What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients can benefit from educating themselves on legal issues. The better they understand their rights and how the law affects their situations, the more they will feel in control. Learning about the legal issues prepares clients to better deal with the legal challenges they face. Several of my clients have gone to law school before going into business.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents prepared by clients. Often this is more expensive than using my templates and forms because it takes 1) careful reading; 2) comparison to form documents and 3) review of checklists to properly review a complicated legal document. Sometimes review can be limited to “high points” with the understanding that the client’s forms are vulnerable should they be challenged later in a lawsuit. I have developed many forms used in many situations over the years, and one does not need to check each paragraph each time I use the form, to make sure it accomplishes the client’s goal. That is the benefit my clients get from using my time tested forms.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to coach my clients in many situations. Sometimes coaching is the only cost-effective approach to clients’ legal problems. When clients want to avoid bankruptcy, I often coach them in dealing with their creditors effectively. I show them how to carry on in their lives and in their businesses in the face of serious debt problems. Perhaps 10% – 20% of my clients choose to deal with their debts outside of bankruptcy. For some people, it makes good sense to do this.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was interested in working with people facing very difficult situations. I considered becoming a pastor or a counselor. I was attracted to the intellectual challenges of the law combined with the emotional needs of the parties using the legal system to resolve their complex problems.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I started up and ran a janitor service while I was in college. I sold it when I graduated. I started up and ran a commercial roofing contractor business in law school. I appreciate the challenges small business owners face. Over the years, I have made a number of investments in real estate and businesses. Some investments did very well. Other investments did not work out well. Those caused me sleepless nights and threatened my financial well being. These experiences have given me empathy for clients in tough situations. My 25+ years of representing consumer debtors and business debtors has taught me what assets can be protected, and what tools are available to minimize the distress of dealing with threatening debt problems.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Bankruptcy law: I like working with folks with debt problems because my services can make such a positive difference in their lives. A good bankruptcy lawyer can enable people with debt problems to avoid divorce, foreclosure, heart attacks and other catastrophic health problems. I like to have that positive impact on my clients’ lives.
Business law: I admire business owners because I understand the challenges they face. I like helping business owners do deals.
What do you like best about your career?
I like helping clients with debt problems solve those problems and relieve their stress. I like helping business owners do deals. Successful deals are exciting and rewarding for all involved. As a sole practitioner, I enjoy being responsible to my clients and to the legal system.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all my clients deal directly with me.
What are your strengths and style?
Bankruptcy law: I can analyze complex debt problems to make the best of a bad financial situation. I reduce the stress clients feel by explaining what can be done in their circumstances to relieve their problems and enable them to get on with their lives.
Business law: I admire business owners and their accomplishments. I provide the legal assistance necessary to assure that the owner’s interests are protected. I cover their backs. I see that the business owner gets the best deal possible with no unpleasant surprises after the fact.
Personal Interests:
Hiking, biking and canoeing with my wife; working with Loaves & Fishes; playing bass in jazz bands; singing.
