Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in the USA

Last Updated: 21/05/2026

Bankruptcy is a federal process, but the lawyer who files your case practices locally. State exemptions, district trustees, and means-test rules all vary by location. The bankruptcy lawyers listed below cover major markets across the country. Each firm handles Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or business cases under federal and local rules.

To compile this list, we review Bankruptcy Lawyers based on public information, client feedback, and professional standing.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Consistency of public reviews across multiple platforms

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

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    Leading Bankruptcy Law Firms for Personal & Business Debt Relief

    Screenshot of the Allmand Law Website
    8350 N Central Expy Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

    Allmand Law is a Dallas bankruptcy law firm and one of the largest consumer bankruptcy practices in Texas. Reed Allmand, a board-certified bankruptcy attorney, leads the team and has handled thousands of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases across the state.

    The firm helps clients stop wage garnishment, halt foreclosure, end creditor harassment, and discharge medical, credit card, and tax debts. Areas served include Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Plano, Frisco, Irving, and Arlington.

    Allmand Law offers free Financial Empowerment Sessions, flexible payment options, and a client portal for case tracking. The firm also publishes detailed bankruptcy guides covering exemptions, the means test, and credit repair after discharge.

    Screenshot of the Benenati Law Firm Website
    2702 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

    Benenati Law Firm is one of the largest filers of bankruptcies in Central Florida. Walter F. Benenati founded the practice and serves clients across Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford with Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and business bankruptcy services.

    The firm also handles garnishment defense, debt lawsuits, foreclosure defense, and stopping creditor harassment. Spanish-language service is available, and payment plans are offered for most cases.

    Walter Benenati holds an Avvo 10.0 rating and Super Lawyers recognition. The firm is BBB accredited and publishes a regular blog covering bankruptcy myths, Chapter 7 FAQs, and debt relief scams. Free consultations are available, including Saturdays.

    Screenshot of the The Kent Law Firm Website
    3355 Lenox Rd NE #600, Atlanta, GA 30326, USA

    The Kent Law Firm is an Atlanta consumer bankruptcy practice with over 40 combined years of experience. The attorneys handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, along with wills and estate matters.

    Located near the Lenox MARTA station in Buckhead, the firm offers free initial consultations, Saturday appointments, reasonable fees, and payment plans. Discounted services are available for seniors and military veterans.

    Screenshot of the Westgate Law Website
    16444 Paramount Blvd #205, Paramount, CA 90723, USA

    Westgate Law has filed more than 7,000 bankruptcy cases for clients across greater Los Angeles. The firm operates offices in Paramount and Montebello and handles Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt defense, and bankruptcy alternatives such as debt settlement and creditor negotiation.

    Founding attorney Justin Harelik holds an Avvo Clients' Choice Award and a 4.9-star Google rating from over 300 reviews. Senior attorney Matthew A. Rosenthal handles FDCPA, TCPA, and repossession cases.

    Westgate is upfront about pricing and includes meeting-of-creditors representation in its base fee, unlike firms that add hidden charges. Spanish-speaking staff and free consultations are available.

    Screenshot of the Frego &amp; Associates Website
    23843 Joy Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127, USA

    Frego & Associates is one of Michigan's largest bankruptcy law firms, with a team whose combined experience exceeds a century. Offices in Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Flint, Warren, Saginaw, and Ypsilanti serve clients across the state.

    Attorneys handle Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11, foreclosure defense, and discharge violation cases. Clients receive a free bankruptcy analysis, free post-bankruptcy credit analysis, and free relief from collection judgments.

    Screenshot of the The Moak Law Firm PLLC Website
    1820 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225, USA

    The Moak Law Firm has helped Arizona families resolve debt for more than 40 years. Walter E. "Pete" Moak has practiced law since 1977 and has taken more than 50 cases to jury trials over his career.

    The Chandler-based firm handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases with $0 down options, affordable payment plans, and 24-hour consultation availability. Pete Moak is also the author of "Life After Bankruptcy," a free guide available on the firm's site.

    Screenshot of the LifeBack Law Firm, P.A. Website
    13 7th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301, USA

    LifeBack Law Firm, P.A. handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy across Minnesota and North Dakota. Offices in St. Cloud, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Brainerd, Eagan, Maple Grove, Bismarck, and Fargo serve clients regionally.

    The firm also helps with student loan forgiveness and provides free post-bankruptcy credit recovery services. Clients get access to budgeting resources, dispute forms, and a 90-day credit rebuilding mini-course.

    Screenshot of the Rashid Law Firm Website
    10222 Gulf Fwy Suite B-100, Houston, TX 77034, USA

    Rashid Law Firm has discharged over $100 million in debt for Houston-area clients since 2009. Attorney Radi Rashid has handled more than 3,000 bankruptcy cases and 8,000+ legal proceedings, serving clients in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Humble, and Galveston.

    Practice areas include Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and personal injury. The firm offers free phone or in-person consultations, Spanish-language service, and reasonable attorney fees.

    Screenshot of the The Lane Law Firm Website
    6200 Savoy Dr Ste 1150, Houston, TX 77036, USA

    The Lane Law Firm focuses on two specialized practice areas: small business bankruptcy and denied property insurance claims. The Houston-based firm also has offices in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and New York.

    Attorneys help Texas business owners deal with merchant cash advance lenders, SBA loan debt, and aggressive debt collectors. The insurance team takes on denied and underpaid claims on a contingency basis.

