William G. Cherbonnier Attorney at Law LLC

Complete consumer representation, from collection intervention to negotiated settlement to lawsuit defense to debt reorganization to bankruptcy as a last resort.

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Louisiana and has no record of discipline from the Louisiana bar association.*

Firm Overview

We do predominantly bankruptcy and consumer law. Our consumer law practice consists of collection defense, Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). For our bankruptcy division we do Chapter 13 and Chapter 7, debt reorganization for individuals. Also have a collection intervention division where we help clients handle their creditors, and defend them.

Example cases

The CDP attempts to intervene early at the state, parish, and city court levels on behalf of consumer debtors who are being sued by debt scavengers. Instead of rolling over and allowing a default judgment to be entered against the consumer, a formal appearance is entered and discovery is propounded to determine the validity of the debt and the legal standing to sue of the plaintiff. Settlement options are explored and bankruptcy alternatives are offered if needed but only if needed.

Main Office

Westbank - New Orleans
2550 Belle Chasse Hwy.
Suite 215
Gretna LA 70053

Phone

(504) 309-3304

Fax

(504) 309-3306

Websites

http://www.e-bankruptcy.justia.net

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, we offer a free initial consultation. The amount of time varies on a case by case basis.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

A basic, uncontested Chapter 7 bankruptcy begins at $1,000 to $1,495.

Chapter 13s are fixed by the court and we offer payment plans for them.

Hourly Rates

We give all of our prospective clients a fee schedule.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Office Manager

Sue, Rosa, and Patrick

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

Speak and read a little French.

Other Offices

Metairie - Eastbank
3501 N. Causeway Blvd
Suite 300
Metairie, LA 70002

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

As a great supporter of the NACBA, I believe consumer bankruptcy has become a genuine specialty; a field of law that the general practitioner is no longer able to enter, and does not desire to enter. The commitment of time and staff necessary to build a profitable bankruptcy practice, which requires specialized knowledge, dedicated software, and a certain volume of cases, also makes it difficult for the competent bankruptcy practitioner to practice any other kind of law. Now more than ever does the individual consumer bankruptcy lawyer need a professional association such as NACBA.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I am all in favor of people educating themselves, but they need to understand that a little bit of law is a dangerous thing. If they are going to learn the law they have to be prepared to spend a lot of time doing it and there is no substitute for an actual attorney.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

No, I am not willing to review documents prepared by clients. I don't think it is a good idea for people to represent themselves.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I don't think it is a good idea for people to represent themselves. I think any time you are being sued by a lawyer you should have a lawyer you should have one as well. There are always attorneys available to help with your case.

Bill Cherbonnier

Bill graduated from Tulane Law School in 1973 and has practiced law in the New Orleans area for almost 40 years. He represents consumers exclusively and completely, and has been honored by the New Orleans Pro Bono Project for his work on the Collection Defense Project, which began as an effort to help consumers avoid having to file bankruptcy by actively defending claims made against them in state court.

Personal interests:

As a single parent, Bill is very involved with his two daughters, both of whom are avid and accomplished swimmers.

License

Bar Number: 04031
Louisiana , 1973

Education

Tulane University
Juris Doctor , 1973
New Orleans, LA

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.