Lawyers map
>970
experienced lawyers
Filter by
27 Nov, 2024 by Tristan laurore
Called and asked if the attorney is familiar with a specific type of real estate transaction. Receptionists tells me yes. And I schedule and appointment with the attorney Being under the assumption that he knew what I was looking to do. Come to find out he has no idea what I’m looking to do, never heard it before and proceeds to tell me that I should not do the transaction that way for 45 minutes. Once 45 minutes was up he finally stopped talking and say alright I’ll charge you $250 for consultation. Scummy move to keep me there for 45mins just to collect 250.
Read more
01 Jun, 2024 by Aaron peck
01 Jun, 2023 by Anthony helms
05 Jan, 2024 by Mela
17 Aug, 2023 by Chet s
Michelle and her have been on top of things, answered all my questions, and responded to all my emails most of the time within the hour. They have also made meetings convinent for me
Read more
15 Aug, 2023 by Sarah
I would not waste your time going through Rudderow Law . They spent months after meeting with us only to look at half the records when the records they needed to look at the main reason for our case were not even requested or looked at when we asked repeatedly if they needed the records. Huge waste of time and when it was questioned they chose to ignore our email. Many other lawyers out there that will review all your records.
Read more
02 Nov, 2024 by Jessica
Dan Shaked is only interested in your $$$. Communication is awful—calls are never returned, and I constantly had to follow up on my own case. The office is chaotic; no one seems to know what's going on. It felt like I was doing all the work myself from the start. Save your time and money—look elsewhere for legal help.
Read more
30 Apr, 2015 by Felix
Dan Shaked treated me with respect and helped make the process go smoothly. He represented me in court which I respect because many firms send another lawyer in the firm to go to hearings. He was honest and supportive.
Read more
17 Sep, 2021 by Dolores ayers
I am just beginning with Beth and she has proven to be the BEST lawyer out there...Beth tells you something and ACTUALLY DOES IT!!!!
She is a wonderful, super dedicated lawyer; that stands by her convictions! I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity for her to work with me/ for me. It's actually all being done for my sister!!!
I believe she was put in my path by a higher power!!
Read more
19 Jun, 2021 by Robert weichert
Anthony Parlato may be one of the best attorneys on the east coast. Who ever said there is not an honest attorney was wrong. He helped me through a difficult situation at a more than reasonable cost. If you gave this guy one star please look at your side of the street. This guy is a 5 star attorney hands down.
Read more
18 Feb, 2021 by Tamela minor
02 May, 2024 by Lord fartquad
29 Feb, 2024 by Dario c
01 Jan, 2024 by Alison weinberg-fahey
16 Sep, 2024 by Gregory rodriguez
Great firm and I highly recommend.
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Chris seck
19 Oct, 2021 by Tipp boogie
16 Sep, 2024 by Gregory rodriguez
Great firm and I highly recommend.
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Chris seck
19 Oct, 2021 by Tipp boogie
16 Sep, 2024 by Gregory rodriguez
Great firm and I highly recommend.
Read more
15 Aug, 2024 by Chris seck
19 Oct, 2021 by Tipp boogie
28 Feb, 2024 by Richard risoli
This joke of a lawyer screwed up my mother’s will so badly it cost me $20,000 to have it probated, then he refused to talk to me and took his time getting back to us and rectify his mistakes. STAY AWAY!!!!!
Read more
30 Sep, 2013 by Helen
Very courteous and helpful. Never rushed my phone conversations and always gave me his undivided attention. Returned my calls promptly, kept me informed, advised me and made sure I understood. I felt very comfortable and confident in dealing with him.
Read more
15 Dec, 2010 by Advanced global materials, inc.
Steven E. Losquadro has serviced my companies collection and legal issues as our primary attorney for several years. I highly recommend this man for small businesses seeking high quality legal representation at a fair price. Knowledgeable and hard working.
