Cheryl S Lay-Davis
Leslie & Lay, P.C.
2731A Montana Avenue
El Paso, TX 79903
Map
Phone: (915) 565-9000
http://www.leslieandlay.com
Experience You Can Count On In This Difficult Time
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Business and Consumer Bankruptcy, both creditor and debtor
Sub-Topics
Business Bankruptcy
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Credit Disputes
Credit Repair
Creditor Harassment
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
TX, Nov 1997
Bar Number: 24002456
NM, Nov 2000
Other Court Admissions
• Texas
• New Mexico
• Western District of Texas
• District of New Mexico, 5th Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court
Association Memberships
• Texas State Bar
• El Paso Bar
• President of the Border Bankruptcy Bar
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on Consumer Bankruptcy Law, Business Bankruptcy Law, and Judicial seminars. I always exceed the required number of continuing education hours and am a member of the College of the State Bar.
Example Cases
I represent debtors and creditors in Chapters 7, 11, and 13.
Education
Texas Tech University School of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence
Lubbock
TX
1997
University of Texas at El Paso
Bachelor of Science
El Paso
TX
1994
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Texas and New Mexico
Firm Focus and History
Leslie & Lay was originally the firm of Leslie & Smith, established in 1991. When Nelson Smith retired in 1999, Cheryl Lay joined the firm and the name was changed to Leslie & Lay, P.C.
Leslie & Lay specializes in both consumer and business bankruptcy law. The firm does not practice in any other area of law.
Previous Employment Summary
Cheryl Lay-Davis was a legal assistant specializing in bankruptcy until she went to law school in 1994. Upon graduation from Texas School of Law in 1997, she clerked for the Honorable Justice Ann C. McClure, 8th Court of Appeals, until joining the law firm of Leslie & Lay as a partner in 1999
Activities and Awards
Cheryl Lay-Davis is also an associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of El Paso, Texas
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe clients should educate themselves as much as possible regarding issues that relate to their personal situations. However, that being said, the client is paying me for my legal expertise and should feel comfortable that the advice that I give them is sound without having to research the law themselves.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I prefer to use only documents I have prepared myself.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am not willing to "coach" anyone to represent themselves. I certainly would not want a doctor to "coach" me on operating on myself!
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I had worked for an attorney as a secretary before deciding to become a legal assistant. After going to school and getting certified, I worked as a legal assistant for 6 years and decided I wanted to become a lawyer, so I applied to law school.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have been through financial hardships and can relate to the positions that my clients find themselves in. I have worked in the bankruptcy field for 18 years; first as a legal assistant, and subsequently as an attorney.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I think it chose me, not the other way around. Almost every opportunity that has arisen for me has been in the bankruptcy field.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy dealing with clients on a daily basis and helping them to resolve the issues that brought them to me. It's all about making a difference.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. I see all of my clients and give them personal attention. In addition, I have a legal assistant who has been working in bankruptcy for 30 years and is extremely knowledgeable. One of my assistants has been with the firm for 20 years and the other assistant has been with the firm for 8 years.
What are your strengths and style?
I am an avid advocate for my clients. I am easy to work with. I do not screen my calls and return all calls on a daily basis.
Personal Interests:
My husband and I spend as much time as possible traveling and scuba diving. We also work out at least five times a week. My husband is a coach at the university, so our lives revolve around the different seasons of football. Weekends are also spent with kids and grandkids.
Office Manager/Assistant
Barbara
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
New clients from Nolo will receive a 10% discount on our fees.
Hourly Rates
I represent debtors on a flat fee basis. The fee varies depending on the case. My hourly rate for creditor work is $250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, 45 minutes.
Typical Retainer
I do not have a typical retainer.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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