Lawyers map
>478
experienced lawyers
Filter by
30 Aug, 2023 by C dular
30 Jan, 2023 by Sarah manns
I had a great experience working with Ari! He was extremely well spoken and responsive. Would absolutely work with him again.
Read more
08 Jan, 2023 by Gail fournier
Ari Witkes was a pleasure to work with. He is kind, considerate and very helpful and always available when needed.
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Susan mcnealis
Jeff and team were exceedingly thorough. Jeff explained difficult concepts so that my wife and I could understand them without having a legal education. I was amazed at the time he spent with us answering our questions. He created a fairly complex will and trust for us quickly and at a surprisingly low cost. Jennifer (paralegal) spent hours with us, arranging documents, making requested changes and walking us through the trust “funding” and execution process. Jennifer was also very patient and extremely friendly. My wife and I would wholeheartedly recommend Jeffrey Berenholz to anyone.
Read more
13 Sep, 2024 by Grant may
Great experience! Jennifer puts in extra work to make sure everything is how you want it.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Sharon kennedy
Excellent service and patience throughout the process. Made me very comfortable and confident in the estate I have.. The entire team was excellent and provided quick follow-up.
Read more
10 Oct, 2024 by Diondra
the best attorneys in Ohio
Read more
02 Feb, 2024 by Joelle
Jeff meticulously researched all aspects of the case, listened carefully to client and family, and was able to think outside the box. He was caring and compassionate, and made exceptional presentations in court. I am grateful to have had him represent my family member.
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Steve johnson
07 Aug, 2024 by Kim wilson
I couldn't be happier with Shur Law! Sarah stuck right by me during all of the proceedings. She and her team met every hurdle head on. Pricing is more than fair. Shur Law is full of women who truly care and want to see you gain a brighter future; they do all they can to help you realize your goals! Thank you all so very much!
Read more
25 Jul, 2024 by Mother elizabeth asanbekova
Sarah Oberer is a great attorney with Shurlaw . She is highly knowledgeable of all the legal details and an experienced professional . Sarah is very polite, responsible and takes care of the business as quickly as she can. Her assistant Shelbie Rundle is a great professional, gets done any paperwork in short time and she is very friendly.
I am very satisfied with their work and I am very happy that I have hired as my Bankruptcy Attorney Sarah Oberer. I recommend her to everyone.
Thank you very much for great job that you girls get done for me!!!
God Bless you both!!!
Read more
19 Apr, 2024 by Amy davis
Sarah was helpful, patient, and communicative every step of the process.
Read more
31 May, 2017 by Virgil
My case was with a major credit collection agency. At first I thought that I could take the case myself to court, but I can say that it was not the best decision at all. After leaving the first court hearing, I did a google search and found this website. My decision to hire Michael Fine was do to the great reviews. The results were extraordinary, he was able to get a great deal and the case dismissed. I did not expect such an amazing deal to this case, but it was all done in a matter of a few weeks, with no reason to show up in court even once or at his office for that matter. Trustworthy and professional are the two adjectives that best describe Michael Fine. Thank you again for everything Michael.
Read more
02 Apr, 2015 by Sandra
Mr. Fine really believes in the concept of justice for the maligned. A debt collection agency knew they were breaking the law when they served me but still tried to collect on a deceptively high amount. They would not back down but neither did Mr. Fine. He filed suit in federal court and got me the maximum allowed.
Read more
23 Sep, 2013 by John
Where other attorneys wouldn't even listen Michael not only listened but had the debt collector settle with me in my case (yes pay me) and drop their suit and erase the debt from my credit report due to all of their mistakes and lack of legitimate back up. If you are being taken to court on a debt whether you think you owe or not call him immeadiately!!!!!
Read more
30 May, 2020 by Josh
John was extremely helpful and always had my best interests in mind. Kind courteous and a very smart guy. I would recommend him to anyone.
Read more
20 Jun, 2016 by Gen
John has a very thorough understanding of the methods and laws surrounding a variety of situations. Consulting him on short notice and with very little time to grasp an understanding of the options that were available for me in my situation, he was patient and kind. He provided a couple options as well as the repercussions of each so that I could make an informed decision about what was the right solution for me. He also provided some reading material so that I could be a better informed client; and in doing so, he pointed out and allayed my concerns that were irrelevant to the case at hand. Because he is a very knowledgeable lawyer with more than one area of expertees, I have already added him to my Rolodex contacts shortlist so that I can come back to him quickly and easily should the need arise for me to consult or engage him in future. You are one lawyer to whom I can now confidently say "I Trust You", Thank you John. (I should hope we never have to meet again, but if we do, I appreciate you and your skills as a lawyer.)
