Every law practice, like any business, has to have a philosophy or vision of how it is run. Each potential client should be able to ask “what can I expect when I come in the door?” and anyone answering that phone should be able to give the same answer each time. With my practice the answer is always “Your first time you will meet with Lori, the attorney. She will evaluate your present circumstances and discuss how filing a Chapter 7 and/or 13 bankruptcy would impact those circumstances.”

My job during the first consult is not to tell you whether you should or should not file. I just met you. I’m not the one who has to have the history of a bankruptcy filing follow me for the next 7-10 years. It’s just not my place to do that. My job during the first consult is, however, to gather as much information as I can about your debt, your assets, your income, any specific personal circumstances, as well as assess what kind of relief you are seeking… and then explain how filing a bankruptcy would effect the current circumstances, good and bad, as well as answer any and all questions you have about bankruptcy. My job is to give you the information you need to determine for yourself whether filing a bankruptcy is in your best interests.

I will, and often do, tell potential clients if I do not think bankruptcy is appropriate. So if you are worried about going into the meeting and getting put into something you really didn’t need, please be assured that will not happen with me. I’m not selling cars and I’m not trying to get you into one “today”. Believe it or not, I go into the meeting constantly trying to see if there is a way to avoid filing a bankruptcy. I know that sounds weird coming from a bankruptcy lawyer, but I also know that declaring bankruptcy is a traumatic once in a lifetime event that occurs when there is no other option available and it should not be entered into lightly, casually or quickly. If I see a good alternative to bankruptcy, rest assured I will share it with you. If I think a bankruptcy is appropriate, I will tell you it would be appropriate, but you will never hear me say “You should file bankruptcy.”

Because I feel so strongly about this, I will not discuss bankruptcy on the phone with someone until they have had the face to face consult with me first. Bankruptcy is a process that is done through Federal Court. It involves swearing to accuracy of information in a forty page (give or take) Petition at least six times under penalty of Federal Perjury. The very act of it will likely impact, good or bad, your financial life for the next 7-10 years. You’re not calling me up and ordering a pizza and I refuse to treat it that way. Has this cost me potential clients? Sure, but that’s ok. I want the clients who feel the same way I do.

All of the contributing attorneys on this forum are high calibre and well respected by their peers across the US. I’m not saying all of them practice exactly my philosophy but I know that none of us will treat your circumstances or bankruptcy, if you file one, like a fast food order. You deserve that.