Choosing the right attorney for bankruptcy representation is one of the most important
financial decisions a person can make. Beware of "fly-by-night" operations. While many believe that filing for bankruptcy is routine (many cases are), bankruptcy law can be quite complex. Over the last several years, bankruptcy attorneys have seen a steady increase in the complexity of cases due in large part to the housing crisis, job loss, and high unemployment. It is not uncommon for debtors making $100k per year to seek bankruptcy protection. The more income and assets a person has, the more important it is to hire experienced representation who deals with these issues on a daily basis. There is simply no substitute for an attorney familiar with the system to help you navigate the process.

First and foremost, listen to your gut. If your gut feeling tells you that the attorney or law firm you are dealing with is questionable, you should immediately get yourself out of that situation. Personal intuition should never be ignored. Second, ask the attorney how long he or she has been practicing bankruptcy law, and whether it is their primary area of expertise. Simply having a law degree and being an attorney are insufficient qualifications. Bankruptcy law is not a required course in law school and the vast majority of attorneys have no clue about the substantive law unless they actively practice. Third, ask your attorney how many cases they have filed during the time they have practiced bankruptcy law. A five year "veteran" who only files 5 cases a month will not have the same expertise as one who files 20 per month in the same 5 year period. Having said that, you want to ensure that the attorney you choose is not handling so many cases that they do not have time to respond to your inquiries or concerns. Lastly, ask about the attorney's policy for responding to client questions. In general, any policy to return calls or e-mails within 24 hours is reasonable. Bankruptcy is a stressful time for the individuals who are going through it. A responsive attorney who is sensitive to this issue can make all the difference in the world.

For more information about competency with regards to bankruptcy attorneys, or for other bankruptcy law questions, contact The Larkin Law Firm at http://www.live-debt-free-now.com