What are some warning signs of a bad lawyer?

[CC_n_CA_Hater]

I'm gonna have to get a lawyer and just wanted some input on how to look for one and what to watch out for. I know the prices for BK are going to differ but how much should it be? Around $500 - $1000? or more? When I talk to lawyers during initial consultation, should I ask them if they have a good rep with the trustees?

[HopeinHorizon]

I wouldn't ask the horse himself what kind of relationship he has a lawyer...

Go with someone you feel comfortable with, and AFTER I watched the 341 meetings I had, I was glad I had such a thorough lawyer, so maybe if you have time, go watch a few lawyers and their clients in action. If the lawyer and client are stumbing over answers, and don't seem to be prepared to give the trustee what he wants... I wouldn't go with that lawyer...

Time though will probably prohibit from overseeing meetings... but if I had to do it all over again, I might have considered doing that...

[StaciMM]

They should be interested in you, and willing to give you some of their time. They should be able to explain your state exemptions, and be willing to give an accountability regarding how many BK's they have handled, and the outcome of those.

Ask questions about your case, what to expect, and if they don't seem able (or interested) in answering then don't hire them. You should be 100% comfortable.

[tlk9]

make sure you get the kind that talks lol

[Minnymouth]

Whether your attorney has a good relationship with the Trustee is of no importance. Your attorney works for you the trustee works for the creditors - bottom line!!!!

You need to feel free to ask questions, GET ANSWERS, and attorney should discusss ALL OPTIONS available to you...

Any attorney that evades your questions, BEWARE.

Feel free to ask him about the procedure, and process of bankruptcy. Ask him what is the "worst" that can happen in your case.

Also check with the Attorney Generals Office of your state and see if any complaints have been filed against him.... by clients.

It is his obligation to represent you in your best interest to the best of his ability. It is your responsibility to supply him with the information he needs to handle your case.

Be upfront and open with him and let him know you expect the same courtsey from him.

Have a meeting with at least 3 attorney's - then choose one of the three.

Good luck, keep us posted,

[StopNAF]

The nice thing about the internet is you can research attorney websites get an idea of what they are about and utilize a free consultation. Also referrals can be useful.

Bad attorneys: will not listen, will not do what they say when they say there going to do it and will not respond to questions in a timely manner.

Make sure you can communicate with them effectively. It doesn't matter if you have the best attorney in the world, if both of you are on different wave lengths your case will not go smoothly.

My attorney was $2K plus the filing fee of $274, but everyone's situation is different.

My momma told me you better shop around

Good Luck

[AAAArt]

My thoughts:
Beware of Bk Mills...you know, those big co's that advertise in the yellow pages and on TV.
Look in the Yellow pages under Bk atty's and interview some of them.
I asked other non-Bk atty's for references for Bk atty's. This proved very helpful and their lists were very similar.
Ask how much help they will be to you re: filling out the paperwork.
My atty did have a good relationship with the trustee (in fact, he was representing him on another case), but so did most of the Bk attys. They deal with them often and so get to know one amother fairly well.
Costs may be even more than you listed, because of the new law. Don't worry though, you can usually afford the atty's fees by not paying the cc bills while you are getting ready to file.
Most important thing to me is to look for and interview the atty's legal asst. Often, we forget this, but this is the person with whom you will be working most closely. Get a feeling whethr or not you like, trust them and how much they are a "helper-personality" vs a "9-5'er" just doing a job and not something that they really love doing and love helping people.
Those are my thoughts, Best wishes, Art

[CC_n_CA_Hater]

I thought about talking to some attorneys that work near me and getting some references. I'm surely not going to do this pro se not since the law has changed. Plus having an attorney walk in that room with you is kind of like having a bodyguard. They see the attorney and think twice before trying to beat you down and take advantage of you.