Juris Doctor (JD)
Capital University
1991
I am one of very few attorneys to take on the government and win. I influenced the way the new government mandated "means test" was calculated. Specifically, the issue was commonly referred to as "the surrender issue." The government was arguing that if a house or car was being surrendered, the monthly payments for those debts should not be included in the calculation. This matter went to trial, and the Court ruled in my favor by allowing those deductions, hence paving the way for a fresh start under Chapter 7 (In re Graham, Judge Preston, March of 2007). I did not charge my clients for the trial. I pursued this matter because it was the right thing to do.

Columbus Bar Association
Consumer Education Coalition
Ohio, Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division
I regulary attend Bankruptcy seminars at least twice per year.
Financial Instructor for High School Seniors

11/1991
0055533
OH
1-5

No one will fight harder to help you keep what you value the most: your house, your car, and - most importantly - your dignity.
Graduated law school in 1991 and immediately launched my firm. I have been bankruptcy law in the same location for 19 years. I have filed thousands of cases.
In re Graham, this publised case changed the way bankruptcy is calculated to the benefit of debtors. Judge Preston wrote a long opinion on a host of issues. I tried the case for free because it was the right thing to do. This case altered the "means test" helping all of my clients.

There are six attorneys in my family, two of which were former U.S. District Attorneys in Manhattan. I knew I would be an attorney from the time I was 8 years-old. It's in my blood.
I was raised on the eastside of Columbus and relate well to a diverse spectrum of the population. Having worked in low income neighborhoods for a nonprofit organization, I can relate to people going through tough economic problems and understand their needs.
This is an area of law where I can actually see the results of helping my clients. When people walk through my door, they are scared, worried, stressed and not able to sleep well at night. When they leave, almost all of them feel much better. I enjoy watching my client walk out of my office with a smile on their face - and hope for the future.
My clients deal with me and not a paralegal. I meet face-to-face with all of my clients. I believe that our economic system is broken, and that the banks and credit cards are prompting people to amass excessive debt. I am trying to break this cycle by educating and counseling my clients.
A client that listens to me and can appreciate that I am a straight-shooter. I will never paint a rose only to have it wilt. My honesty in business dealings is my strength. I enjoy working with clients who appreciate my candor.
I have been doing triathlons since the mid-1980s. I enjoy cycling, and have been boxing for 25 years. I have two teenage boys and coached soccer when they were younger. I still enjoy watching their high school soccer games. I am an avid Ohio State sports fan, and I also enjoy reading spy novels.
I volunteer as an instructor for the CARE program, which is a program dedicated to educating high school seniors about real life future financial situatIons (such as buying cars and utilizing credit cards). I feel it is important to educate our youth so that they are prepared to make good financial decisions.

There is no fee for the initial consultation to discuss your matter. Because debt issues are complex, I always give free consultations in person.
None.

Flat rate, fixed fees, no hidden fees. Fees are quoted at the consultaion.
All of my cases are handled on a flat rate or fixed fee basis. There are no surprises or hidden costs.