Question on public records

[toomuch]

I called the local BK court yesterday to inquire as to how many cases 2 lawyers had filed and to get any info I could drag out of them. I was told a report is printed once a month. It costs $23. It includes open and closed end. It gives the names of the filers, but not the lawyer. I would have to go into each case individually and see who the lawyer is. The clerk told me I would be able to see the outcome, but unless I have several months of reports, I don't see how I could. It takes longer than a month to know the outcome.
Is this something I should obtain and spend time on? I am having a most difficult time finding a lawyer I am comfortable with. I am in the Savannah area and I am quickly finding that good lawyers are scarce.

I thought I trusted one paralegal, but the BK clerk asked if the lawyer would know as much about my case as the paralegal and I don't think so. Evidently this paralegal, no matter how experienced she is, handles every single thing except for the 341 meeting. Plus the office is absolutely chaotic.

Another lawyer I saw was just full of it. Didn't like him from the getgo.

The first one I saw seemed okay, but I think they mainly deal in auto accidents. That was why I want to find out how many cases they file, and actually go through with the chapter they started with.

Thanks,

toomuch

[HHM]

Well, your working off the false assumption that having a lawyer makes a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Each debtor's individual circumstances determine the outcome of a case and there is very little a lawyer can do to alter that. Sure, they can advise as to when to file etc, the means test etc. But in the end, the outcome for most cases is the same...the vast majority of cases go to discharge, a fraction are converted, and a fraction are dismissed (most dismissed cases are pro se filers), most converted cases were borderline cases to begin with, so it is usually not a surprise when the conversion motion is made.

[ChainSmokin]

Nice concise overview of BK, HHM. Seems that a lot of cases come down to whether YOU and your paralegal can fill out the paperwork correctly.

The only good thing I can say about my attorney and secretary is that they were close by. I was easily able to pick up and drop off paper work and make payments in person. I would also have to say they responded to my emails in a timely manner. Most of which were to correct their mistakes. The last one was to inform them that they forgot to record a $300.00 payment. Get payment receipts folks.

[toomuch]

Well, your working off the false assumption that having a lawyer makes a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Each debtor's individual circumstances determine the outcome of a case and there is very little a lawyer can do to alter that. Sure, they can advise as to when to file etc, the means test etc. But in the end, the outcome for most cases is the same...the vast majority of cases go to discharge, a fraction are converted, and a fraction are dismissed (most dismissed cases are pro se filers), most converted cases were borderline cases to begin with, so it is usually not a surprise when the conversion motion is made.

I didn't realize I was under false assumption about having a good lawyer. I thought that was the purpose of consulting with 3 to 4 lawyers before choosing one. If it's a matter of circumstances, which I do understand a lawyer cannot change, then I suppose one should go with the one they mesh with best. I have read on this board that some people fired their lawyers, etc....

[HHM]

The point I was trying to make is you cannot evaluate an attorney based on the outcome of their past cases. Of course I think you should have a good lawyer. So searching through endless pacer records to see what kind of results an attorney get is somewhat pointless, because in the end, they will all follow the average, i.e. most discharged, some converted, and a few dismissed.

I am not questioning your goal, to get a good lawyer, only pointing out that the method you are suggesting is not the answer.

[toomuch]

The point I was trying to make is you cannot evaluate an attorney based on the outcome of their past cases. Of course I think you should have a good lawyer. So searching through endless pacer records to see what kind of results an attorney get is somewhat pointless, because in the end, they will all follow the average, i.e. most discharged, some converted, and a few dismissed.

I am not questioning your goal, to get a good lawyer, only pointing out that the method you are suggesting is not the answer.

Okay, gotcha HHM. Thanks for your input. You saved me a lot of valuable time.

toomuch