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15 Aug, 2024 by Luis suarez
Mi abogado y todo el equipo que manejó mi caso en el bufete de abogados de Smith & Eulo fueron más que excepcionales. La abogada que me asignaron y sus asistentes legales fueron muy profesionales, conocedores e informativos durante todo este proceso. Estoy muy agradecido de tener a este equipo de mi lado! Definitivamente recomendaré el bufete de abogados a todos mis amigos y familiares
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15 Aug, 2024 by Gabriela lopez
Me remitieron al bufete de Smith & Eulo y, vaya, qué alegría. Todo el despacho, desde la secretaria en adelante, fue increíble. Felicitaciones a mi maravilloso abogado, quien organizó todo y lo hizo fácil. Siempre me llamaba con actualizaciones. Este proceso, que pensé que iba a ser una pesadilla, resultó todo lo contrario, gracias por todo. Desearía poder darles a todos 10 estrellas y más. Ha sido un placer trabajar con todos ustedes
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09 Aug, 2024 by Maria salome rodríguez fajardo
Son geniales estos abogados de la firma Smith & Eulo, me acompañaron en todo mi proceso legal, formamos un equipo con mi defensa, nunca me dejaron sola, y me mantuvieron muy informada, eso se valora, gracias a esa defensa, hoy tengo una oportunidad de reiniciar mi vida, Si pudiera dar más estrellas lo haría pero si recomendarlos al 100%.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Manny
Mr. Jeffrey Neil Schatzman is very knowledgeable and one of the most competent attorneys that I have met. He is very cordial. And working with Lisa Jason is such a pleasure. She is very responsive too. I will definitely refer this office to all my friends and family.
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29 Jul, 2023 by Silvestre ramos
My experience with Schatzman & Schatzman was nothing short of amazing. Jeff provided exceptional legal representation during my recent home selling and buying process, while Lisa's expertise in real estate was reassuring. They handled every document, negotiation, and closing precisely, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from beginning to end. Communication was excellent, with regular updates and prompt responses to queries. I wholeheartedly recommend Schatzman & Schatzman for any real estate legal needs. Their professionalism and excellence are remarkable.
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01 Sep, 2022 by Ross
Jeffrey Neil Schatzman and his firm did a find job in helping us secure assets in a business case/negotiation, as a creditor, from a bankrupt debtor. He followed the law carefully and also used a lot of human intuition to get to the best and most equitable result.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I had a positive overall experience with Brandon, he worked hard on my behalf as his client and produced better than anticipated outcomes. He provided excellent service and comes highly recommended.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Evelio
For me it was a pleasure to meet and to be represented by the gentleman BRANDON KELLER. He takes my cases in the best way and did the impossible to solve my cases, he is a responsible person and takes his work very seriously, therefore he will always try to get you to benefit the most among the possibilities.
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12 Jun, 2024 by William
I am forever grateful for all the guidance and effort Brandon put into my case. From explaining in great detail my options and what to expect if I decided to go to trail. Between having to go
through several mock trails with me since I had never been in a court room before…. Seems easy to just say the truth but once he started acting as the prosecutor I quickly realized how the real prosecutor would try to cross everything I was saying, having to go to several pre trail hearings, to finally the case getting dismissed on the date of the trail.
Without a doubt if I am ever in need of an attorney again I would most definitely be hiring Brandon.
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28 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Atty. Clancy's professionalism and work ethic convinced me that he was a better choice than another attorney I was considering in my car vs. bike accident. Originally, I had inquired about another matter and he answered my litigation questions succinctly and effectively and then networked to get the best solution for me. While he will only be guiding me in this small claims suit, his example of dedication and competence prompted me to turn over a much larger case (car vs. bike crash claim) to him and also refer my neighbor who needed counsel in a much larger tort case to him as well.
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24 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Clancy is thorough and precise. He gets the job done right the first time round. If you want a first-rate lawyer, and consummate legal warrior, your want Mr. Clancy. There is no finer lawyer in the profession. Great pleasure to have worked with him, and would use no other!
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12 Nov, 2015 by Christopher
Mr. Clancy was retained to create a codicil for a piece of real property. He was the consummate professional. Mr. Clancy has worked diligently to make sure that my assets will be distributed according to my wishes, when the time comes.
Should I need further estate planning or real property advice in the future, Mr. Clancy will serve me with excellent skill, and helped me to understand a complex and difficult situation. I'm happy to have found someone I can rely on to protect my family when I am no longer around. Thank you, Mr. Clancy.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Had an issue with a credit card debt that they were garnishing my wages. Mr. Donet was very helpful & was able to resolve the issue.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Emily
He helped me save my home for a small fee, he was professional, attentive, caring and respectful i would definitely hire him again, i also would love to recommend him to people.
