Friday, August 21, 2015

What A Bankruptcy Attorney Does

By Ruthie Livingston


Bankruptcy comes about when an individual or an entity can no longer afford its financial obligations. Times of economic difficulties are the times when any bankruptcy attorney thrives. More foreclosures are likely to happen during such times when unemployment rates peak and people become obligated to file for bankruptcy. The more people file, the more clients a lawyer gets.

Attorneys in this class work with clients to help eliminate or reduce their debts. Both individual and corporate clients are represented. Some examples of clients include creditor committees, bankruptcy trustees, individual or corporate debtors, and corporate or individual creditors. The facts of individual cases must be understood well by the professional before legal documents are filed, cases are argued, or advice is given.

Becoming an attorney in this category is no different from becoming any other kind of lawyer, except for a few differences in courses. One needs to graduate with a bachelor degree and then proceed to law school to get a law degree. First year of study in law school is usually made of general courses, with specialization starting at second or third years.

Aspirants should specialize in courses that are related to bankruptcy such as negotiations, income taxation, and creditor rights. Attending a well-recognized law school may be more advantageous when applying for a job. One may further their studies by going for a master degree, although that is not a requirement for one to practice law in this specialty. It is highly recommendable to join professional organizations in the country one if practicing.

The process of licensure comes next after one has graduated from law school. Becoming licensed calls for taking and passing the bar exam of the state one intends to practice in. Passing the bar exam earns one a chance to be admitted into the bar of the state as a licensed attorney. Typically, having prior job experience gives one a better chance of getting a job because most employers look for experience.

Working for bankrupt people as a lawyer is very involving and tiring. Lawyers invest lots of time in their work and still have to meet clients and other stakeholders in order to win cases. Weekends and evenings are the times most meetings occur as a way of avoiding inconveniencing clients. Most offices open throughout during week days and sometimes on weekends. Calls from work are also common on weekends and holidays.

The working environment can vary a lot. When preparing for court or doing research on a case, they may work from offices, libraries, homes, or other conducive places. Courtrooms are specifically for presenting and arguing motions of a case. Field work is also part of the job, where one has to track down witnesses for interviews or questioning.

Most practitioners are satisfied by the amount they earn from their job. Besides, there are many other options professionals in this job can earn more income. Salary caps have been imposed by authorities on how much a single case can earn a lawyer as a way of preventing manipulation of clients.




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