Lance Lee | Seattle Bankruptcy Lawyer

One recent case that stands out where I felt I made a big difference involved a client who had a mortgage company claiming a very high payoff amount. In response to his requests that the mortgage company substantiate its figures, he received documents and screenfuls of figures…amounting to gibberish. When I made requests on behalf of my client, I was given similar documents of figures/gibberish. In response to my phone calls, its experts tried to intimidate me by providing still more figures that they purportedly concluded supported their payoff amount. Clearly, the mortgage company was hoping to frustrate and intimidate us into accepting its figures as correct.Instead of giving in to the mortgage company, we forced the issue and filed a lawsuit (in bankruptcy court) challenging its claim. We dunned upon it discovery requests seeking explanation of their calculations. Instead of fulfilling those requests, we received a very attractive offer of settlement. My client promptly accepted that offer.

I have built a successful practice by: * Treating each client like he is my only client; * Giving very prompt, personable service; * Keeping clients informed of the status of their cases and promptly responding to their questions and concerns; and * Handling clients' cases well and attaining best possible outcomes. Following these tenets has generally resulting in my getting many referrals from past clients, many positive reviews from clients and past clients, and a generally good reputation in the field.

Certainly, clients should look for an attorney whom they can trust. This relates not only to his honesty and integrity, but to his ability to represent them in the most favorable manner, not just competently. Equally importantly, clients should look for a lawyer who is sensitive to their particular needs in regard to their relationship with their attorney. Clients should be honest with themselves about this. For instance, if a particular client needs handholding - frequent updates and prompt responses to frequent questions - he should look for an attorney that will accommodate that.

The importance of local knowledge to the success of my cases ranges from slightly to very much. It tends to be very important in cases where a bankruptcy trustee may or may not aggressively go after a client's assets. Knowledge of the trustee's priorities and tendencies, can be very important where a client has substantial assets. In the case of real property being among those assets, knowledge of the prevailing trends in the value of real property in various locales is vital in predicting a trustee's handling of a case. Furthermore, court rulings often differ greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Frequently, one would not know of these differences unless he practices bankruptcy law exclusively or near-exclusively, as the court opinions are largely unpublished.

During a phone consultation, I can generally give the potential client a very good idea as to whether bankruptcy would be a viable and/or attractive option. I can usually give a very good assessment as to whether the potential client could file under chapter 7 or chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Finally, I can flag many common issues that might complicate handling of a case, such as assets that might be subject to turnover and recent transfers of property that might be disturbed.

If the client wishes to get a good, initial assessment of his or her case, I would generally need to know the basic aspects of his or her financial situation. The general list consists of: * Monthly net household income; * Monthly household expenses; * Any recent changes in income (last 6 months) * Types and amounts of debt; * Extent of property owned, including claims against others; * Repayments on loans, sales, or other transfers in past 2 years; and * Particular, immediate concerns, including garnishment, repossession, and foreclosure.

I do not use paralegals or other staff. So, I deal with all of my clients directly. I am extremely prompt in responding to emails, and I personally answer every phone call. Furthermore, I prepare every aspect of my clients' cases, so their pleadings are all prepared by an attorney, not just approved by an attorney. Moreover, because of this greater familiarity with their circumstances, I am better able to address their particular concerns.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is hearing clients tell me how a weight has been lifted from their shoulders, usually after the initial consultation - even before their bankruptcies are prepared and filed. Of course, there is usually similar adulation at the successful conclusion of their cases.

I love the great outdoors. I try to get out hiking whenever I have the chance. I am also a computer/technology geek. I love new gadgets, particularly those relating to computers and audio equipment.

• Washington State Bar

• Contact us to learn more about my honors and awards.

• Contact us to learn more about our cases.

 or After-Hours, by Appointment

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