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29 Jun, 2021 by Nuhad
I had a very difficult and complicated case related to real estate that could not be solved by other lawyers. Mr Louis took the case and worked on it patiently with determination and professionalism. He analyzed the problem and was able, given his experience, to get to the root of the issue that he addressed successfully and was able to win the case for me after some serious and meticulous efforts were invested. I recommend Mr Louis and his group with no reservation.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Our case with a giant company was quite unique and most lawyers did not have confidence to take our case. The added problem was because we were Canadians and we need US lawyer who should represent us in our absence in the US. Michael was courageous and undaunted to extend his professional help. The Company who disregarded our consumers' rights, and disrespected the law, was shrunk by the first letter of Michael who represented us. Our legal battle was smooth sailing with the professionalism of Michael and his staff. Michael knows his stuff, and were assured by his experiences and expertise in dealing with real estate legal matters. Our battle ended in just over a month long with positive result. He represented us and work for what we were fighting for in our absence. We did not have to be in the US to fight for our rights. We highly recommend Michael and MacElree Harvey, Ltd for your legal cases.
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17 Aug, 2015 by Craig
It is a pleasure to write a review on the services MacElree and Harvey provided, specifically Mr. Michael Louis and Mr. Patrick Gallo. While my situation would likely be considered a minor case, for me it was very concerning. After contacting Mr. Louis he immediately assisted with a time sensitive court document and addressed my concerns regarding financial liability. After the initial concern was addressed, Mr. Patrick Gallo worked diligently on negotiating a reasonable settlement and provided me with several options. Both Mr. Gallo and Mr. Louis were always available, provided detailed explanations, were extremely professional, and treated my case with the utmost importance. In addition, their rates were very fair as they went “above and beyond” to assist. Thank you both for all your help.
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14 Jan, 2022 by Bryan
From the first initial phone consultation to the resolution of my case, Jennifer was professional and explained everything clearly. Communication was excellent. I had a rather large debt collection case against me and she was able to get the case resolved with zero liability on my part. I would have no hesitation in recommending her for debt collection cases.
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28 Sep, 2019 by Mandeep ahuja
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07 Mar, 2014 by Kate smith
Lauren is an excellent bankruptcy attorney. I highly recommend her to anyone that is going through forclosures on their house or has to file bankruptcy. She helped me so much and made sure I had all the documents I needed so that when I went to court we were not missing any documentation.
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09 Dec, 2024 by John spadaro
MacElree Harvey is a great place to work full of thoughtful, competent attorneys who work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for their clients and provide mentorship to younger attorneys.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Fred l
The attorneys at MacElree Harvey really care. They are exceptional at what they do. I highly recommend Joe Bellinghieri for estate planning, estate taxes, and accounting. I also highly recommend Mary Kay Gaver for business law. She really took care of me and my Mom during business buyout negotiations. All of the attorneys and paralegals are great. Thank you to Brian Nagle for recommending these great lawyers.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Lou mincarelli
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08 May, 2024 by Mr. 100
A so call person name Joelle Shanesy said she is a partner with this law firm Lamb McErlane but she is not you can go onto the website and see for your , this not so honest person worked for three law firms in the year and now she is here at Lamb McErlane ready to steal more money but this time I did not follow her to this law firm. She promise to call me back and she don't, kept telling me that she is going over my case and she didn't but bills me for time that she wasn't working on my case and I have all the proof to show it. For 5 months Joelle didn't even get a discovery done for a simple divorce case but billed me $2600.00 So I will tell you , your friends and family to not hire her as your lawyer she will lie and if you lie you will cheat and if you cheat you will steal and she did . Joelle Shanesy is the name and look here profile up on the company website and you will see she is not a partner Ask her about her other two law firms she worked for, I don't have to lie JC Law and Berman/Voss
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02 Apr, 2024 by Samsung device
BEWARE. Corrupt to its core. If involved in custody they are very Father's Rights across the board and will not hesitate to use criminal action in their arsenal. VERY UNETHICAL.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Cristina perone
Wonderful law firm, friendly office staff and trustworthy attorneys!
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08 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
She was responsible for assisting us with closing the estate of my late Father. Communication was inconsistent. Her explanations seemed to always go in circles and were difficult to understand. The whole process took much longer than expected for what we thought was a fairly simple estate.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.

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