August 10, 2011
In 2011, a brand new Hyundai Accent can be had for under $10K. That’s much less than half the price of the average new car. But this peppy little car can’t even crack the top 10 for sales. So, I ask you – why don’t you drive a Hyundai Accent? Because you want more than a stripped-down, cramped, mediocre crash-test scoring mode of transportation. You want a car with features, interior room, and safe design.
Hyundai decided to position the Accent as a car that is attractive on price alone. As a result, other desirables (like air conditioning) and even some necessities (like antilock brakes and adequate frame reinforcement for crashes) are chopped from the base model.
Sadly, there are bankruptcy attorneys who have decided to position themselves as the Hyundai Accents of bankruptcy attorneys. Will they get you where you want to go? Probably. Will it be a comfortable trip? Unlikely. Could it be downright dangerous? Definitely.
Keep this in mind: if a lawyer has to compete solely on price, there is a reason – lack of experience, lack of good client service, or lack of ability to effectively represent your interests in Bankruptcy Court.
I advertise as an affordable bankruptcy attorney. But, that doesn’t mean cheap. It doesn’t mean Hyundai Accent. It means good value while also being reliable, comfortable, and safe. It means we’re a Honda Accord law firm. And, hey, that’s even what I drive!
(P.S. If you do happen to drive a Hyundai Accent, I still think you're a good person, and probably an excellent budgeter too.)
January 29, 2011
Attorney James Tschudy of the Neeley Law Firm attended the University of Arizona, met his wife in Tucson, and worked in his first law firm at the Whitehill Law Offices in Tucson, Arizona.
So, in addition to the personal service that the Neeley Law Firm already provides in Phoenix, James will now also be available to the residents of Tucson for bankruptcy and debt relief assistance. Appointments are available in Tucson starting in February, so GET STARTED now with a free consultation with James.
Consultations will be provided at 2730 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite 160, Tucson, Arizona 85716.
January 12, 2010
Lawyers often get stereotyped as unethical, greedy, or arrogant. Just think of all the Lawyer jokes you've heard. But, there is one profession that may have an equally bad rap – used car salesmen.
Admittedly, some of the reasons behind both of the above stereotypes are legitimate. However, while I started my firm with the goal to change minds about lawyers, today I’m also going to compliment at least one member of the used-car sales profession. His name is Cameron, and I bought my first car from him over a decade ago. Cameron worked at a tiny, rundown, roadside car lot with about 15 vehicles. I’m sure he barely made enough to support his family. Yet, he was friendly, helpful, interested in his potential customers, and never pushy. He had a reputation that was passed by word of mouth around my college, and whenever someone mentioned needing to purchase a car, frequently the conversation would end with: “Go see Cameron, he’ll take good care of you.”
June 1, 2009
Filing bankruptcy is a complicated process. In fact, it’s complicated before you even start because you have to make some initial decisions about whom will represent you. Here are your four options:
1. Represent Yourself
As in most legal proceedings, a party is entitled to represent his own interests in a bankruptcy. This is called pro se or pro per representation. Some people are successful in doing a bankruptcy this way if they do not have a complicated case and if they have the time and ability to research the law and procedure for bankruptcy. However, even in a successful pro se case, the debtor often misses subtle items that could ultimately cost them more time and money than they would have spent on a lawyer. And, if the case begins to unravel, you will end up seeking out a lawyer and probably paying more than you would have if you had started out with a lawyer in the first place.
Pros: Low initial cost (just the $299 filing fee), learn about legal system, sense of accomplishment
Cons: Risk, potential high long term costs, anxiety of not knowing the process
May 8, 2009
Recently, I've had a number of great clients from the City of Maricopa, Apache Junction, Florence, and South Queen Creek, AZ. These towns and cities are all located in Pinal County. Pinal County is in a different Division of the Arizona Bankruptcy District than Maricopa County.
So what? All it means is that if you live in Pinal County, your meeting of creditors will be in Casa Grande instead of in downtown Phoenix. The meeting is held at a conference center called "the Property" on Gila Bend Highway.
