"The measure of choosing well, is, whether a man likes and finds good in what he has chosen."
... Charles Lamb

Bankruptcy Attorney

If you are reading this web page you are perhaps a consumer who has fallen upon some unfortunate circumstances. Filing personal bankruptcy is a very serious step for you. As tough as it may have been for you to make this decision, you absolutely must keep focused on making some additional key decisions. First amongst these decisions is the selection of the bankruptcy attorney who will represent you.

Failure to choose well could well cost you dearly. There are some very basic and relatively straight forward things you can do to help you identify a well prepared, conscientious and competent bankruptcy lawyer. This next section of our site will provide you with some suggestions aid you in finding the right person to represent you in bankruptcy court.

Doing the Research

Get to work right away doing your research for a bankruptcy attorney and don't delay if you have made this decision. Perhaps you've heard the saying "time is money?" Well, it's superfast in personal bankruptcy.

Networking and Investigation

Look at your circle of relatives, friends, associates and acquaintances who may know a bankruptcy lawyer. Don't waste your time asking them for their opinion or to share their own experiences. You strictly want to know if they can refer you to a bankruptcy attorney.

Buyer beware here! Law is a very broad profession and many attorneys wear "a number of hats" to make a living. This means they may be a "jack of all trades and master of none." You need an attorney who knows bankruptcy law and also knows his/her way around a bankruptcy court.

There are a number of other sources that you can consult for suggestions on personal bankruptcy attorneys:

        Local and State Bar Associations

        The American Bankruptcy Institute

        Local Legal Aid Society

        Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Investigate Local Bankruptcy Court Panels

Many bankruptcy attorneys serve on trustee panels. In addition to these individuals being respected they are generally very serious about their profession. This group of bankruptcy may in fact be a suitable pool from which to select a bankruptcy attorney to represent you.

Certifications

Certification: "A voluntary process instituted by a nongovernmental         organization by which individuals are recognized for [specific], sometimes        advanced, knowledge and skills."     - National Organization for Competency Assurance, Washington, D.C.

In addition to passing the bar examanation in the state in which they practice, bankruptcy attorneys are required to be certified. The American Board of Certificaiton is the only national organization that certifies attorneys in the area of bankruptcy. Ask any attorneys that you interview if they have board certification in the area of bankruptcy. If they are not certified, make sure that the have significant skill in this area, and that this has actually been demonstrated in court!

Make a Field Trip to Bankrutpcy Court

Since you are going to be spending some time in bankruptcy court, make it  point to visit one prior to selecting a bankruptcy attorney. In addition to getting a feel for the proceedings, you will have an opportunity to observe both the judge and bankruptcy attorneys in action. You may also have an opportunity to engage the debtors and ask them questions about their bankrutpcy attorney, or whether or not they have any suggestions for you.

          Due Diligence- Ask the Right Questions

        Making the Right Decision