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27 Mar, 2018 by Alberto
This guy is amazing! He's a great person, great attorney and goes above and beyond.He listens to all the details and really fought for me. He worked very hard and met with me several times to make sure he had all the details to my workman's comp case. On court day, he came well prepared and ready to fight. I will work with him again in the future if needed and will recommend. Top notch firm!
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11 Mar, 2013 by Richard
I have bought many real estate properties and been involved in many real estate trasnactions, and Mr. ANthony SOkol is teh best real estate attorney I have ever used. He is very passionate, very repsonsive, addressed every concern and was very direct with all parties involved. I would highly reccommend him.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Dexter watson
Simon trial firm I've been with them since 2011 and still with them today the greatest firm ever thank you for having my back when needed
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16 Aug, 2024 by Kelly ortiz
Fue un placer contar con esta firma para mi fue execelente la ayuda y todo el esfuerzo por mi persona 100% recomendable muy complacida .
Gracias de todo corazón 🙏
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15 Aug, 2024 by Celina rodriguez
muy complacida con el servicio de todo el personal de la oficina Simón trial muy amables y servicial te tratan como en familia lo recomiendo 100 por ciento.Fue una experiencia excepcional desde el primer día hasta el final.Super feliz.Gracias al abogado Quintana por su gran trabajo que hizo en mi caso.Gracias Gracias !!!!!!!
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29 Aug, 2020 by S lee
Mr. Martin was quick to respond to my legal questions and was knowledgeable in several areas of law which pertained to my circumstances. His personality is sharp and to the point which is very much appreciated when we all have other matters to attend to.
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11 Aug, 2020 by Mildred gonzalez
I want to thank Angelo for a prompt response to all of my questions. With his exceptional knowledgeable, professional and a kind heart, took notice of the urgency of my situation and was able to help me. Thank you for all the help and guidance I was given.
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22 Apr, 2018 by Dubb starrs
Counsel law filed my trademark quickly and proficiently and assisted with general business advice. Communication was great via phone and email and the fee was also very reasonable. I highly recommend Counsel law and will be using them in the future!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Ziad ahmed
Working with Ramie Altawil was an absolute pleasure! From start to finish, he was attentive, knowledgeable, and just a great person to deal with. He really made the whole process so easy and stress-free. If you're in Miami and need someone who knows their stuff and genuinely cares, Ramie is your guy. Highly recommend!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Ben drawbaugh
Ramie Altawil will make you feel at ease with his thorough knowledge and innovative solutions. He solved things quickly and achieved outstanding results. If you need someone dependable and unwavering in support then I would definitely recommend hiring the Altawil Law Group.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Amira ahmed
Rami is a great and amazing lawyer . He has a great legal skills he took me through a brutal experience with very good result. He handle my case with professionalism and achieve outstanding result.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Robert wilcox
The Bryant Law Firm is fantastic! A must if your looking for a law firm that really takes an interest in you and your concerns. Usually when contacting a lawyer you get an operator and your message is sent forward and you can wait around for days for an answer but when I called The Bryant Law Firm Mr Bryant himself answered the phone and was very professional and very courteous and extremely knowledgeable and was able to help me with all of my questions in a manner that made me feel very comfortable and at ease and made me feel very confident that I had made the right choice by contacting The Bryant Law Firm. And after our call the firms manager Gerry who was also very professional and courteous called me right back to make sure all my questions were answered to my satisfaction and assured me that I could call them at any time with any further concerns. I would highly recommend The Bryant Law Firm to anyone who is looking for top notch legal representation regardless of what your situation might be or questions are and I guarantee that speaking with Mr Bryant for 5 minutes will put your mind at ease also and make you realize that you've made the right choice in selecting the best legal representation you can find.
