Ok, a review for those still considering hiring a law firm or individual attorney to deal with your issues. I just completed the 5th consult/interview in the last two weeks and let me tell you, the difference between attorneys and firms was incredible. I am in Southern California BTW
After reviewing the information I provided to them, 4 out of the 5 recommended chapter 7 and one said a chapter 13.
The last firm I just left was a complete disaster. The attorney was short with me, condescending, insulting and closed his eyes every time I tried to interject something about about my situation. He would not hear of my particular issues at all. He took basic numbers and wouldn't you know it....recommended a chapter 13! The only one to do so. The entire consult took less that 10 minutes and he did all the talking. If this had been my first exposure to a BK lawyer I would have given up right there! He was also the cheapest of the bunch.
The law firm I decided to go with was of course the most expensive; ($4500) however, gave the most professional service I could ask for. My consultation was with both partners of the firm and lasted 1 hour 45 minutes. I could have stayed longer however I ran out of questions. Thanks to the site HHM gave me I was able to drill them with questions I had never thought of and came up with even more. They were very patient and answered everything. I even asked what the average length of a 341 hearing takes with one of their clients and they stated 90 seconds. Both attorneys know all 4 of the trustees in my area very well. The reason so fast, their paperwork is always correct and they do not file wobblers. One of the two partners always represents each client at the 341....its not passed down to someone you have never met before.
Of the other three, one was a phone consult as he had no staff, the other a bankruptcy mill and the other almost got my business; however, stuck very much to the 30 minute consult time and then promptly left the office to bring in the office closer. He was professional, well credentialed but this less than personable style left me wondering.
For those still considering, see as many attorneys as you can tolerate before making a decision. This could mean all the difference between a chapter 7, chapter 13 and having a great result vs a disastrous one.
As we move forward I will keep everyone up to date on the process.
ST
After reviewing the information I provided to them, 4 out of the 5 recommended chapter 7 and one said a chapter 13.
The last firm I just left was a complete disaster. The attorney was short with me, condescending, insulting and closed his eyes every time I tried to interject something about about my situation. He would not hear of my particular issues at all. He took basic numbers and wouldn't you know it....recommended a chapter 13! The only one to do so. The entire consult took less that 10 minutes and he did all the talking. If this had been my first exposure to a BK lawyer I would have given up right there! He was also the cheapest of the bunch.
The law firm I decided to go with was of course the most expensive; ($4500) however, gave the most professional service I could ask for. My consultation was with both partners of the firm and lasted 1 hour 45 minutes. I could have stayed longer however I ran out of questions. Thanks to the site HHM gave me I was able to drill them with questions I had never thought of and came up with even more. They were very patient and answered everything. I even asked what the average length of a 341 hearing takes with one of their clients and they stated 90 seconds. Both attorneys know all 4 of the trustees in my area very well. The reason so fast, their paperwork is always correct and they do not file wobblers. One of the two partners always represents each client at the 341....its not passed down to someone you have never met before.
Of the other three, one was a phone consult as he had no staff, the other a bankruptcy mill and the other almost got my business; however, stuck very much to the 30 minute consult time and then promptly left the office to bring in the office closer. He was professional, well credentialed but this less than personable style left me wondering.
For those still considering, see as many attorneys as you can tolerate before making a decision. This could mean all the difference between a chapter 7, chapter 13 and having a great result vs a disastrous one.
As we move forward I will keep everyone up to date on the process.
ST
Closed 02/25/1 
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