Most people must at some point interview for a job. As the interviewee, you come prepared to answer questions and make a case why you are the right person for the job.
Naturally, the pressure is on the interviewee to make the right impression and convey important facts into the conversation as well as to project competence and confidence.
Now, turn the table. How would you like to be the one conducting the interview? That is the case when you are considering which attorney to hire to represent you in a bankruptcy, or any case. The decision to hire is yours.
The challenge of course is that you may not know the details of the bankruptcy process or about the legal field. Chances are that much of what you have been told or read on the internet is wrong or does not fit with your unique situation. This is, after all, your situation, not your neighbor’s or that of the hypothetical client. You need someone who can customize the representation to fit your particular needs.
To be sure, lawyers are not interchangeable. One lawyer is not necessarily as good as another. Price is almost always the poorest basis on which to choose an attorney. Any single error in the process can have lasting consequences, impacting your financial wellbeing for years to come.
A well-managed bankruptcy begins long before any forms are completed or schedules are filed with the court. The process begins with understanding the client’s situation, goals and challenges and then taking the appropriate steps to ensure the best outcome possible for the client. To be successful, one must have an attorney working for his/her benefit - someone who takes the time to listen to the client, develop a winning strategy and explain that strategy to the client.
Here is a checklist one might consider when evaluating a prospective bankruptcy lawyer.
1. Is the lawyer’s practice focused on representing consumer’s in bankruptcy?
2. Did the lawyer ask about your goals in filing?
3. Did you have an opportunity to speak with the attorney – and did he listen to you?
4. Dis the attorney explain your choices and the legal process in plain English?
5. Were you comfortable asking questions and disclosing the difficult and messy situations in your financial life?
6. Did you get real and unrushed face time with the lawyer?
The hiring of an attorney is a big decision. You may well have a professional relationship with the individual for many years. Be sure that you hire the best person you can and someone whom you believe will always be there for you.
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