Read more
10 Mar, 2016 by Jay
I was looking at purchasing a home with an IRS tax lien on it. John took the time and went over the pros and cons of going through the process of purchasing the home. I am still considering the options, but if I decide to follow through with the purchase, I will continue to work with John. As a matter of fact, I will continue to work with John on all legal issues within his expertise. He is a good man. Thank you.
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Christine straughter
Great at what he does. Was very helpful, walked me through every step of the process, and even though my case was 4 years ago, still sends Christmas cards. He's a pretty decent guy all around. 10/10 would recommend.
Read more
01 Feb, 2024 by Jeffrey townsend
From the perspective of getting a divorce and also filing for bankruptcy, Ron Whittel really knows his law and uses it for your best interest(s)
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Lorna gallagher
He is a great attorney.
Read more
14 May, 2024 by Christine straughter
Great at what he does. Was very helpful, walked me through every step of the process, and even though my case was 4 years ago, still sends Christmas cards. He's a pretty decent guy all around. 10/10 would recommend.
Read more
01 Feb, 2024 by Jeffrey townsend
From the perspective of getting a divorce and also filing for bankruptcy, Ron Whittel really knows his law and uses it for your best interest(s)
Read more
31 May, 2023 by Lorna gallagher
He is a great attorney.
Read more
25 Jan, 2016 by Crysta
Anthony has represented me on several cases in the past few years. He knows the law like the back of his hand. He is a brilliant thinker when it comes to litigation and resolution.
Read more
27 Aug, 2015 by Shawn
No matter my legal needs the McIntosh firm has always been there to help. Criminal issues, wills and trusts, they even helped with pesky bill collectors. I highly recommend A. Brian McIntosh and his team.
Read more
27 Aug, 2015 by Tracy
Brian is a fantastic Attorney. Having worked with him on several occasions, not only is he well versed on many legal topics and has many clients, he has always made me feel as if I am his highest priority. Sometimes his blatant honesty is alarming , but he quickly assess the situation and comes up with the most viable solutions.
His volunteer work in his community is commendable as well.
Read more
24 Jul, 2017 by Greg
Adam has been very helpful on a number of occasions. He has processed both evictions and collections for us and has been timely and successful. I would recommend Adam to anyone needing a top notch lawyer.
Read more
19 Jul, 2017 by Emily
We hired Adam to work on what we thought would be a very minor civil issue that ended up taking up more of all of our time than we anticipated. Adam handled everything for us and made the entire process manageable and much less stressful than I anticipated. He was thorough, incredible respectful and very patient with us when we asked many questions. We highly recommend Adam.
Read more
12 Jul, 2017 by Jessica
Adam was absolutely amazing to work with. He did an eviction for me and walked me through every step. He set up a land contract for me and was very dedicated to all the details and made sure both parties completely understood everything that was in the contract. He also helped prepare my dads will and power of attorney paperwork. It was very last minute but he made time, not only to get it done but to come to my dads home to meet with him in person since traveling was hard for him to do. Throughout all he has done for means my family, he has gone above and beyond any other lawyers I have ever met with. He truly cares about his clients and I would recommend him to everyone!
Read more
25 Nov, 2015 by Ashley b
'Honorable Attorney' Two words usually not used in the same sentence - Mr Shanks really excels at what he does and does so with integrity and efficiency! His experience and knowledge of the law really stands out when speaking with him. His judgement proved superb and very well-spoken, which is always an important quality in an Attorney. I will absolutely recommend Mr. Shanks to anyone I know in the future. The outcome was way better than I could've imagined. Much respect! Thanks again!
Read more
17 Sep, 2015 by Luree colwell
He definitely knows what he's doing! I made a plea deal to combine my two felony charges into one, so I was being convicted of a felony 3 which is a minimum of 3-5 years in prison. Judge Pater is one of the toughest and Mr. Shanks said he ALWAYS gives people their prison time, but thanks to Mr. Shanks closing statement about how I have always been an upstanding citizen and I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time (truth), Judge Pater only gave me 3 years probation!! I give all the glory to God, but Mr. Shanks definitely did his job, and represented me better than I could've ever imagined. I highly recommend seeking his representation if you can afford it.
Read more
23 May, 2019 by Nicole
Anthony has successfully helped with simple and complex eviction cases in several counties. As new owners of property, he has been available to answer questions ranging from when to post 3 day notices to collecting past rent. Anthony’s personal, professional and effective service has made some of the hard parts of the rental business easier.