Read more
20 Mar, 2017 by Nick
I hired Mitch as my Attorney and he won my case! I did a lot of research before hiring him and could clearly see that he was the best when it comes to consumer protection litigation. He is very busy and does not have an assistant so I did have to follow up with him a few times but I didn't mind that because although he is my Attorney, it was still my case. I couldn't recommend Mitch more and greatly appreciate his expert council.
Read more
01 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr Pashkin after discovering an old coworker had fraudulently used my name on credit card and charged numerous expenses years ago-Mr Pashkin filed necessary paperwork right away and was aggresive with takling the fraud-he made no promises but was confident this would be put behind me and he did accomplish that quickly-thanks for your help Mr Pashkin
Read more
18 Oct, 2015 by Fong
Mitchell able to fight off my credit card fraud case with Forster and Garbus, and the court vacate the judgement for a hefty $52K+ of debt accumulated throughout the years.
I still give him credit. But seems like the rest t rebuilt and to clean up my credit file, he is not willing to take up that part.
Read more
18 Aug, 2023 by Christina pappas
I have never posted a publicly negative review, but as a scorned client, I feel it is my duty to warn potential victims of this firm. Stuart was hired for a case and nothing was done for almost 3 years, except for 34 ADJOURNMENTS, (all of which were billed for). I received multiple duplicate charges on my bills and specifically asked for him to file certain motions that were never done. I lost out on half of what I was entitled to, and had to settle with the other side just for my sheer sanity. This office is now threatening to sue ME for money owed, after I paid them over $5ook and lost in the end due to Stuart's incompetency. To any potential clients, find another attorney who actually passed Ethics in law school.
Read more
21 Jul, 2021 by Eddy tejada
04 Nov, 2022 by Radiate motivate
25 Sep, 2022 by Scott webber
Quality firm
Read more
17 Dec, 2021 by Ivan del toro
04 Nov, 2022 by Radiate motivate
25 Sep, 2022 by Scott webber
Quality firm
Read more
17 Dec, 2021 by Ivan del toro
17 Feb, 2021 by Trish picone
03 Jul, 2020 by Cheron morris
19 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I retained Arthur for a family Estate matter. His sound legal advice, coupled with his good suggestions as to how to deal with a contentious beneficiary, resulted in the outcome that I had hoped.
Read more
20 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Had one very short intro call regarding a Federal tax audit. Explained that I had prepared taxes via TurboTax and was asked why I wasn't reaching out to TurboTax for support instead. Tried explaining but call was ended abruptly by the lawyer. This was....a brief and painful little exchange. I would never choose to work with this individual.
Read more
11 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
We recieved a letter from Consumer Law attorneys which suggested I was behind on mortgage payments and I was in foreclosure. After checking with my mortgage holder, it was determined that I had been sent a false document suggesting I was in foreclosure. This company is obviously preying upon individuals who believe that they are in dire straights financially. This company should be investigated by a state attorney general, in order to prevent moe victimization. Shame on you! I also have not hired or consulted them. They wouldnt connect me to Arther A Luger esq. , whom I highly doubt is an actual lawyer.
Please dont fall victim to this scam.
