How to Research a Bankruptcy Attorney

Where to look and what to check

Before hiring a bankruptcy attorney, take time to verify their credentials and reputation. Here are reliable sources of information.

State bar association

Every attorney must be licensed in the state where they practice. Your state bar's website lets you verify that an attorney is in good standing and check for any disciplinary history. This is the single most important check you can do.

PACER -- federal court records

The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system at pacer.uscourts.gov contains every federal bankruptcy filing. You can search for cases handled by a specific attorney to see their actual caseload and outcomes.

Online reviews

Review sites can provide useful data points, but approach them with caution:

• Look for patterns -- A single negative review may be an outlier. Multiple similar complaints suggest a real issue
• Read the details -- Specific complaints about communication or missed deadlines are more informative than vague praise
• Consider the source -- Some review platforms verify that reviewers were actual clients; others do not
• Check multiple platforms -- Do not rely on a single source

Local bankruptcy court clerk

Your local bankruptcy court clerk's office can tell you if an attorney regularly practices in that court. Attorneys who appear frequently before local judges understand local rules and procedures.