Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney - What to Look For

Bankruptcy attorneys are very busy these days, primarily because of the state of the economy. Many individuals and businesses are struggling with too much debt and looking for relief. Some people are able to find solutions to their financial problems without filing for bankruptcy. For many others, bankruptcy is the only practical remedy. Whether you ultimately file for bankruptcy or not, you will find that an experienced lawyer can help you decide on the best course of action. To ensure the best outcome for yourself, you will need to spend some time finding the right legal representation.

Due to the economic decline, there are more bankruptcy attorneys to choose from than ever before. One reason is that many law students are focusing their educations on bankruptcy law because of the high demand for this type of attorney.
Another reason is that lawyers with several years of experience in other types of law are also changing their practices to specialize in bankruptcy. When you begin searching for your attorney, you might be tempted to limit your search to those attorneys with several years of experience. However, this may not be a good strategy if those attorneys have little or no experience with bankruptcy law. The inexperienced lawyer who is fresh out of law school may actually be a better representative if he or she studied bankruptcy law specifically. If you want a representative with experience, make sure that experience is relevant to your type of case.

During your search for a bankruptcy attorney, you will also find it beneficial to take advantage of free initial consultations. Many lawyers offer free consultations to potential clients. This chance to meet with each potential attorney and ask questions will not only help you find the right one, but also give you an opportunity to learn more about your case and the options that are available for you. By asking detailed and comprehensive questions, you can test each attorney's experience and knowledge about cases like yours. To learn more about a specific law firm you are interested in hiring, you can check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have received any complaints from former clients. You can also ask for references from each firm you are considering. Talk to previous clients about their experiences with a particular firm and the results of their cases. Avoid any firm that refuses to provide references for you to contact. In fact, ask for more than one reference from each firm you are considering.

One of the most important requirements for your bankruptcy attorney should be malpractice insurance. Malpractice insurance will protect you if any part of your bankruptcy case is mishandled, resulting in personal harm to you. You can check your state laws first to find out if every lawyer is required to have malpractice insurance. In those states that require it, you can also check the minimum level of coverage.

Finding the right bankruptcy attorney for your case is not a simple task. You cannot simply pick a random name from the phone book and hope for the best. When you are dealing with something as important as your finances, it is best to take extra time and effort and find the right lawyer for your bankruptcy case.