't satisifed. In September it was settled in my favor and took 5 months to get calculations on my back mortgage which "interestingly" was exactly what I settled for (less of course his fee). I was sent a bill when there was a balance due to ME. I was told in February that his sons wife had a baby and when he returned to work my check would be sent - I finally asked him for it in August and was told "he forgot" about me. It seemed to be a running theme with Mr. Baxter and my case. As far as I am concerned I was treated like a contingency step child - or more appropriately like an easy, because it sure wasn't quick, way to make $35,000.
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