Mr Robert Edward Wilcox Jr
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31 Jul, 2024 by Mercy miami
When I reached out for help to the Bryant Law Firm, our family had been put in a legal mess by ineffective council, to say the least. The first person that I spoke with was Gerry Young he is professional, attentive, kind, and compassionate. As soon as I explained our situation, he told me to please hold and instantly put me in contact with the boss Randy Bryant. Mr. Bryant immediately exhibited level of top tier excellence that will forever set the bar for my expectations in any professional that we will hire in the future. As he listened to our concerns, he started his research into our case immediately, which shows me immediately that he really takes pride in his work and does his due diligence. He was so thoughtful that he set up an in person meeting the next day since he would be representing my father, and he understood that my dad is of the hand shake and look into your eyes generation. He went over everything with my dad and assured him that he would treat this case with the same level of care as his biggest clients because that is the kind of upstanding professional he is and expects everyone that works in his firm to be. Making that saying of "Equal protection under the law" comes to life with a human connection. This matter was dragged on by ineffective council for two years, and in less than one month, the Bryant Law Firm brought our case into full compliance. Randy assigned Justin Sanchez to get us in full compliance he is professional, efficient, attentive, direct, truly personable and kind. The speed at which they all worked together as a team truly speaks to the passion they have for their craft and to the respect that they all have for their clients. After dealing with this legal quagmire for two years I can honestly say I was a nervous wreck and they all assured me that they would do everything in their power to bring this to an end with a clean slate and they are true to their word, answering all of our questions and concerns. I can honestly say that I received a world class client experience with them, and our family will forever be grateful and life long clients!
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29 Jul, 2024 by Yolanda voyles
27 Mar, 2024 by Halyna ammann
The law office of Mr. Hanreck is very professional, on time, approachable and extremely reachable. They are great with communicating and getting back to you. I had to go to trial and Mr. Hanreck did a phenomenal job. Michelle Williams is also an incredible asset as she answered all my questions even walked me through filling out documents when I had some questions and didn’t know entirely how to. Extremely affordable and professional with their invoices in every detail.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Kevin cardona
Obviously divorce is extremely stressful. I'm very glad that I chose someone who was well known and respected in court. He made this a lot easier. I believe he is caring, honest, and professional.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Justin roth
I had a pleasant and smooth experience with Robert Hanreck and his staff. They attended to all of my needs in a very professional manner.
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05 Jun, 2016 by John
Mr. Meyer's very knowledgable. He reviewed my tax debt situation and knew exactly where I stood and at the end of the consultations I had concrete numbers that corresponded with tax years and he had made sense of all the things I needed. He's very professional and knows his stuff.
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10 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I only met with Mr. Meyer once for a consultation whether I needed to file bankruptcy or not due to two foreclosures ocurred the end of 2012. After reviewing my W2 and the form the two mortgage companies sent IRS reporting abandonment of the property, market value and county assessment, he recommended no need of filing chapter 7, and offered to do my taxes at $500.00. I thought it was a bit pricey.
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15 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
He's very knowledgeable. Helped us when we were at the end of the tunnel. After the filing, we are able to save money and start fresh.
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06 May, 2024 by Josie hernandez-suarez
16 Nov, 2023 by Juan carlos benitez
Thank you for having welcomed us into your offices during these three days of tremendous training and learning.
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09 May, 2023 by Maryina armijo
The best team!!!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Ariel tamayo soto
Estoy muy satisfecho con el asesoramiento que me dieron en Jurado&Associates estoy muy contento y los recomiendo 100% son muy confiables y lucharán para resolver su problema.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Susana de la paz perez fuentes
Excelentes abogadas!
Me resolvieron todas mis dificultades, sin moverme de Chile.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Jose angel barranco
Eficientes y rápidos en su atencion.
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13 Oct, 2023 by My stockroom
His website makes the misrepresentation that it is a free evaluation which makes people believe an attorney will be evaluating the case. They charged me $150 for a telephone consultation but claimed it was for a telephone evaluation (Misleading. I never received a valuation I only gave info. and schedule the telephone consult). Then the attorney Joseph told me that he would refund any unused retainer funds during the telephone conversation but when I got the retainer agreement, it stated NON-REFUNDABLE retainer of $12,000+ and that the money was earned upon receipt. When I asked him to remove the NON-REFUNDABLE term from the retainer, he refused and declined to represent me. It is my opinion from my initial dealings with him that he was not honest with me. And that he and his firm are very much aware that people are being misled to believe the term "schedule your free evaluation" is a "free consultation" by an attorney but they play on those words to get people to call the firm then they do a BAIT-N-SWITCH.
Response to Reply Below
I appreciate the immediate response. But the reply does not negate the true facts above. Nevertheless, as of today Oct. 13, 2023, I did NOT receive a refund of my $4,850.00 the reply claims was refunded.
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21 Sep, 2023 by Lisa hernandez
Mr. Joseph and his staff were wonderful and professional in handling my divorce. It was simple, no children, no property, nothing to divide. I was able to provide them with all the documentation and information they needed electronically without having to go through office or court visits. No stress, no hassle, simple and fast! I highly recommend anyone who is in the same situation as me to contact The Joseph Firm without hesitation, this will be the best family law firm you will ever need.
