William Howell | La Quinta Bankruptcy Lawyer

A sampling of cases I have concluded with spectacular results: Chapter 7 discharge of $150,000 unsecured debt while preserving a $650,000 IRA; discharge of over $500,000 in taxes and penalties in two separate chapter 7 cases; stopping foreclosure in several chapter 13 cases.

Bankruptcy law is increasingly complex and ever-changing. That law comprises "the tools of the trade." I have been successful by "keeping my head in the game," learning, adapting and applying those tools to the particular needs of each client.

The client must be aware that the more complex his or her situation is, the more education, training and experience the lawyer must possess. Equally important is that the client can "believe in" the lawyer - that the lawyer is ready, willing and able to solve the client's problem.

My initial consultation is no-charge, no-obligation, whether by phone or in-office. It is designed to determine whether, when, and what chapter a client could benefit from filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court. To answer those questions I must conduct an in-depth inquiry into the nature of the client's assets, liabilities, income and expenses. I also inquire into problem areas such as pending foreclosures, repossessions, judgments, garnishments, levies and tax liens. At the end of the interview, a fee is set, and the client can decide whether or not they wish to retain me. (I also reserve the right to decline the client's case, which I have done on rare occasions.)

My practice is limited to the representation of debtors in the United States Bankruptcy Court. That's my only focus. I have represented literally thousands of debtors over the years. Bankruptcy law is statutory in nature, making the outcome of the case highly predictable, so long as complete, true and correct case information has been elicited from the debtor. I excel in obtaining and matching the debtor's case information with the law.

I am goal-oriented - love to win, hate to lose. But the most rewarding aspect of my job is the joy and relief my clients experience when their burden of debt has been swept away, their stress has disappeared, and they realize they are moving forward to a brighter day.

• Member, California State Bar