Making Sure Your Attorney is Qualified and Ethical
At Ledford & Wu, we provide cost-effective, experienced representation for bankruptcy. Our attorneys handle bankruptcy and consumer rights exclusively, and we handle it only in the greater Chicago area. For a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call 888-542-1900 or contact us online.
You want a bankruptcy attorney …
… not an attorney who does some bankruptcy. You do not go to your family doctor for surgery, so don't go to a general practitioner for bankruptcy. Find an attorney who focuses exclusively on consumer bankruptcy. These attorneys know the details, the rules and the nuances that will make your case successful.
Do Some Research Before Hiring
You can research a potential attorney's background at the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Committee (www.iardc.org), the Better Business Bureau (www.chicago.bbb.org), the American Bankruptcy Institute (www.abiworld.org) or the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (www.nacba.org). Filing for bankruptcy is a difficult and important decision. Make sure that your attorney is as serious about it as you are.
You Should Be Asking — and Answering — Many Questions
When you interview a lawyer or law office, even if it's over the phone, ensure at the outset that you are speaking with an attorney. The attorney should be requesting some pretty specific information from you in order to ensure that they can help you. If all they want to do is schedule an appointment and have you bring them money, contact someone else.
Ask The Tough Questions:
- Do you focus exclusively on bankruptcy?
- Do I have to pay for the initial consultation? What if I choose not to hire you?
- How much access will I have to an attorney? Is my access restricted in any way?
- If I schedule an appointment, who will I meet? How long has that person practiced bankruptcy?
- How do you determine your fees? Will I know what they are BEFORE I pay you?
- If you visit, don't be afraid to look around the attorney's office. Does it look legitimate? Is it organized?
You should be answering some questions as well. If an attorney does not ask you about your specific situation, they cannot give you a full and meaningful consultation, nor can they fully evaluate your situation.
Beware the "Bargain Basement" and the "Biggest Name in the Business"
Fees vary significantly between attorneys — as do standards. As with most services, it's true that you get what you pay for. Just make sure you aren't paying for a big name — there is only so much a bankruptcy lawyer can do for you, no matter how well known. Don't get the cheapest on the market — but don't break the bank either.
At Ledford & Wu, we are a niche firm focused exclusively on bankruptcy. We strive to offer exceptional service in all aspects of consumer debt relief, and our prices come in just below the average.
If you are considering bankruptcy, you can have your questions answered during a free initial consultation with an attorney at Ledford & Wu. Call 888-542-1900 or contact our offices online.