El Licenciado Joseph y su personal fueron maravillosos y profesionales al manejar mi divorcio. Era sencillo, sin hijos, sin propiedades, nada que dividir. Pude proporcionarles toda la documentación e información que necesitaban electrónicamente sin tener que pasar por visitas a la oficina o al tribunal. ¡Sin estrés, sin complicaciones, simple y rápido! Recomiendo ampliamente a cualquiera que se encuentre en la misma situación que yo que se comunique con The Joseph Firm sin dudarlo, este será el mejor bufete de abogados de familia que jamás necesitará.
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15 Aug, 2023 by Tavoris madison
I called and attempted to get Mr Joseph as my attorney for a family court case matter I was referred through this legal insurance Arag my job offer they gave me a list with his name on it I did some research and looked up his reviews needless to so I was impressed and excited to possibly have him as a lawyer unfortunately when I called I got the run around I requested a consultation and in so many words was told I wouldn’t be able to speak with him directly which was strange to me then I was told that they can’t take my insurance turned out that was a Lie the young lady mya told she also was very rude and dismissive as if she was the lawyer and wasn’t helpful at all was p a poor representation of the firm I asked to speak with someone over her resectful she gave me the run around again THE MOST DISGUSTING AND DISAPPOINTING THING WAS THAT REALLY WANTED A BLACK MAN OF MY Ethnicity to represent me and I couldn’t even get a 2 minute phone call but was able to speak with every other lawyer I contacted
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28 Jun, 2024 by Kiara nora
I’ve been using JP law firm for years now she is very professional simple amazing at what she does very efficient always handles each case with care. I recommend her to absolutely anyone definitely will not be disappointed.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Matt eusse
Jennifer, there is nothing to tell me you're welcome for because you did nothing. You literally scammed us out of $2,000 dollars. All you did was agree to the original terms of opposing counsel (with a few emails) which is what I could have done myself and settled in less than one week since you feel time is so relevant.
You are rude, unprofessional and full of yourself. By far the worst "nose up in the air, I'm better than everyone else" attitude I've seen from anyone.
Under two months is completely irrelevant. Time has nothing to do with the issue(s) at hand. That's just noise to distract from the facts in play.
Pointing out the fact that my wife retained you is also completely irrelevant. If you'd like, I can ask her to write a review as well if that makes it more relevant.
Yes, you did point out that you are foreclosure only, but you also said that someone else can be retained to deal with the HOA issues. Any competent attorney that actually takes the time to read emails, listen to the client and do some forward thinking would realize that settling the foreclosure would have made it difficult or impossible (impossible in our case) to pursue further action against the HOA.
It is pretty easy for me to see the scam you have going here by spamming public records with your $1,500 retainer (non refundable) and $500 monthly fee, and quite frankly I wonder if it's borderline illegal/unethical from the perspective of The Florida Bar.
Anyone reading this ought to search you on the other legal sites to see that you have mostly negative reviews with most of them pointing out how rude and unprofessional you are with your clients.
I guess the joke is on us since my wife and I were busy traveling and did not have the time to vet you out.
**Edit is for response to Jennifer (above)**
Original Text Below:
Jennifer is an incompetent and unethical attorney. She advertised her services by targeting individuals facing foreclosure through public records. Our HOA, known for its underhanded tactics, pushed us into foreclosure, leading us to hire Jennifer.
Jennifer's primary focus was to take our money without providing adequate service. We paid her a $1,500 retainer and $500 monthly for a fixed-rate arrangement, yet she performed only a couple of hours of billable work.
Despite providing extensive details about our situation, Jennifer ignored them.
During our consultation, we expressed our desire to take action against the HOA. She claimed this would be possible after addressing the foreclosure. Later, we discovered that the HOA became judgment-proof with the foreclosure resolution, making further action impossible—something she knew from the start.
Her consistent failure to read and comprehend emails resulted in additional court filings.
When the settlement deadline approached, she sent a one-line email saying, "I guess you're going to lose your home now," despite us already wiring the money and instructing her to accept the deal. She failed to read and understand our communication.
When we demanded a refund for the majority of the payments made, she simply ignored us.
In short, Jennifer is unresponsive, uncommunicative, and solely interested in taking your money.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Elizabeth pinero
I've received nothing but positive feedback from every client I have referred to this firm. Top notch representation.
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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:
-
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.
-
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:
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