Read more
25 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I was one of 3 equal partners in a horse farm/real estate LLC; unfortunately the other two were grifters and in many deliberate ways sabotaged the corporation, They submitted an unsigned by me agreement to buy out one of the partners who was a lawyer who, acting pro-se while receiving SSD due to incapacity to practice law, sued me to buy him out despite the fact that the second suit began after the time limited contract had run out. He placed a lien on my house. Despite the Appellate Division's decision that the Supreme Court Justice had no legal rationale to order me to pay, (as the deep pocket), who never signed the time limited buy out; the lawyer partner proceeded with his dissolution cause of action. When the dissolution of the LLC case was resumed, Ms. Weigert overcharged me to "think about" my case and review almost every document in this large file despite my telling her the facts to focus on for the action brought by the attorney partner to dissolve the LLC. I separated the documents that were necessary to review and wrote a history of the lawyer and horse trainer grifter partners and what they had done and how much money they cheated me out of and how they worked to sabotage the LLC including not paying their share of the mortgage payments nor fixing the rate; non- payment of taxes and a phoney $90,000 construction agreement that the trainer illegally signed; which all contributed to the land being forclosed on. The operating agreement of the LLC stated that all 3 partners had to agree on anything over $2500 spent. The lawyer partner was to act as the business officer. Ms. Weigert did nothing to work out the financial losses that these grifters caused me and only agreed to dissolve the LLC. She also "advised" me not to appear in Court do as not to get involved in any arguments with the other two. Even with being grossly overcharged for unprovable and obscure "work" on the case and incorrect information, (the name and address of the person who bought the forclosed property at auction after the construction company signers of the phony work order- lien, could not afford to buy it and who, in addition, removed all the good farmland topsoil and did not reimburse the LLC, I still have not received any justice in this travesty and probably never will.
Read more
14 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
He lied about everything and double charged for motions that were never done along with court appearances he never made in addition he charged for serves he himself did not do. A case that should have been settled in no more than 6 months took over a year and a half. After I fired him and hired a new attorney my case settled in 3 weeks.
Read more
08 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Phil Castrovinci for my custody/adjust child support trial. It cost me approximately $30,000, plus I was forced to pay the OPPOSING lawyer $7,500 on top of the $30,000 at the end.
The Judge wrote us saying, “Defendant (my ex) included a Statement of Net Worth for the Court’s consideration, which gave a more comprehensive picture of the Defendant’s financial circumstances. Plaintiff (me) did not include a Statement of Net Worth which limited the Court’s examination of his financial circumstances. Accordingly, the Court shall award of counsel fees in the sum of $7.500.00 payable by Plaintiff to Defendant.”
Not only was I refused custody of my 14 year old son, who was begging to live with me, I was somehow forced to pay over $10,000 in ‘retro’ child support when I had paid, in full and on time, what I was required to by law up until the trial.
I sat in court and watched my ex and her lawyer commit perjury by telling lies to The Court, under oath. Sitting in court I had, in my hands, proof they were lying and Phil’s response was, “It doesn’t matter”. The evidence was not presented to the Judge and I got nothing out of this case except a large amount of debt and disappointment.
As stated by other reviewers, you’ll be promised the moon and don’t hold your breath waiting for return calls/e-mails. When I was fortunate enough to get a rare response from an e-mail or a call, direct/specific questions that I had asked were dodged.
The ‘glowing’ reviews here seem to completely contradict my experience, along with multiple others. On Google reviews, I see that a family member left a 5-star review for Phil’s associate. It make we wonder about the validity of these positive reviews.
Hire at your own risk!!!
Read more
21 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I too wish I could give a negative star . This firm is incompetent and full of lies and false promises. I'm not sure if they did anything for me except suck me dry of thousands of dollars. Do yourself a favor… Research your lawyer… Do your homework… And do not hire anyone from this practice
Read more
07 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Between him and Bruce Kennedy you know you are in deep trouble dealing with either one of these unethically, sleaze, bottom of the barrel liars . They are con men both of them. They have no right taking your money. Stay clear
Read more
12 Jun, 2019 by David
So originally I found Glenn through a referral. That said, I expected him to be on point. On his website he mentions "all types of law", but in reality he doesn't necessarily properly practice all aspects of law.
Why do I say that? Well, because I probably had the worst experience ever with this council.
"30 years" in the business and he doesn't know I need a form filled out and notarized to represent me in court since I'm from out of state.
That said, alongside his poor communication, unscrupulous billing methods, and overall lack of professionalism, all I have to say that maybe it's time to hang up his law practice hat!
Read more
17 Apr, 2019 by James
I ran into some legal issues and looked for a local attorney in Amityville NY. I met with Glenn and it probably turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. He doesn’t ‘beat around the bush’ and make false promises. He’s a man of his word and I appreciate all the work he did for me. If you need a lawyer, Glenn is your guy.
