How do you know if you're picking a good lawyer.

[CreditCretin]

This is probably a stupid question, so I apologize in advance. We had our intial meeting with a lawyer today and it went well. He said we definately are candidates for Bankruptcy, due to our high amount of CC debt and that we should start right away. I never like to make a quick decision like this so we decided to go home and think about it. He seemed very knowledgable, and helpful, ran the numbers for us, and explained the entire process. He said our case is borderline between a 7 and 13, and we would have to get more involved in the process, means tests, data gathering to make a final decision. I don't know what I was expecting, maybe this huge feeling of relief or one of Oprah's "ah ha" moments. I just left more confused. We did take an hour of his time and I know he had another appointment waiting, but I felt like some questions were unanswered. Not knowing ahead of time if we were a definately going to have to go the 13 route was hard too.

We decided to make another appointment this week, just to see if we can get a '2nd opinion' and a feeling for another laywer's personality. I am just kind of feeling frustrated today, I was hoping to really feel something click, I guess. Anyone have any good tips on what make them feel that they had a good attorney? I really think I have to move forward this, going through the budget (nice to finally have one) and am finding with these minimum increases coming up, we need to do something, soon.

[pa308]

It is a great idea to get a second opinion, especially if you had a vibe with the first.

I actually only met with one, he was confident and gave me confidence. There were times leading up to the actual filing (I made pmts for 6 months to him) that I questioned my decision, but in the end his firm did a great job.

Your gut will lead you.......

[BassBoy]

An attorney should have what I call, "A good bed side manner" if you will. They should be compasionate, and most importantly, knowledgeable. You'll know when you've got the right attorney in front of you. A good attorney will take the time to answer all of your questions, even the ones that you may think are stupid......and they'll explain their answers well. What I find important is an attorney that will look in the eye and talk to you like there's a person sitting in front of them.

Bankruptcy is a difficult experience and having a great attorney who is good at what they do, and has some compasion and takes a moment or two to answer your questions will make your BK so smooth and less stressful for you.

Like pa308 stated, go with your gut!

[klandsb]

Ok. Met with 1st attorney Monday ...liked him but he was behind and apologized a few times about it...our original time was 4 and he called earlier in the day to say he was caught up at court and could we move it until 6 which we did..anyway, the time we did spend together he seemed very knowledgable and some I think I could work with.

Lawyer 2.... last night. he had "no bedside manner" all business and made me feel very guilty about being in debt and having a decent income.. well I havent alway had a good income therefore I used cc's and so here I am willing to pay something back without interest & penalties and he was just sooooo cold....When I told him I had to think about it he said well about how long do you think that is going to take ...Needless to say he is "NOT" the one for me..
Have an appt tomorrow morning w/ attorney #3.. He has already called to see if I can come later in the day... I explained I work 10 to 6:30 and no I cant come later...I already took monday off to meet with attorney #1 so another day off this week is not going to happan.... Anyway, he kept it at 9 am so we will see... I dont want to work with someone who is not judgemental... Yes, I am in a financial meltdown with no one but myself to blame but that doesnt mean I dont deserve a chance.
It really ticks me off because I paid a settlement company $500 a mth for 8 mths and all I have in the banking acct with them was $880.00 which I just got back...The other money is like I threw it out the window... I could of used it to pay $3000.00 to one of my creditors.. Oh well, thats a whole other story !!!!!!!

[poorold]

creditcretin,

if you have the time, the link below will enable you to work through the means test. as you do so, if you have questions, you can either just ask them or use the search function above.

http://www.legalconsumer.com/bankruptcy/nolo/

[justplaintired]

Well sounds like you are being very smart choosing an attorney. We met with 2 and chose the second. He seemed smart, his office wasn't great, but he had thousands of books sitting around. LOL Law books, old ones, new ones clear to the ceiling. His desk was a mess, piled high with cases. He was very busy, and very smart. His paralegal impressed me too. I spoke with her on the phone for awhile before meeting the attorney, she calmed me down alot. The first attorney was from a nationally advertised BK law firm and I didn't feel comfortable. I wouldn't have dealt with the same attorney each time I called and that wasn't what I wanted at all.

I recommend you find an attorney who you feel comfortable with, who has a smart paralegal as he/she will be helping alot with paperwork. You attorney should not lay quilt on you for BK, if they do, move onto the next.