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Perhaps the most important decision you will make regarding your Nevada Bankruptcy case is that of the attorney you choose to represent you and to guide you through this seemingly unending phase of your life. It is of the utmost importance that you are aware of the important aspects to look for when seeking the right Bankruptcy lawyer for your particular case.
We have listed these important items below in a checklist format to make it simple for you to print and take with you as you interview the prospective attorneys who very well could impact the rest of your life.
Do not make the mistake of going to an attorney appointment without this list. Whether you are filing a Chapter 7, a Chapter 13, or just going to get consultation about your home in jeopardy of foreclosure, this list will prove to be an invaluable resource in your search for the perfect counsel for you.
Before Your Appointment
- Check the attorney's Martindale Hubble rating: Martindale Hubble is "the" standard for rating attorney's. If a lawyer has been good and has lived up to all of the standards set by the local, state and national bar associations, they are awarded the Martindale Hubble "AV" rating. We recommend only considering lawyers with the AV rating, otherwise you are taking your chances with a lesser qualified representative.
- Prepare for your meeting: Be sure you have all of your paperwork in order. The attorney you are looking for will appreciate this, if they also have their affairs in order.
At Your Appointment
- Pay attention to details: When you walk into the front door of the office, notice your surroundings. Is the office clean, neat and organized? Does the receptionist greet you warmly, or do they ask "what you want". These seem like very superficial things to base a decision on, but you want to work with the best. These factors should not be the deciding factor in your choice of attorney, they should hold some weight in your decision process
- Get the facts! It seems obvious that a person would ask a prospective attorney the pertinent questions such as "Where did you go to school?", "What organizations do you belong to?", "What charitable groups do you associate with?". Far too many times, people are either afraid to ask these questions, or just feel intimidated by the lawyer and don't... Take our advice... DO!
Things to Ask Yourself After the Appointment
- Is this lawyer experienced and knowledgeable in your area of legal need?
- Will this lawyer actually be the one in the firm who represents you, from start to finish, (instead of a junior associate)?
- Is this the kind of person you'll want to stand in Court for you, speaking on your behalf?
- Does this lawyer really seem to care about you?
- Do you feel comfortable confiding in this person?
- Do the fees quoted to you seem fair and reasonable, and have they been explained in a way you understand?
- Since the number one complaint about lawyers is their lack of accessibility and responsiveness to their client's questions about the status of their case, how and when will you be able to reach this lawyer and expect a response to your questions?
Once you have completed the above checklist, you should have a fair analysis of all of the Bankruptcy Attorney's you interviewed and should be able to make an educated choice.
Need a place to start? Click here.
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