Consumer Guide » Finding an Attorney
How to Find a Good Bankruptcy Attorney
This page does not recommend specific attorneys or firms. We do not make referrals. What we can do is show you what federal court data reveals about how attorney choice affects outcomes, and give you the tools to make an informed decision.
The Data Shows Attorney Choice Matters
One of the clearest findings from analyzing millions of bankruptcy cases is that attorney choice measurably affects case outcomes. This is not a vague claim -- it is a pattern visible in federal court data across every district in the country.
In the same district, handling similar clients, under the same judges:
- Some firms consistently produce Chapter 13 completion rates at or above the district average
- Other firms consistently produce completion rates far below the district average
- The gap can be 20-40 percentage points between the best and worst performers
This gap is not explained by differences in client income, debt levels, or case complexity. When researchers control for these factors, the attorney effect persists. The quality of legal representation -- how carefully the petition is prepared, how responsive the attorney is during the plan period, how proactively problems are addressed -- has a direct, measurable impact on whether you get your discharge.
What to Look For
- Experience in your district. Bankruptcy has national rules but local practices. An attorney who regularly handles cases in your courthouse knows the trustees, the judges' preferences, and the local procedures.
- Manageable caseload. An attorney who handles a reasonable number of cases at a time can give each one the attention it needs. Ask how many active cases the attorney currently manages.
- Thorough initial consultation. A good attorney will spend time understanding your specific financial situation before recommending a strategy. If the first meeting is five minutes of paperwork, that is a red flag.
- Clear fee disclosure. Your attorney must disclose all fees to the court. They should be transparent with you about what you will pay, when, and what services are included.
- Communication. Ask how the attorney handles client communication. Will you be able to reach the attorney directly, or only through staff? How quickly do they return calls?
- Willingness to discuss outcomes. A confident attorney will be willing to discuss their completion rates and how they handle cases that run into trouble.
Red Flags
- "No money down" advertising. This is not inherently bad, but it is a common marketing tactic of high-volume firms. In Chapter 13, attorney fees are often paid through the plan, which means the firm gets paid whether or not your case succeeds. This can create a misaligned incentive -- the firm profits from filing the case, not from seeing it through to discharge.
- No initial consultation with the attorney. If you only meet with paralegals or intake staff, the attorney may not be reviewing your individual situation.
- Cookie-cutter approach. Every bankruptcy case is different. If the firm seems to handle every case the same way without tailoring the strategy to your circumstances, that is concerning.
- Pressure to file quickly. Unless you face an imminent foreclosure, repossession, or garnishment, there is rarely a reason to rush. A good attorney takes the time to prepare a thorough, accurate petition.
- Pressure to file Chapter 13 when Chapter 7 might work. Chapter 13 plans generate more fees for attorneys than Chapter 7 cases. If your income qualifies you for Chapter 7 and you do not have assets to protect, make sure you understand why the attorney is recommending Chapter 13.
- Difficulty reaching the attorney. If you cannot get your attorney on the phone during the initial consultation phase, it will only get worse during the 3-5 years of a Chapter 13 plan.
- Errors in filed documents. If you review your petition and find errors in debt amounts, asset values, income figures, or creditor names, that is a serious problem. Accuracy matters in bankruptcy.
How to Check an Attorney's Track Record
You do not have to take anyone's word for their competence. Federal bankruptcy cases are public records. Here is how to verify:
1. Check PACER
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is the federal court records system. You can search for cases by attorney name and see the outcomes. PACER charges $0.10 per page (capped at $3.00 per document), but it gives you the official court record.
What to look for: How many cases has the attorney filed? How many were dismissed? How many resulted in discharge? Are there patterns of early dismissals or cases that fail quickly after filing?
2. Check Bar Standing
Every state bar association maintains a public directory of licensed attorneys. You can verify that the attorney is in good standing, check for any disciplinary history, and confirm they are authorized to practice in your state.
Search your state bar's website (usually "[state] bar attorney search" in any search engine).
3. Ask the Attorney Directly
During your initial consultation, ask:
- How many bankruptcy cases do you currently handle?
- What is your Chapter 13 completion rate?
- How do you handle cases that run into trouble during the plan?
- Will I be working directly with you, or primarily with staff?
- How do I reach you if I have questions?
A good attorney will answer these questions directly. An evasive response is informative.
4. Check Reviews
Online reviews can be helpful but should be read critically. Look for patterns: multiple complaints about the same issue (unreturned calls, billing problems, inaccurate filings) are more informative than individual reviews. Check Google, Avvo, and your local bar association's referral service.
Free and Low-Cost Options
If you cannot afford an attorney, there are options. Bankruptcy without an attorney is possible but challenging -- federal court data shows pro se (self-represented) cases have significantly higher dismissal rates. These programs can help:
Legal Aid Organizations
Many legal aid organizations provide free bankruptcy representation to qualifying individuals (typically based on income). Contact your local legal aid office or search lawhelp.org for programs in your area.
Law School Clinics
Many law schools operate bankruptcy clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, represent clients at no cost. The quality of representation is often excellent because the supervising attorneys are experienced practitioners and the student-to-client ratio is low.
Pro Bono Programs
Local bar associations often maintain pro bono panels where attorneys volunteer to take cases for free. Contact your local bar association's pro bono coordinator.
Bankruptcy Court Self-Help Desks
Some bankruptcy courts operate self-help desks or clinics that provide guidance to people filing without an attorney. Check your local bankruptcy court's website for available resources.
For more on filing without an attorney, see prosedebtors.org.
What to Do If You Already Have an Attorney and It Is Not Working
If you have already hired an attorney and are experiencing problems -- unreturned calls, missed deadlines, inaccurate filings, or a general lack of attention to your case -- see our page on your rights in bankruptcy. You have options, including filing a bar complaint, asking the court for a fee reduction, and requesting that your attorney withdraw so you can find new representation.
Where to Learn More
- bankruptcymalpractice.org -- Attorney accountability and what to do when representation fails
- bankruptcymill.org -- Understanding high-volume practices
- howmuchdoesbankruptcycost.com -- Attorney fees and total costs
- prosedebtors.org -- Filing without an attorney
- section329.org -- Attorney fee disclosure requirements
Last updated: March 2026. This page does not name or recommend specific attorneys or firms. All claims about attorney impact on outcomes are based on federal court data from the FJC Integrated Database.