Simple Guide to Interviewing a Bankruptcy Attorney

Bankruptcy is a difficult and traumatic enough process -- you want a lawyer on your side who will walk with you through the process with transparency, and whose skill and advocacy will help you truly get set back on the right financial path.

A bankruptcy going as smoothly as possible will ensure your success down the road, and a big part of this is the skill and ability of your bankruptcy lawyer. Consider a few points to keep in mind as you research and interview potential bankruptcy lawyers.

Find potential candidates

First, gather a list of potential candidates. Ask friends and family for referrals if they liked working with their bankruptcy lawyer. You may also find a list of attorneys who specialize in bankruptcy by consulting a local bar association or advertisements for local law firms.

Once you’ve gathered a list, do in-depth research on the attorneys themselves. View their websites and consider their experience and the extent of their specializations. Reading online reviews can be helpful, as well.

Gather your questions

Narrow your list down to two or three potential attorneys. Reach out to their offices and schedule interviews or consultations and pay close attention to whether or not their office staff is helpful and accommodating.

As you prepare for the interview, figure out what questions you have for the attorney. What do you want to know from them that will help you make your decision? What do you want to hear from them? You’ll also want to gather together information pertaining to your financial situation that will be helpful to any attorney who may represent you. This will include tax papers, information on your debts, pay stubs, car loan information, business tax returns and loans, etc.

The interview

When you meet with a potential bankruptcy attorney, have questions prepared beforehand. But don’t be afraid to ask follow up questions. As you’re discussing your situation and what they can offer you, consider whether you can communicate with this person and whether they seem like someone you can trust and work with in the long term. In addition, consider their pricing and whether their services are affordable or not.

Decide

It’s wise to interview with at least two or three potential bankruptcy attorneys. You don’t have to agree to hire them on the spot. Take the information you learned from your discussion(s), mull it over, and consider your options. Meeting with several potential attorneys will give you a good variety in attorneys and you’ll be able to choose the best one for your situation.

Choose a bankruptcy attorney that will work for you

At the end of the day, choose a bankruptcy attorney that will work for you and your situation. Interviewing several will give you a good idea of which one will work best for you and your situation, and who you can trust with a very serious and delicate process. “Scura Attorneys at Law” are happy to meet with you to discuss your questions and concerns about finding a bankruptcy attorney, and can help match you with an attorney to walk with you through the process.