Read more
26 Nov, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Well, I just had a useless conversation with the D.A.'s office. He has jokes!? I told him someone cost me a set of tire because whomever was changing the air pressure, and he asked me if they did it remotely? The tire blow out while I was driving down rt 5. I told him things were missing out of my safe deposit box, and he treated me like I was an idiot. I am down $140,000 and instead of coming up with helpful suggestions, he talks down to me.
Great guy, seems he works for the wealthy and connected.
Ps. I have proven my mental state to 3 Judges. One federal and two local and by suggesting otherwise could be seen as slander and defamation of my character.
30/Nov/ 2024 What a fun time at the Verona post office. A small group of people and insulting things being said by one of the staff ( stalker was there too). I admittedly did not catch all that was said, but enough to be humiliated and embarrassed. Also enough to know that my mail was gone through by someone other than staff. Is that not what is called mail tampering? How do I know that some of my mail was not taken by the stalker? Why is someone other than employees doing going through mail anyway? Attempted burglary and robbery, theft by deception and unauthorized entry.
Read more
16 Sep, 2024 by Douglas bamford
17 Feb, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Good afternoon,
I am wondering when my parole is going to happen? I am suing Oneida County, 2 counties, the NY AG and a person for breaching my civil rights. I have a Dr's app next week in New Hartford. I am tired of a certain few people, who are not invited to show up and do raise hell. One of the people, call someone, after the cops are called and the cops are sent away. It is also getting back to me that if someone comes to see me, a few of the people involved show up every time. The guy who came to see me leaves without ever having see me.
Now it seems that my mail is no longer private. I received a box and a woman approached the sub mail carrier and wanted to know what was in the box and where it came from. Did I fall asleep and wake up in a 3 world country? Is this
not the month where we are celebrating the fact people who were treated like they were less than everyone else are not anymore? Am I missing something? Oh and by the way, my meds that were either short one month and over the next. I did report these events.
Weird that after changing the locks twice, it is still happening.
4th day of April 2024 and as I thought nothing appears to be being done. Last night, between 9:30 and 10 pm I was told that I should join my late husband. It was too dark but seemed to me to be a man. It reminds me of the first time that type of thing happened. It was the Nov before my husband passed. A guy was letting air out of my tires. This time whoever he was beating on my car.
22/April/2024
I went to the second place where I have a safe deposit box. Strange thing that my late partner's name that was not in thier sign in book, the last time I was there BUT it was this time. The second strange thing was it looked nothing like my partner's signature and his signature was study. No one at this second bank can explain how anyone could possibly know about what was in these safe deposit boxes because the contents were not typical . 3 David's name did not appear in both pages, just one... It must be being done by a magician or ghost...
Perhaps? I should have asked Senator Griffo about the events that keep happening to me? Last night, I was again told that I should join my late partner. The content of my house keeps being rifled and I know that being common trash you folks have better things to do or my 3 stockers come by but one would think that you might show a little bit of interest...
Read more
30 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
This attorney was hired by me to handle a landlord/tenant matter. He not only mishandled the case, but did not provide honest representation of the facts. He did me a great harm. I do not recommend this lawyer.
Read more
09 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
did not follow through on any promises he made. Actually made the situation so much worse I needed to hire another lawyer to dig out of the hole he created.
Read more
24 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
We had her work for us she doesn’t return calls never finished the work but gave a bill the work 2 years later still isn’t finished we did our own work . Then she never followed through with the judges orders. No one should have to be treated the way she treated us.
Read more
11 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I called her office and even went down to see her about my case , both times I was told she will call me back , they took down my phone number and information, I asked when will she be able to call me back , and her secretary said she will call you when she will call you and hung up , it has been 3 weeks no call from her .
