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Charles Magerski
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Bankruptcy
Counsel
12+
Avg. experience
14 yrs
Free consultations
68%
Sub-practices
8+
§ Editorial
What to look for in a bankruptcy attorney.
— The Counsel editors
Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings and debt relief.
Finding the right bankruptcy attorney requires careful consideration of experience, communication style, and fee structure. The attorneys listed here represent a broad cross-section of practitioners serving clients in this area of law.
“The means test determines which chapter you qualify for — and it is more nuanced than income alone. Allowable deductions for housing, transportation, and local expenses can bring a household below the threshold even when gross income appears too high. Run the numbers with an attorney before assuming you don't qualify for Chapter 7.”
§ What to look for
- 01Clear explanation of Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 and which fits your situation
- 02Experience with your type of debt (consumer, business, student loans, tax debt)
- 03Knowledge of your state's specific exemption schedule
- 04Flat-fee structure for most consumer bankruptcy cases — avoid hourly billing here
- 05Willingness to answer questions without rushing you
- 06Experience handling creditor objections and adversary proceedings if needed
§ Questions to ask at your consultation
- ›Do I qualify for Chapter 7, or am I above the means test threshold?
- ›Which of my assets are protected under my state's exemptions?
- ›Will bankruptcy discharge my specific debts (student loans, taxes, alimony)?
- ›What does the automatic stay do, and when does it take effect?
- ›How long does the process take, and when does it affect my credit?
- ›Are there alternatives — debt negotiation, state court remedies — I should consider first?
§ 01 — Sub-practices
Within bankruptcy.
The matters most often brought to counsel.
§ 02
Counsel in bankruptcy.
A selection of attorneys in this practice area.
§ 03 — Legal News
Recent coverage in bankruptcy.
Newsroom and court coverage curated for this practice area.
Jernigan - Warren Funeral HomeJul 24, 2026
01
Kenneth E. Banks Obituary Jun 27, 2008 - Jernigan
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiZkFVX3lxTE8yc0RzcEVyYnRIMUV2bjRQTXN2MkdaaG1UTVNUM0xzcmJTMlViUnU1bUpOQ2JLR2kzcFduYWpXNm9tQkJQdTF6MUJfRlJJZ0hfQjdsS1hsV3I2YmF3ZW5mYjUzN1FuQQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Kenneth E. Banks Obituary Jun 27, 2008</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color=
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Ward and Smith, P.A.Jul 20, 2026
02
Norman Leonard Selected to Serve on NCBA Bankruptcy Law Section Council
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxQOFhVRS16M3h5czlTRkktMTVSQ2FWc1QzLUpTQTZTODU5NDdpZ1dKOEpCcDlaSXBLaTNIWUNrdVRGb2ZDeGIxZ3B6ZzZTWVdfd1FVanpBYTdfOHFNMGNHdThvTGhBZ3FNYmFoeUZRTXBxYkZzX0dhWFg4UlNTWVA5cUtJcG9GeFE1ZzNmcUFOVklHQXJmTnRscEQyTVhTZnVnQ3hlVldmSy0?oc=5" target="_blan
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High Point UniversityJul 13, 2026
03
HPU Law’s Diana Santos Johnson Recognized with an NCBA Pro Bono Award
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxQelp0bXpaM3k0dXJjbU1aNFdjY2YwTUc0MzdLOUhiYWtITVJ0anB3Z3hUR3NBWjN6Z0xBb0pub2picTFHNXZyUEQ0SWFVRndGR3Q4QXYyV2IzMzJRMnJ1OVBQaC1vaVdaOFVPZy1MRDJWaE5jOHZZa1ZHUFhuZk9qRG1XMGRUUUlmd0RaaEN5R3p3blIyV1g0Yjc5NjJvRmtnUEtfeUhHSnpndGNpWjhR?oc=5" targ
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Bloomberg Law NewsJul 9, 2026
04
Buy Now, Pay Later Has Bankruptcy Attorneys Adjusting Tactics
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxQVXUxRzZ5Q1ZIbHJ5eGMycklsLUdFSUxwMDlTTlJ1bnBkaVVtNFNwcExiNndWNjQzR3BHclZaZy1icDJNaUlwcVpRR0VodXZaU1dqemozMEFQOXRrSDE3NzlDMkRWZjdEdE9EVlliU1lhblllZk1GMG5EUHlzNzNpcG93bnJnamdXRE9kbDN0NExOOU1IMjNRQVUxYzFfX3Y0Rkc3UXJNTXY?oc=5" target="_blan
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Ward and Smith, P.A.Jul 2, 2026
05
Four Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to Inaugural North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Legal 250
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivwFBVV95cUxOdHJmY1JFZU1XWVY0YkdEZjNuZDFORElhRHNBMlBjOTZ5NXgxNHhvZEtzd01nYnNmNmh1S2p4YlFOMmtRUW5GYktmdEdSTkQ4eFRrbURnMlZLWHhUNEkzcnl5V3pqWUpHT251TF80R2FmWm1sWlhQa0t3VE54VFJMb2hoalFDOFVkd1pLVmZDMUgwWWVRekVzVEVuY0tkN0Nkd0M5NVIzNkFhaHpRT3E5MVNDRTIxdGp
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