What's worse than the emotionally crippling financial distress that has led you to consider declaring bankruptcy? Hiring the wrong attorney for the job.
Handling bankruptcy filings has become a volume business for many lawyers, leaving some of them overworked and unable to attend to the details of all their cases. Practicing bankruptcy law has also become a growing trend for other lawyers, who are also feeling the brunt of the economic downturn. Most of these attorneys are hoping they can capitalize on the state of the economy, and make a couple bucks by dibble dabbling in a few bankruptcy cases despite have little to no experience. On the clear opposite side of the spectrum you have your bankruptcy mills. Bankruptcy mills -- storefront operations offering cut-rate services -- have set up shop in many places (just take a look at their website and you will see that they have set up shop in just about every city and county in the state). All this activity means that individuals, facing the ultimate financial decision, too often find themselves with legal services that are inferior to what they expect or need.
Nobody wants an absentee or incompetent attorney, especially when it's your financial future in the balance. That's why you need to do some research before hiring a bankruptcy lawyer.
Here are a few tips to help you find the best attorney to handle your bankruptcy filing.
Ask questions.
Once you have some candidates, interview them or someone at the law firm. Be sure to ask:
- How many bankruptcies do you handle in a month or in a year?
- How many other areas of law do you practice? (this will help you single out specialists versus those hoping to make a few extra bucks handling a case or two)
- What percentage of your practice is dedicated to practicing bankruptcy law?
- How much access will I have to an attorney during throughout the entire process?
- If I'm not working directly with you (the lawyer), whom will I be working with?
- Can I interview the person with whom I would be working?
- Will the lawyer that I initially meet with be available via telephone
or e-mail throughout the duration of representation?
- What timeframe do you have for this bankruptcy?
- How will the procedure work?
This is a critical decision, so if you get evasive answers, it's probably a red flag that this is not the firm for you.
Evaluate the responses.
Because bankruptcy law is a volume business, with most firms out there, the time you'll actually be working with a specific attorney is very small. In fact, with most consumer bankruptcy firms, the client works with a clerk or a paralegal; your actual attorney does nothing more than the initial consultation it takes to secure your business. Therefore, unless you are comfortable paying attorney prices to have a paralegal or assistant handle your case, it's important to use the interview process to determine who will actually be handling your case. Consider whether candidates answered you fairly, and in enough detail, so that you can make an informed decision on whom to hire.
Check out the law firm's offices
You're not looking for how tastefully a lawyer's office is decorated, but how well-organized an office it is, as well as the general environment. This office appraisal can give you vital clues as to how a lawyer would handle your case. Look around the office and see how well organized it is. Is it neat, or are there 45 folders spread all over the floor. You wouldn't go to a doctor with a dirty examining room and you don't want to go to a lawyer with a disorganized office. Does it look like the attorney you are meeting with has his or her own office, or are you dealing with someone that rents space once in awhile when they manage to get a client?
The attorneys at KM Law Group pride themselves on having the ability to provide their clients with low fees and flexible payment plans, while handling every aspect of their clients' cases from start to finish. At KM Law Group you will not be subjected to the typical "bait and switch game" employed by other firms. Your case will be handled by your attorney from start to finish.
KM Law Group will provide you with a range of fair fees right over the phone. There are never any hidden attorneys fees in our prices.
Call KM Law Group at 866-500-3838 today to schedule a
FREE consultation
, or contact us online.