The most important decision a new bankruptcy assistant makes is who to work for. A good attorney client brings steady work, prompt payment, and referrals. A bad one brings late payments, unreasonable demands, and, worst, legal risk. Before you take on a new firm, a quick round of due diligence is worth the time. This guide shows how to vet bankruptcy attorney clients (and the networking contacts who may refer them) using free public information, and which red flags should make you slow down.
Step 1: Confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing
Every state bar has a free online lawyer lookup that shows whether an attorney is licensed, their status, and often any public discipline. Search the name, firm, and state. Confirm that the attorney is active and in good standing, and read any disciplinary entries carefully. A past issue isn't automatically disqualifying, but a pattern should make you think twice.
Step 2: See how active the firm is in bankruptcy
PACER shows what an attorney actually files. Searching by attorney name tells you roughly how many cases they handle, in which chapters, and how recently. This tells you:
- Whether they're busy enough to need outside help
- Whether the mix of cases (Chapter 7, Chapter 13) fits your skills
- Whether they've been practicing in this court for long
It can also guide your marketing; see Marketing to Bankruptcy Attorneys on a Zero Budget.
Step 3: Look at their reputation
- Search the firm and the attorney's name online and read reviews critically, because a few unhappy reviews are normal in this field, but patterns are informative.
- Check the firm's website and professional profile. Does it look real and maintained? Are the practice areas clear?
- Look for a business registration through the Secretary of State.
- Ask for references. Another assistant or a colleague who has worked with the firm can tell you what it's like in practice. Local bankruptcy bar events are good places to ask.
- Set up search alerts for the firm's name, and for terms such as “bankruptcy attorney” in your area, to keep tabs on your market.
Red flags
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Wants you to sign or file petitions | Signing and filing belong to the attorney |
| Asks you to advise debtors or negotiate for them | Crosses into unauthorized practice. See Unauthorized Practice of Law |
| Won't review your work | The attorney is responsible for supervising; a firm that doesn't is a risk to both of you |
| Won't put anything in writing | You need a clear agreement on scope, fees, and confidentiality |
| Tries to pay you only if the debtor pays | You should be paid by the firm for your work |
| Pressures you to skip documentation or hide information | Knowingly misstating information in a case is a serious legal problem |
| Has a history of unpaid vendors | Ask references about payment |
| Constant emergencies with no information | Emergency work needs complete facts. See the emergency filing checklist |
Protect yourself with a written agreement
Whoever the client is, put the arrangement in writing. A good agreement covers:
- Scope: what you will and won't do, and that all work is subject to attorney review
- Fees and payment terms (see Bankruptcy Petition Preparation Pricing)
- Confidentiality and how files are stored and transferred
- Turnaround times and what counts as a rush
- Revisions and what happens when the facts change
- How either side may end the arrangement
Have your own attorney or a qualified adviser review your template once, and then reuse it.
Start small
When you're unsure, begin with a single petition or a trial period, and invoice promptly. The way a firm treats a small first job is the best predictor of the way it will treat the next one. See Protecting Your Attorney's Interests for the relationship from the attorney's side.
Vet your networking contacts and tools too
The same habits help when you evaluate groups, associations, seminars, and software:
- Associations and training: Who runs it? What credentials do they hold? What do members actually get? Be cautious about anyone promising guaranteed income. See What Is NAVBA? and Is Bankruptcy Petition Certification Worth It?
- Referral sources: If someone offers you work, check them the same way you'd check an attorney.
- Software and services: Look for reviews, a trial period, and clear data-security practices. See Beware of New Bankruptcy Fraud Scheme and Warning: Do Not Get Ripped Off Purchasing Federal Forms.
Start with the right foundation. Training that attorneys recognize makes vetting easier, because good firms notice it. See the Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Petition Specialist Certification, and use the Bankruptcy Attorney Marketing List to build a target list you can vet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I look up an attorney's discipline history?
Usually, yes. State bar websites list public discipline. Policies vary by state.
Should I work for a firm that has had a disciplinary issue?
It depends on the nature, age, and pattern. Use judgment, ask questions, and consider starting small.
Is it appropriate to ask for a deposit?
For new clients, a deposit or prepayment on larger jobs is common. State it in your agreement.
This article is general education, not legal advice. Check your state's rules about non-lawyer assistance and about how attorneys may work with outside vendors. Questions about our courses? See the FAQ.