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22 Apr, 2023 by Shawn
One of the best lawyers I’ve ever spoken and had the pleasure working with courteous respectful and honest very nice She took care of my issue with a creditor and made them responsible for there mistakes if I had to do this again I’d want her as my attorney ! I’ was very satisfied with the outcome of my case her communication was excellent making sure you knew what was going on My case did not take long to be settled! Again very satisfied with the results! Thank you again Emily and I will always refer you to anyone who is going to need representation!
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18 Jun, 2021 by Pollie
EMILY GOMEZ is the true depiction of a GREAT LAWYER
So much more then a good lawyer
SHE IS A GREAT LAWYER
Great in the fact that Emily owned my problem and engenders the belief that she would do everything to help me succeed
Emily is more then just capable and expected to do a good job. She will do what she says she will do by being early-fully prepared. She personalized our relationship by recognizing my unique style interest and my needs Emily want far beyond what a good lawyer would do. That to makers her as a GREAT LAWYER
My issues with the bank that unlawful took my monies have been resolved
Emily’s knowledge of law, abilities to act and finalization of my bank issues have led me to the conclusion that
SHE IS A GREAT LAWYER
I recommend Emily for your legal issues
She is more than a good lawyer
EMILY GOMEZ IS A GREAT LAWYER
Thank you Emily
God Bless
P
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22 Sep, 2020 by Linda
Recommended to anyone in debt over their head!! Emily is the best for many reasons. 1. She charges a flat rate. Many attorneys charge for a percent of the debt. In my case this would have costed me thousands more than what I paid Emily. 2 She is the most knowledgeable person I know and I've spoken to other attorneys who understand the rules but not as good as Emily. 3 she's gotten me much more than I can ever imagine on cases where I owed debt. Because of her knowledge of the law and rules against the way certain letters are worded, she has gotten me money on these cases. I would recommend Emily to anyone dealing with debt or financial hardship. She's amazing
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02 Mar, 2015 by Tom
We have been working with Tom for almost 6 years. He has provided valuable advice on many business matters from standard product agreements through large scale multi-faceted custom material and service agreements. He has guided our companies though the LLC process and has advised us on our corporate structure. Tom has always been very responsive and honest with us over the years. We would highly recommend Tom to any of our family, friends or business associates.
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19 Feb, 2015 by Paula
Tom was referred to me by a prestigious law firm in Pittsburgh as a reliable and knowledgeable business attorney who could resolve a sticky situation I was facing. Through Tom's expert handling of the problematic situation things were quickly resolved and I've continued to retain him for all my business needs. Tom cares about his clients, is fair minded, and you can count on him to always act in ethical ways. He is entrepreneurially minded and understands what business owners need and want. Tom has provided me with sound business advice, thorough contracts and contract reviews and has connected me with key people. Additionally he has become a trusted friend. I would highly recommend Tom Michael Jr for small business and start up needs.
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10 Oct, 2019 by Velvet
I bless this man and his whole family he eased my worries and gave me a break from my mourning he is so kind and thoughtful very thorough saved my home and sense of well being an asset to our community
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22 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Josh handled a commercial loan transaction from start to finish in a highly professional, expedient and cost-effective manner. I would recommend Josh for a variety of contract review-related and real estate matters.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Juanita giles
I would not recommend him to anyone, the experience was less than professional with no positive results. My asking questions was insulting to him and our client/attorney arrangment was terminated. A total waste of my money.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Paul asturi
Waste of money. Had absolutely no interest in helping me, especially after I paid him. It’s probably the only reason he showed up at court. But instead of having answers for me, he had compliments for the opposition. Along with his panicking demeanor, which made me too worried to go in front of the judge and defend myself with the truth!
If me giving consent to the PFA based on your advice is considered a successful resolution then that says it all. Not to mention the PFA was then used to obtain the criminal charges liar. Don’t worry, I will be reporting you to the BAR association
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27 Oct, 2023 by Justin ragghianti
26 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
I met with Mr. Bernstein to review my position prior to filing bankruptcy. As with some attorneys, he wanted paid to review my case, which was fine with me. What was so disappointing is the information he shared was very general in spite of forwarding two years of tax returns, a Balance Sheet and my company's P&L Statement. In addition, I had my personal Balance Sheet and Expenses lay out too. After an hour meeting, he charged me $700.00. Stating his rate is $495 / Hr. and it took him a half hour to review my material.
In fact, he was not familiar with my information when we met and only explained general rules of bankruptcy while not being versed on the different limitations for 2013. As I listen to him ramble on and on, his conclusion was for me to contact another attorney because he did not do very many personal bankruptcies.
I left in shock, to have paid such a large amount of money for such little value.
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17 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
Robert Bernstein has represented Guttman Oil Company and the Guttman Group in credit recovery, bankruptcy and contract litigation matters for more than twenty-five years. Services have ranged over hundreds of matters and Attorney Bernstein has consistently provided excellent creditor representation. Attorney Bernstein is reliable, dependable, knowledgeable and effective. Guttman Oil Company and the Guttman Group take pleasure in highly recommending this lawyer as competent and completely worthy of your serious consideration.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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:
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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.
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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.
