If you’ve made the decision that you have to close your business and file bankruptcy, you need to hire a good business bankruptcy lawyer. However, you may need a business bankruptcy lawyer to help you make that decision. Here are some steps to take to help you choose the best bankruptcy lawyer to help you through the bankruptcy process.
- Choose a Certified Business Bankruptcy Lawyer
- Call your Local Bar Association
- Do an Internet Search of Professional Directories
- Talk to Local People in Your Network
- Interview at least two Bankruptcy Lawyers
It is important to choose a qualified bankruptcy lawyer to consult with and, if necessary, to file your bankruptcy suit. Since this bankruptcy proceeding will be for your small business, choose a certified business bankruptcy lawyer. They have had special training in business bankruptcy and are best able to help you. Business bankruptcy lawyers in your state have also had extensive experience with your own state’s bankruptcy laws. Check with the American Board of Certification which is the premier legal certification agency for bankruptcy attorneys.
Your local bar association cannot make recommendations about which attorney to hire. What they can do is give you a listing of all the bankruptcy attorneys in your local area that can help you. After getting a list of names and phone numbers from your local bar association, you can go back and check with the previously-mentioned American Board of Certification on their credentials.
The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory includes professional biographies of most lawyers, including bankruptcy lawyers, in the United States. Take a look at the biographies for the bankruptcy lawyers you’ve found in your area as you are engaged in the screening process.
Since you are a business owner, you probably have an accountant and a personal attorney. Talk to both for recommendations for a bankruptcy lawyer. Also, spend some time talking to friends and acquaintances. Word of mouth is often a good way to find a good business bankruptcy lawyer if you’ve had colleagues that have had to go through a business bankruptcy.
At this point, you should be ready to narrow your choice to two or three possible business bankruptcy attorneys. Schedule telephone or personal interview with your candidates for a business bankruptcy lawyer. Get your interview questions together and you’re on your way to hiring the best bankruptcy attorney for you. Maybe you can do a financial workout instead!