Read more
23 May, 2019 by Thomas
I have hired Anthony several times for various things including lease contracts, evictions, legal advice and real estate deals. He is always pleasant to work with and really cares about your desired outcome. The level of detail and responsiveness is nothing less than 5 star!
Read more
21 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Randy explains all legal options for you very thoroughly. He responds promptly to all calls and emails. Randy goes into great detail about every step and process of your case. He is easy to talk to and all questions are answered in great detail. I feel he shows true compassion for his clients, and I recommend him 100%.
Read more
26 Aug, 2012 by Brett
Very professional and knowledgable. Straight forward and understanding of individual needs and circumstances. All explained and answered in terms the average person can understand. Will be my first call if ever needed.
Read more
05 Aug, 2016 by Katie
Mr. Mulvaney was extremely pro-active about helping us get justice in our lanlord-tenant dispute. He was very pleasant to work with and made sure to make us feel comfortable about our case even though it was very sensitive for us to talk about. From the get-go he was very upfront and straightforward about how our case was going to work, what we needed to get together for a successful case, and how payment would be handeled. Mr. Mulvaney was very helpful in helping us ammend our answer and counterclaim. He spent numerous hours on the phone with us before meeting us in person in order to take our case. He was very kind, and humble and did not pressure us about payment or our choice in attorney. On the day of our first settlement mediation with our landlord and his attorney we were not expecting what transpired to have transpired what-so-ever. In fact we did not expect to be able to reach an agreement on our first day of mediation. Instead Mr. Mulvaney showed up early, and made sure to inform us (seeing as how this was our first time dealing with a legal battle) of how the mediation would transpire, and what to expect from our landlord and his attorney, as well as some advice on how not to act in this situation. Mr. Mulvaney did not make us feel intimidated or uneasy, but rather confident in our case. He was very kind as magistrates and other lawyers walked by saying hello to each of them and telling us a little about each one and how he knew them. He was extremely humble and courteous. As our landlord's attorney walked in Mr. Mulvaney informed us of who he was, and told us that he was representing our landlord in this mediation. After a short time of going over everything once more with us, he politely walked over to our landlord's attorney, introduced himself and spoke with him about our expectations. Before even entering the mediation chamber he was able to reach an agreement that was better than what we had hoped for with the other party. Mr. Mulvaney kept a very cool, and collected composure with the other party, and stayed firm with our settlement number. He advised us to keep our composure even though we were extremely happy with the outcome while he entered the mediation chamber with the other party to draw up our settlement agreement. Not only did our case not have to go to trial, but we got exactly what we had hoped for, and were able to reach an agreement before even going into mediation. Mr. Mulvaney gave us hope when we were feeling hopeless, and he took such a heavy load of stress off of our shoulders by taking our case and so graciously approaching our concerns. We will be using Mr. Mulvaney again in the future should we have any issues, and will reccommend him to ANYONE in a troubled situation regarding a landlord/tenant dispute. Mr. Mulvaney is a GREAT lawyer, he is easy-going, and easy to talk to, he is humble, and takes his clients' concerns seriously, and most importantly, he got justice for us when we were fearful and hopeless. He turned a very unfortunate situation for us into a wonderful resolve.
Read more
27 Mar, 2016 by Harriet
I own a 6-unit apartment building and wanted to be very clear on the leases what my rights and responsibilities are and those of the tenants should there be any problem with bedbugs. I was a bit hesitant to see an attorney but I am so glad I contacted Mr. Mulvaney. He has expert knowledge and is very easy to work with. My leases have been revised in a number of areas. Highly recommend for any real estate issues.
Read more
22 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
When we came home from vacation to find 5 of our 30 year old pine trees cut down, the police told us we needed a civil attorney. We contacted Paul Kray. He met with us quickly and was very knowledgeable, also offering several alternatives. He is quite willing to take the case but also said he is your neighbor so try to work it out with him first. I was impressed with his common sense and honesty.
Read more
17 Apr, 2015 by Kevin
As a start-up company, we contacted Paul Kray and he demonstrated knowledge of our needs and an appreciation of our budget and helped us get incorporated, review vendor agreements and catch issues that we otherwise would not have identified. He helped us get off to the right start and his ongoing support has helped our continued success. I highly recommend for small to midsize businesses clients.
Read more
05 Jul, 2019 by Hugh james
My wife and I have used Attorney Mark Sweeney many times. We hired him to draft a stock purchase agreement when when bought the shares of our family business from the original co-owners. After the purchase was complete, he amended the company's articles of organization on file with the Secretary of State. Finally, we hired him to prepare our wills. At all times Mr. Sweeney accommodated our busy schedules and was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Attorney Sweeney for small business matters.
Read more
24 Oct, 2018 by Linda
I have been a client of Mark Sweeney since 2015 when I hired him to prepare an estate plan. During that time he offered on his own initiative to review my business income taxes, which a national chain had always prepared. Mark suggested strategies which we implemented in tax years 2016 and beyond that have reduced my total taxes by 40% per year.
Read more
07 Jan, 2016 by Andrew
John was invaluable to me and my family following my accident last fall. He was on top of all aspects of the court and litigation process. Never had to wait long for a response, and he was eager to answer all my questions and lay out all my options. In the end, he helped to secure my family's well being in a difficult time.
Read more
13 Jun, 2013 by Jason
John was great at litigating an issue I had with my HOA. He was very professional and responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend John, and plan on using him in the future if needed.
Read more
19 Dec, 2016 by Kristen
Gretchen Weston has been our attorney on multiple matters and has always been efficient and extremely competent. Thank you!!!
Read more
30 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
I used Ms. Weston for my divorce and found her to be extremely caring, tough and a great listener all in one package! Her prices are fair...as a lawyers can be, and she was willing to work with me! Go Ms. Weston!
Read more
13 May, 2016 by Steve
Chuck has worked with our various entities on over 30 matters. From landlord/tenant disputes (both sides), contract litigation, evictions, multi-million dollar property acquisitions, and even an adverse possession claim, he has handled each matter with professionalism and competence.
For more complex matters, he has built a team of other attorneys and professionals with the skills and experience to get each unique situation resolved. He works diligently on every case, communicating effectively with us along the way. He has gone far above and beyond anything I have ever expected, often handling the roles of attorney, advisor, and negotiator.
Chuck also has a unique ability to keep calm and collected in situations where the opposing litigant (and occasionally the opposing counsel) has been extremely unreasonable and/or aggressive. This calm has allowed us to settle matters that, had cooler heads not prevailed, would have gone to trial, costing us far more in legal expenses and given us an uncertain outcome.
Read more
19 Apr, 2016 by George
Chuck Royer literally saved my practice. Initially, he was brought in as co-council (to avoid being "homered") for the corporate attorney who was originally representing me. As time went on the other attorney became difficult to reach and was delaying a settlement by dragging his feet. When it became painfully apparent that the case was not being handled in a way that was in my best interest, Chuck took over at my request and settled the case within 2 weeks. Not only could the law suit have dragged on another two or three months, but it would have cost me a fortune, and left me bankrupt. Further delay would also have turned the judge against me since my side would have been responsible for the delay in reaching a settlement. Instead of remaining in the backseat and watching my case slip away while still being paid as a bystander (co-council) as a third attorney did, Chuck listened to my concerns, showed compassion for my situation and quietly took charge, while still maintaining good terms with my other attorneys who were nonetheless valuable for arguing the details of my case. Even though he was brought into the case five months after it had begun and as one of three attorneys representing me, Chuck was able to distill the case into its essential parts, identify what key elements had to be accomplished in order to reach a settlement, and then saw to it that all the players (including my other attorneys, the judge, and the opposing council) acted in a timely fashion in order to push the long over due settlement through. Chuck Royer is an extremely competent attorney, but his compassion for me, his client, is what made him uniquely qualified to settle a case that two other attorneys could not. Thank you, Chuck!
Read more
22 Mar, 2021 by Michael
I retained Molly for a review of a current contract and how it could be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. I asked for her expertise when it came time to amend said contract. Throughout the entire process she was very prompt in returning clarification to my many questions and provided guidance on how to navigate a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Molly and plan to utilize her expertise in the future. Thank you!
Read more
28 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I retained Molly as counsel for an issue, and found her to be an experienced expert in her field. She responded quickly to questions, and gave sound, dispassionate advice. She rapidly navigated the process and brought it to a quick, favorable conclusion. Her work, demeanor, availability and knowledge were excellent.
Read more
22 May, 2020 by James
I switched to him in the middle of my divorce case and I have zero regrets. I am picky with selections and I would highly recommend him for a divorce. He dealt with a lot of BS in my case and had no issues. Even after the divorce was finalized, he still responds and addresses any issues that arise. Well worth the extra money you may pay compared to someone else. Thank you for everything
Read more
21 Jul, 2015 by Lauren
Attorney Giannini is a very respected and experienced lawyer. I used him for my domestic relations case. He is very knowledgeable and always kept me informed as to what I could expect. He did very well for me.
