David Carl Hill
Office of David Carl Hill
2472 Bethel Road SE
Suite A
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Map
Phone: (360) 876-5015
http://www.hilllaw.com
We Help People Take Back Their Lives
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Individuals, couples and small businesses, especially those living in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, Clallam and Pierce Counties.
Sub-Topics
Business Bankruptcy
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
WA, Oct 1979
Bar Number: 9560
Other Court Admissions
• State of Washington
• District Court of Western District of Washington
• Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Association Memberships
• Washington State Bar Association
• National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Continuing Education
I attend conferences and seminars on topics predominantly related to bankruptcy and associated issues.
Example Cases
• We were able to successfully confirm a Chapter 11 Plan for a couple that included 28 pieces of real estate spread over several states, all of which were encumbered. The plan included modification of various mortgage terms and the orderly disposal of a number of properties.
• We have successfully stripped off many junior mortgages in Chapter 13 cases.
Education
Brigham Young University
Jurist Doctorate
Provo
UT
1979
Legal Studies: co-authored "Interests in state and federal lands." Summary of Utah Real Property Law, 1978
Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Arts
Provo
UT
1976
Cum Laude
Political Science and International Relations
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Washington
Firm Focus and History
We represent consumers and small businesses that may need to file for protection under Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Our clients reside in Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Jefferson and Clallam Counties. Although the current business was formally established in 2000, the law firm has existed in various forms in Port Orchard since 1982.
Previous Employment Summary
• 1979-1981 Law Office of Earl Jackson, Battle Ground, WA
• 1981 to 1982 Udall and Hill, White Salmon, Washington
• 1982 to 1984, Law Office of David Carl Hill, Port Orchard, Washington
• 1984 to 1989, Ness and Hill, Port Orchard, Washington
• 1989 to 2000, Law Office of David Carl Hill, PS, Port Orchard, Washington
• 2000 present, Hill Law.Com, PS, DBA Law Office of David Carl Hill, Port Orchard, Washington
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am a firm believer in good consumer education. My website provides a good overview of the various bankruptcy chapters. I can have a more meaningful discussion with the client once the client understands the basic goals and limitations of bankruptcy.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Although I am willing to review bankruptcy documents prepared by clients, I strongly discourage anyone from preparing any significant bankruptcy documents on their own. The current local rules for the bankruptcy court do not allow me to represent a client on a piecemeal basis.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I strongly discourage anyone from representing themselves in bankruptcy I find that this area of practice requires more than a cursory understanding of the law. Bankruptcy is governed not only by the Code itself, but also national and local procedural rules that must be followed in order for case to be pursued successfully. In my experience, very few people are able to successfully navigate their way through even a chapter 7 bankruptcy. I seldom see a successful Chapter 13 filed without the representation of an attorney.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became an attorney because I enjoy helping people solve problems. Although I have been involved in litigation, many times over the years, I find it much more satisfying to find a solution for my client that gives them a fresh start at a reasonable cost, both financially and emotionally.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
In addition to my legal training, I have served in numerous church leadership positions. This service allowed me to improve my leadership, teaching, counseling and public speaking skills.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy analyzing a problem and finding solutions. Bankruptcy is one of those areas that allows me to work out creative solutions. Bankruptcy is also not adversarial in the same sense as other areas of practice. Creditor attorneys and bankruptcy trustees are generally willing to rationally listen to and consider solutions that help both my clients and theirs.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy a practice that can have a positive impact on my clients. Bankruptcy provides a way to lift the burden of debt off of individuals and families. Bankruptcy tends to be more fast-paced than other forms of law, especially Chapter 7. As a result, I need to apply my creative legal skills quickly and efficiently.
Tell us about your law firm:
My staff consists of a retired California attorney, Jerry Cahan, who primarily works on chapter 11 cases. He also meets with some of the new clients for both chapter 7 and chapter 13. Corrine is my chapter 13 legal assistant and has worked for me for 29 years. Gina is my pre-filing legal assistant. She does much of the legwork in preparing cases for filing. Brandi is my chapter 7 assistant, and helps clients work through proposed filing issues that arise. She also helps with bankruptcy litigation. Wendy is the Chapter 11 assistant. She also assists with chapter 13 litigation. Krista is my bubbly receptionist who will meet you with a smile and a cheerful voice. She coordinates the calendar and also scans the documents needed to prepare your case. Ruthann is the bookkeeper and, as boss’s wife, keeps me in line.
What are your strengths and style?
I am an active listener, which means that I will ask questions that will help me identify the critical issues of the case during the initial consultation. I am also frustrated teacher and will spend time explaining the law and the process to my clients. I have a relaxed style, which helps reduce the stress new clients feel in dealing with an attorney.
Personal Interests:
My interests include my wife, my children and their spouses, my grandchildren, church, politics, and my gardens/landscaping.
Office Manager/Assistant
Corrine Rowley
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
• Chapter 7: fees start at $1,200 plus costs, but may be increased, depending upon the complexity of the case. • Chapter 13: fees start at $3,500 plus costs, with a minimum of $1,200 plus costs paid prior to filing and the balance paid in the Chapter 13 Plan. • Personal Chapter 11: fees start at $5,000 prior to filing, plus costs and such additional fees as may be generated thereafter to be paid through the Chapter 11 Plan. • Business Chapter 11: fees start at $1,000 prior to filing, plus costs and such additional fees as may be generated thereafter to be paid through the Chapter 11 Plan.
Hourly Rates
$250 to $330 for attorney work.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, one half hour.
Typical Retainer
Contact me.
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.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes
