David Hagen | Woodland Hills Bankruptcy Lawyer

I recently was brought into a case where a dispute had developed between the trustee and the Debtor. Ownership of a parcel of real estate was in dispute. I was able to analyze the matter through the eyes of a trustee and persuade the Trustee to close the case without administering the property. This saved the Debtor literally thousands of dollars in legal or settlement fees. I sat down with a client who wanted to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. After a detailed discussion, I outlined a few ways to resolve the problem short of bankruptcy. Ultimately, the client called me and said that he decided not to file based upon the information and optimistic outlook I gave him. To help a client change their financial life, even without the need for bankruptcy, is very gratifying.

I think the only to build a successful practice is dedication to the particular area of practice and to solving clients' problems. We are proud to have a practice that is now over 90% direct referral as a result of over 38 years hard work.

Honest, caring, reliable, punctual. It seems pretty basic, but one might be surprised what is out there.

Local knowledge, especially knowledge about the Trustee in a particular case, is key many times to a successful resolution for all involved.

In an initial phone conversation, I can usually tell if a client will benefit from coming in and talking. If not, I give them some quick advice on how to proceed or things to consider short of a meeting.

Not much. I can usually ask 10-12 questions on the spot and know where things might be headed. It easy for us to do after 38 years.

All our work is done one-on-one with an attorney. This is almost unheard of in the bankruptcy field. Further, I am one of only a very few bankruptcy lawyers that also was formerly a Chapter 7 Trustee. This gives us insight into a case that few others have.

If a client calls and says thanks for helping to change the financial portion of their life, that is a good day at the office.

I try to work out, play basketball, tennis and snow ski.

Yes, we have done many things over the years but are too modest to list.

• Member | Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum
  Member | San Fernando Valley Bar Association
  Member | Los Angeles County Bar Association
  Member | State Bar of California

• The Role of the Panel Trustee
  This article originally appeared in the Valley Lawyer Magazine by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association
  
  Are We Married?
  Presented at a US Trustee Seminar with Trustee Tim Yoo to Los Angeles area bankruptcy attorneys in 2005
  
  Bankruptcy/Family Law Outline
  Presented to family law attorneys in the San Fernando Valley area in 2005
  
  Is This Any Way To Run A Recession?
  An email to Clients in 2014
  
  The California Legislature Expands Exemption Rights
  3 Types Of Bankruptcy
  
  The Compatibility of Family Law and Bankruptcy Law…And Other Myths
  This article originally appeared in the July 2015 issue of Valley Lawyer Magazine by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association.
  
  How To Turn The Tables On Creditors?
  A handout given out over many years
  
  Payday And Car Title Loans
  An email to clients and friends in 2014
  
  Top 10 Ways To Be Successful At The 341(a) Hearing (First Meeting of Creditors)
  A miscellaneous article written in 2013
  
  Minimizing Preference Exposure
  Sent to area attorneys in 2012
  
  Nondischargeable Debts
  Co-presented at a US Trustee seminar to Los Angeles area bankruptcy attorneys with Trustee David Seror in 2001

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