Read more
23 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Chris was so easy to understand,his knowledge and his personality just put me at ease.He is an excellent lawyer and I will recommend him to all of my family and friends when they need a lawyer!!
Read more
21 Jan, 2016 by Randy
I was referred to Mr. Meyer upon the passing of my wife. Mr. Meyer was extremely helpful in taking care of everything. He and his staff were very respectful, caring and professional during the process. Should I ever need an attorney again, he is the best and only one I will chose.
Read more
01 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Have use Mr. Holtsberry numerous times and always had excellent, praiseworthy results. From tax issues, to real estate transactions, to personal injury and auto collisions, he is the ONLY lawyer I will use!
Read more
27 Jun, 2017 by Evan
Meg helped me with a traffic offense. She greatly facilitated my time at court (got us to the front of the line) and then managed to get my ticket dismissed. There were no court fees or points either.
Read more
25 May, 2018 by Anonymous
He's a good lawyer. Always willing to help. Very knowledgeable about consumer law.
Read more
12 Jun, 2015 by Rodney
Jeff has been doing evictions for us for a few years, as well as handling other items. We are truly amazed with his experience and knowledge of the law, as well as his follow through and communication. He also has a great support staff.
Read more
29 Apr, 2021 by Charlie
Zach did a great job in helping out our family with some recent debt affairs. He was able to clearly communicate options, likelihoods of outcomes, and avenues to approach taking on the challenges that we were facing. Will definitely look to work with Zach in the future!
Read more
21 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Shawn was personable, honest, and affordable. He was able to help me understand what was happening with my case, and provided superb legal counsel when I didn't know what else to do. He made it very easy to handle this very stressful time in my life. Shawn was so knowledgeable about my problems and gave me sound advice to help me best solve my crisis.
Read more
08 Mar, 2016 by Michelle lange
Mike has given our family back faith in the justice system. Mike listens and does not rush. He explains every step of the process. I can only say that he has/is giving us back our lives.Michelle L. and family
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in Ohio - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Columbus
-
Cleveland
-
Cincinnati
-
Akron
-
Toledo
-
Dayton
-
Canton
-
Dublin
-
Beachwood
-
Youngstown
-
Westlake
-
Westerville
-
Independence
-
Medina
-
Warren
-
Hamilton
-
Shaker Heights
-
Delaware
-
Chagrin Falls
-
Mason
-
Elyria
-
Miamisburg
-
Painesville
-
Findlay
-
Mentor
-
Rocky River
-
Springfield
-
Lakewood
-
Sandusky
-
Fairlawn
-
Lancaster
-
Lebanon
-
Mansfield
-
Lima
-
Newark
-
Worthington
-
New Albany
-
Hilliard
-
Powell
-
Hudson
-
West Chester
-
Sylvania
-
Solon
-
Wooster
-
Ravenna
-
Perrysburg
-
Strongsville
-
Batavia
-
Zanesville
-
Bowling Green
-
Canfield
-
Blue Ash
-
Troy
-
Cuyahoga Falls
-
Maumee
-
North Canton
-
Cleveland Heights
-
Willoughby
-
New Philadelphia
-
Marion
-
Marysville
-
Chillicothe
-
Athens
-
Mayfield Heights
-
Gahanna
-
Chardon
-
Reynoldsburg
-
Beavercreek
-
Xenia
-
Marietta
-
Portsmouth
-
Parma
-
Middletown
-
Avon
-
Centerville
-
Brecksville
-
Avon Lake
-
Fairfield
-
Steubenville
-
Loveland
-
Port Clinton
-
Lorain
-
Pickerington
-
Fairview Park
-
Kent
-
Bellefontaine
-
Pepper Pike
-
Broadview Heights
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Ohio
-
Business
-
Litigation
-
Real Estate
-
Personal Injury
-
Estate Planning
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Government
-
Juvenile Law
-
Tax
-
Intellectual Property
-
Workers Compensation
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Probate
-
Civil Rights
-
Appeals
-
Consumer Protection
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Insurance
-
Elder Law
-
Immigration
-
Child Custody
-
Bankruptcy
-
Debt Collection
-
Car Accident
-
Wrongful Death
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Divorce
-
Entertainment
-
Trusts
-
Child Support
-
Employment / Labor
-
Mediation
-
Domestic Violence
-
Class Action
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
DUI / DWI
-
Adoption
-
Foreclosure
-
Discrimination
-
Copyright Application
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Federal Crime
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
Sex Crime
-
Debt Settlement
-
Construction
-
Environmental Law
-
Education Law
-
Credit Repair
-
Drug Crime
-
Cannabis Law
-
Life Insurance
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Constitutional Law
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.