Read more
13 Aug, 2022 by Peggy
I met Joanna at a domestic violence meeting, in 2000. Joanna arrived there with two of her late father’s secretaries, to give a (coached) speech to victims of domestic violence. Joanna was well- rehearsed & she convinced a few of us to hire her, to represent us , in our respective court cases. It didn’t take long for me to see her fraudulent facade. Joanna could not handle herself, in a courtroom. Each court appearance, she brought along 2-3 seasoned attorneys, from her late father’s law firm, to do all the talking for her. Joanna LIED to me about her skills, experience and qualifications. Joanna also failed to disclose that she was FIRED from her law school internship after 7 months, due to incompetence. This was stated to me by two different attorneys who, at the time, were employed by Joanna’s father, the Late Gary Greenwald. I was also informed by both of these attorneys, that Joanna’s internship required a two year commitment. I am confident that Joanna’s late fathers, pulled some strings and BOUGHT Joanna her law degree! Joanna never worked for ANYONE, other than her late father, presumably, because no one else would hire her. I FIRED Joanna after a few months, because she did not do any actual work on my case, though she was always diligent in finding means to pad the bill. After being repeatedly told by me not to do so, she would continuously call my home, when she knew I was unavailable, leave frivolous messages on my answering machine, then bill me for the calls. Joanna would bill me for HOURS and HOURS of reading time, both from my file and from doing RESEARCH, meanwhile, I saw NO RESULTS, in my case. I threatened Joanna’s late father, Gary Greenwald, with contacting the BAR ASSOCIATION, if the bill padding didn’t stop, my legal bill DRASTICALLY REDUCED & Joanna being REMOVED from my case. Gary Greenwald complied with my demands. Joanna continued to be a thorn in my side, even after Joanna’s father assigned a new attorney to my case. Joanna was caught several times, hanging around outside the attorney’s office, attempting to eavesdrop on case discussions. Joanna was very fortunate, being able to live her entire life of of other people’s earnings. Joanna never earned an honest dime, in her life and neither did her father. Her learned thievery should not be tolerated. Joanna is NOT an honest person. I HIGHLY recommend AVOIDING HER!!!
Read more
24 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Horrible attitude and not helpful to clients at all. Very demeaning and disrespectful way of speaking to prospective clients. Absolutely would not even bother with a consultation and definitely would not hire!
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Andrea bizzocchi
I am Italian and a resident of Italy, and I want to emphasize the competence and courtesy of attorney Anthony Bowling and attorney Brandon Walker who followed me in an important case.
Read more
21 Aug, 2024 by Ryno pb
21 Jun, 2024 by Bree bree
THIS PLACE IS TERRIBLE NASTY AND DISGUSTING AND DISRESPECTFUL POOR HAD TOENAILS ON THE FLOOR AND THEY SUIED PEOPLE WHO DID NOTHING ONE EVEN CALLED ME THE. WORD AND HANGED UP WHOEVER SAYS THIS PLACE IS GOOD ARE FRICKING BOTS
Read more
05 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
This man has no business claiming to have any knowlege of elder/medicaid law. I was given extremely poor legal guidance that caused dire consequences.
Read more
24 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I was assigned this attorney by Judge David Bruffett in Cicero, New York. This attorney and Judge Bruffett are friends. After being assigned I experienced an almost three year battle to get this attorney relieved as my assigned counsel. He was condensending, arrogant, and in league with the judge and DA's office to get me convicted. He did absolutely nothing on my case but email me a one (1) page undated Discovery request, and nothing else besides showing up in court. We exchanged many emails in which I suggested an investigator, preserving evidence at the police precinct (videos) and a myriad of things which he ignored. I truly believe he was involved in a conspiracy to have me convicted. After almost three (3) years of battling with my court appointed attorney, I found out he was fired from Legal Services for failing to do any work on his defendants cases including mine. Thank God. I witnessed him speed when leaving the court and I recorded him. When I confronted him about his speeding he said he was "entitiled to speed" due to his "years of service as a public defender." Hmmmm...really? He thinks he is above the law and does not have to do work despite receiving payment for his services by the County. This man accused me of being prejudice towards him for being Jewish and old. I told him I serve a Jewish Messiah as a Christian and was not prejudice against anyone especially people of the Jewish faith. I do not recommend hiring him especially after being fired from Legal Services. I was forced to file an Attorney Grievance Complaint for his failure to zealously represent me. It is being considered and I believe I presented enough credible evidence to back up my claims. Do your due diligence before hiring this attorney and check into his background. Dav Savlov his former boss was forced to reveal his firing to me. He prejudiced my case by failing to do any legal work of substance and by having me do my own motions and legal work. I have faith I will be exonerated but it was a hard journey dealing with ineffective assistance of counsel. Again, I warn you, be careful and think twice before hiring this attorney. He is toxic and has severe issues.
