The Job Description Of A Bankruptcy Attorney

By Ruthie Livingston


Being in a position of not being able to afford financial responsibilities is called bankruptcy. Any bankruptcy attorney feels good during economic difficulties because of several reasons. Many people file for bankruptcy during economic hardships because there are no jobs and foreclosures remain on the rise. These problems caused by the condition of the economy translate into more clients for these attorneys.

Attorneys in this line of work serve to help clients have their debt status eliminated or reduced. Clients range from corporate entities to individuals. Creditor committees an, bankruptcy trustees are some example corporate clients. Before getting into the case by filing legal documents, arguing motions, or advising clients, the professional does their best to understand the facts and issues involved in the case.

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.

Specializing in bankruptcy-related courses like creditor rights, income taxation, and negotiations is important for aspirants. One should choose a law school that is well-known because that becomes a factor when looking for a job. Although not a requirement for practicing law, some people decide to pursue further education and earn a master degree. It is important that one belong to at least one professional organization in their state.

After graduating from law school, the next process before one can become a professional lawyer is to acquire a license. Licenses require one to take and pass a bar exam administered by the national organization that regulates the practice of law in that country. Once the bar exam is passed, one gets admitted into the bar of the state and become licensed attorneys. Employers are more interested in people with prior experience, hence that can give one an added advantage.

It is very tiresome to work as a lawyer for bankrupt people. A lot of hours have to be put in the work every day and meetings with clients or other stakeholders never miss too. Most meetings are normally scheduled for weekends or evenings to fit into the schedules of clients. Most attorney offices open from Monday to Friday, but some open for a few hours on weekends. It is normal for them to have their weekends or holidays ruined by calls from work.

There are a few factors on which the work environment depends on. Offices, libraries, and homes are some of the environments in which a lawyer may work from when they are conducting research on a case or drafting motions. They also work in courtrooms when presenting and arguing motions. The job also involves a bit of field work. Attorneys may have to locate and question witnesses and other individuals in the field.

The salary earned by lawyers is satisfactory for most practitioners because it is decent. Additionally, practitioners can earn extra income from other ventures besides representing clients. To prevent clients from being manipulated by counsels, a salary cap is imposed on the amount that a lawyer can gain from a single case.




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