Learn Ten Tips on Choosing a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Filing for bankruptcy is a terrible experience, but having hired an incompetent attorney makes it that much worse. Bankruptcy filings have become big business for many attorneys, leading to subpar representation for some insolvent debtors.

This is why it’s important to conduct your homework before retaining a bankruptcy attorney. For assistance locating a competent bankruptcy attorney, consider the following ten suggestions.

Do not delay

Hiring a bankruptcy attorney has about as much appeal as getting a tooth extracted. Don’t let this delay your search for a competent attorney, though; do it as soon as you become aware that you’ll need one. If you put off hiring an attorney until the last minute, they may not have time to properly prepare your case.

Consult with other attorneys for a second opinion

Consider who you know in the business world who might know a reputable bankruptcy attorney. You should consult your own private lawyer first. Nonetheless, you should know that bankruptcy law is a specialized field. You should make sure that your lawyer is familiar with bankruptcy court if he offers to take care of the case as part of your regular fee.

Attend a bankruptcy hearing for a full day

You can get a sense of the bankruptcy attorney you want to represent you by observing how they handle actual cases. You can also find out which local lawyers are experts in this area of law by visiting the courthouse.

Learn who sits on the bankruptcy court panels in your area

Only highly regarded attorneys with substantial experience in bankruptcies will be invited to participate in this panel. In addition, research the attorneys who serve on the debtor and creditor committees of the bankruptcy court in your area.  Members of these committees serve not just to drum up business but also to the best of their abilities.

Go to some legal aid offices

You can learn a lot about how a lawyer might approach your case by evaluating their office. Take a look around the workplace and judge how nicely everything is organize. Can you find coffee-stained folders on the floor, or is it rather clean? Just as you wouldn’t visit a doctor who had a filthy waiting area, you shouldn’t hire a lawyer whose office was a mess.