Many of these park bench services have gotten in trouble with the US Trustee’s Office because they were found by a bankruptcy judge to be practicing law without a license. Do yourself a favor and never deal with paralegal services. We have had many of these paralegal guests come to us after their case was so botched that they needed legal advice to get out of it. And then, to boot, the paralegal’s fee was ridiculously high. They lured these guests in with the promise of a low fee and then tacked on all sorts of fees as they went along. It would have been cheaper for them to use a lawyer from the start!
Now, on to lawyer’s services. A Law Firms service to clients in Minnesota ranges dramatically. Here is what to avoid:
We don’t think meeting with Attorneys in their homes is professional at all. We know some lawyers do this, but we find the practice to be awkward and weird. Only meet with a lawyer in a professional office with a receptionist and professional surroundings. Now, to be sure, there are exceptions for some guests who physically need to meet with the lawyer in the guest’s home and that is understandable. But, never meet with a lawyer in the lawyer’s home.
I remember my wife setting up a massage appointment for us in someone’s home- like in their studio attached to their home, and we cancelled the appointment; it’s just too weird.
Who respects a lawyer who is willing to meet with you at 9pm on Friday night? Nobody does and you shouldn’t either. Lawyers didn’t go to law school to meet with guests at 9pm. Sorry, but it’s true. Lawyers that meet with guests at 9pm don’t respect themselves and their profession so why should you respect them? You shouldn’t.
I have heard of some of our guests who meet with lawyers at night and here is what they told me. Some would go to the appointment at night, get a little lost, and when they should up at 9:05 the lawyer was already gone!? The lawyer wouldn’t wait 5 minutes? Nope, the lawyer had already left. Others have said they showed up, at night, only to find there was no waiting room, and so they had to stand in the hallway, with others, and wait for the young lawyer to say next. Really? No receptionist and standing with others in a dark hallway waiting for a young lawyer at night? No thanks. I have too much respect for myself and our guests to do that.
We have had many guests say they met with other lawyers and they felt rushed through the appointment. They felt like the lawyer wanted another case and just wanted to speed us through the appointment. But the guest had questions, many questions. But the lawyer either didn’t know how to answer their questions or rushed them through anyway.
Don’t sign up with lawyers like this! It’s rude to treat guests this way. If you feel rushed, DON’T sign up. There is a better way.
Do not let a lawyer sign you up when the lawyer was rude and/or condescending to you. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard guests say the lawyer was rude or condescending. I have even had guests tell me the lawyer fell asleep during their appointment!? The guests quietly got up and left and the lawyer had the nerve to call them the next day and ask if they are going to sign up!? Really- you have got to be kidding me.
But short of falling asleep, don’t let a young smug lawyer be rude to you or treat you poorly. What these young lawyers don’t tell you is they likely have more debt than you do! If a young lawyer or any lawyer is treating you rude, don’t walk run! Don’t hire the lawyer- get a second opinion. There is a better way.
I can’t tell you how often I have had guests tell me they waited for weeks for a law firm to respond to a simple phone call. And then when the law firm responded, the response was often very rude and insulting, as if the client was bothering the law firm. Is this happening to you? If it is, fire the law firm and hire a different bankruptcy law firm. There is a better way.
If I were going through a bankruptcy, I would want my hand held the whole way through the process- and I mean that. I definitely don’t want to go with anyone that has poor communication skills or will not treat me well. As a client, you are the BOSS! Make sure the law firm knows that. Heck, if you have to tell them that you are at the wrong firm to begin with!
If you are looking to hire a bankruptcy lawyer, the above things are things to avoid. If you are feeling rushed, pressured, rude treatment, poor communication, or just plain condescending treatment, don’t walk away from the firm, run! Call someone else. There is a better way.
When the time is right, or when you are ready, call Minnesota’s Nicest Bankruptcy Law Firm Guaranteed or 100% Off Your Fees!* See us on line at Minnesota’s 24/7 Bankruptcy Helpline located at www.kainscott.com.