Read more
05 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I'm currently in Family Court. Blackhall is the law guardian for my child but she is far from a guardian. She's one sided and judgmental. And because of her lack of professionalism the most important person she's to look out for falls by the waste side (a child). Blackhall has demonstrated that she is bias and she has the ability to improperly influence the judge to get the results she wants. I would not recommend Blackhall as your attorney for a child or even for a pet.
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in New York - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
New York
-
Brooklyn
-
Albany
-
Buffalo
-
White Plains
-
Rochester
-
Garden City
-
Bronx
-
Syracuse
-
Melville
-
Mineola
-
Staten Island
-
Jamaica
-
Kew Gardens
-
Uniondale
-
Great Neck
-
Flushing
-
Hauppauge
-
Long Island City
-
Forest Hills
-
Scarsdale
-
Poughkeepsie
-
Central Islip
-
New Hyde Park
-
Jericho
-
Schenectady
-
Williamsville
-
Yonkers
-
New City
-
Westbury
-
Woodbury
-
Huntington
-
Binghamton
-
Purchase
-
Syosset
-
Hempstead
-
Riverhead
-
Tarrytown
-
Armonk
-
Ithaca
-
New Rochelle
-
Rockville Centre
-
Utica
-
Elmsford
-
Saratoga Springs
-
Astoria
-
Smithtown
-
Port Washington
-
Latham
-
Kingston
-
Pittsford
-
Rye
-
Goshen
-
East Meadow
-
Larchmont
-
Manhasset
-
Amherst
-
Bayside
-
Islandia
-
Mount Kisco
-
Troy
-
Harrison
-
Chappaqua
-
Farmingdale
-
Rye Brook
-
Newburgh
-
Plainview
-
Valley Stream
-
Commack
-
Roslyn
-
Hicksville
-
Bay Shore
-
Bronxville
-
Merrick
-
Carle Place
-
Delmar
-
Cedarhurst
-
Clifton Park
-
Suffern
-
Valhalla
-
Long Beach
-
Elmira
-
Floral Park
-
Jackson Heights
-
Middletown
-
Southampton
-
Mamaroneck
-
Northport
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in New York
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Personal Injury
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Intellectual Property
-
Consumer Protection
-
Appeals
-
Insurance
-
Government
-
Tax
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Civil Rights
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Immigration
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Probate
-
Trusts
-
Elder Law
-
Bankruptcy
-
Car Accident
-
Entertainment
-
Mediation
-
Class Action
-
Debt Collection
-
Child Custody
-
Workers Compensation
-
Child Support
-
Discrimination
-
Wrongful Death
-
Foreclosure
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Copyright Application
-
Domestic Violence
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Adoption
-
Federal Crime
-
Employment / Labor
-
Divorce
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Juvenile Law
-
Debt Settlement
-
DUI / DWI
-
Sex Crime
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Credit Repair
-
Environmental Law
-
Cannabis Law
-
Construction
-
Drug Crime
-
Life Insurance
-
Corporate
-
Education Law
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Constitutional Law
-
Wills
-
Contracts
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