    Screenshot of the Vaisman Law Office Website
    33 S Wood Ave Suite 600, Iselin, NJ 08830, USA

    Vaisman Law Office serves Woodbridge Township and the broader New Jersey area with over 15 years of bankruptcy experience. Attorney Edward Vaisman appears in bankruptcy court at least twice each week and personally knows every NJ bankruptcy trustee.

    The firm handles Chapter 7, Chapter 13, creditor harassment, wage garnishment, bank levies, DMV surcharges, and older back tax issues. Flexible payment plans are available.

    Screenshot of the Starr &amp; Starr, PLLC Website
    260 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

    Starr & Starr, PLLC is a boutique New York bankruptcy and litigation firm serving Manhattan and all five boroughs. The attorneys are board-certified in business bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification.

    Services cover personal Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases, business liquidations, Chapter 11 reorganizations, commercial collections, and judgment enforcement. The firm represents both debtors and creditors across New York and New Jersey.

    Screenshot of the Wadhwani &amp; Shanfeld - Long Beach Bankruptcy Lawyers Website
    3780 Kilroy Airport Way #200, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA

    Wadhwani & Shanfeld is a Long Beach bankruptcy practice that has assisted more than 25,000 individuals and families across Southern California. Board-certified specialists Raj Wadhwani and Greg Shanfeld lead the team.

    Services cover Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt settlement, foreclosure protection, IRS tax debt, second mortgage settlement, and student loan debt. The firm serves Long Beach, Los Angeles, Riverside, Coachella Valley, Compton, Inglewood, and surrounding communities.

    Screenshot of the The Bankruptcy Law Offices of James Schwitalla, P.A. Website

    James Schwitalla brings over 30 years of bankruptcy experience to clients in Miami, Kendall, and the Florida Keys. The firm handles Chapter 7, Chapter 13, bankruptcy litigation, and creditor representation.

    Schwitalla has received Super Lawyers recognition from 2019 through 2025. Spanish-speaking attorneys are on staff, and free consultations are part of the standard intake process.

    Screenshot of the The Bankruptcy Law Firm, PC Website
    10524 W Pico Blvd #212, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA

    The Bankruptcy Law Firm, PC is led by Kathleen P. March, a former Central District of California bankruptcy judge with 14 years on the bench and 35+ years of bankruptcy experience. She is a triple-certified bankruptcy specialist and lead author of the Rutter Group California Bankruptcy Practice Guide.

    The Los Angeles firm represents both debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Subchapter V Chapter 11 cases. Free first consultations are offered.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

    Liquidation vs repayment. Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt in three to six months. Chapter 13 sets up a three to five-year repayment plan that lets you keep secured assets like a home or car.

    How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in the US?

    Filing fees plus attorney fees. Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees vary by district and case complexity, often running $1,000 to $4,500 for a typical consumer case.

    How long does a US bankruptcy case take?

    A few months to five years. Chapter 7 cases usually close within four to six months after filing. Chapter 13 plans run three or five years, depending on your income relative to the state median.

    Can I keep my house and car if I file for bankruptcy?

    Often yes, with exemptions. Federal and state exemption rules protect equity up to set limits. Many filers keep their home and one vehicle. The amount you can protect depends on your state's homestead and vehicle exemptions.

    Do state exemption rules really matter?

    They are decisive. Texas, Florida, and Kansas allow unlimited homestead protection. California, New York, and most other states cap it. The state where you have lived for the past two years controls which set of exemptions applies to your case.

    What is the means test and who has to take it?

    An income screen for Chapter 7. Anyone whose household income is above the state median must pass the means test to file Chapter 7. Below-median filers skip it. Those who fail usually file Chapter 13 instead.

    Types of Bankruptcy Cases Handled Nationwide

    Chapter 7 Personal Bankruptcy. This is the most common consumer filing in the US. It discharges credit card debt, medical bills, old tax debt, and most unsecured loans. Most cases close in under six months.

    Chapter 13 Personal Bankruptcy. Used by filers who earn too much for Chapter 7 or who want to save a home from foreclosure. A trustee distributes payments to creditors under a court-approved plan.

    Chapter 11 Business Reorganization. Larger businesses and high-debt individuals use Chapter 11 to restructure debt while continuing operations. The debtor proposes a plan that creditors and the court must approve.

    Subchapter V Small Business Bankruptcy. A streamlined Chapter 11 track for small businesses under the debt limit. It is faster and cheaper than traditional Chapter 11, with fewer creditor approval hurdles.

    Chapter 7 Business Liquidation. Used when a business cannot reorganize and must wind down. A trustee sells assets and pays creditors in order of priority under federal bankruptcy law.

    How to Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer in the USA

    Confirm board certification. The American Board of Certification credentials bankruptcy specialists in consumer and business law. Certification is a strong signal of focused practice, especially for Chapter 11 and Subchapter V cases.

    Match the lawyer to your district. Bankruptcy is filed in federal district court, and every district has its own local rules and trustees. A lawyer who appears regularly in your district knows the trustees and judges.

    Ask about total fees upfront. Some firms quote a low base fee and add charges for the 341 meeting, amendments, or motions. Get the full quote in writing before signing.

    Check Chapter-specific experience. A lawyer who files 200 Chapter 7 cases a year may not be the right fit for a Chapter 13 plan with mortgage arrears or a small business Subchapter V case. Ask how many of your case types they have handled.