Kevin Goff
Goff and Douglas, PC
21 East 6th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Map
Phone: (480) 982-1781 | Fax: (602) 916-0092
http://www.gdbklawyers.com
Freedom from Debt at Affordable Rates
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
We represent clients who are seeking solutions to deal with their debt burdens. We provide the full range of debt relief services, including negotiation with lenders, short sales, analyzing obligations for enforceability issues, addressing fair credit reporting and credit repair issues, stopping debt collectors, and filing for bankruptcy. We also help our clients restore their credit and financial lives following bankruptcy.
Sub-Topics
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Collections & Repossessions
Credit Disputes
Credit Repair
Credit Restoration
Creditor Harassment
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
AZ, Sep 2000
Bar Number: 20164
NV, Dec 2003
Bar Number: 8470
MA, Dec 1999
Bar Number: 643875
Other Court Admissions
Arizona and Nevada courts.
Association Memberships
State bars of Arizona, Nevada and Massachusetts.
Continuing Education
I regularly teach continuing education classes to other lawyers and professionals. I also frequently attend continuing legal education seminars, especially those that focus on recent developments in bankruptcy and debt relief law. I always exceed (by multiples) the required amount of continuing education classes.
Papers and Publications
My website contains many of the articles I have written.
Example Cases
Our most rewarding cases are those in which we are able to structure a bankruptcy to discharge every permissible debt and at the same time preserve nearly all of the client's assets. Our clients are honest people who just happen to have fallen victim to layoffs, medical emergencies or other circumstances beyond their control. It is very rewarding to take on some of that burden for them and to help them restart their lives with a meaningful chance at a new beginning. Other lawyers promise to "get between" their clients and creditors. We certainly do that—we will stop creditor harassment cold. But what is really satisfying is taking it to the next level and getting in front of and wiping out our clients' worst financial burdens.
Education
Boston University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
Boston
MA
1999
Graduated magna cum laude (with high honors)
Dean's Award for Federal Courts (Ranked first in that class)
Dean's Award for Professional Responsibility (Ranked first in that class)
Edward F. Hennessey Distinguished Scholar (Top 10% of third-year class—ranked third overall for that year)
Paul J. Liacos Scholar (Top 25% of second-year class)
G. Joseph Tauro Scholar (Top 25% of first-year section)
University of Arkansas
Master of Science in Transportation Engineering
Fayetteville
AR
1997
Perfect grade point average; Mack-Blackwell Fellowship recipient
University of Arkansas
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Fayetteville
AR
1996
Chancellor's Scholar; Governor's Scholar
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
Arizona, Nevada and Massachusetts.
Firm Focus and History
Our focus is to help our clients deal with the difficult circumstances that have led them to consider bankruptcy and to ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity by everyone involved in the debt collection process (including lenders, debt collectors, other lawyers and the bankruptcy trustee and court).
We provide our clients with compassionate, knowledgeable and effective representation to help them find meaningful relief from burdensome debts, including seeking loan modifications and debt restructuring, as well as represent them in all aspects of their bankruptcy case. We provide prompt, professional service and always maintain the highest level of honesty and integrity.
We currently have offices in Tempe and Apache Junction, Arizona, and serve clients throughout the state and from all across the country via phone, e-mail and other technologies.
Previous Employment Summary
After practicing in some of the largest firms in the state and country for more than seven years, I left the Lewis and Roca law firm, where I was a partner, about a year and a half ago to start my own firm. My goal was to build a firm that focused on quality, one-on-one client service and that could provide that service at much lower rates than are possible under a large-firm structure. After only a few months on my own, my client focus was paying off, and as a result, I was able to bring my senior associate, Ian Douglas, from my prior firm on-board at my new firm. Ian shares my vision of an affordable, client-focused law firm and is now my law partner and a valuable asset to all of our clients.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
The law is very complex, but I always encourage clients to educate themselves as much as possible regarding the laws that affect them and their businesses. That is why we provide so much educational content on our website.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Unfortunately, too many people believe that "one size fits all" form documents they purchased at a store, had prepared by a document preparation service, found on the internet or received from an escrow company or broker are, or can be made, to work for any situation. Rarely will a form that works in one situation ever work again in any other situation, because every situation is unique and therefore requires at least some different language or form. That said, I am always happy to review documents prepared by clients or by non-lawyers.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Often times, my clients, because of their relationships with lenders or other creditors, are able to do a fair amount of work on their own behalf. Sometimes, all a client needs my assistance with is to develop a plan for dealing with creditors to begin eliminating or reducing debts. However, most of my clients understand that they need a strong and experienced advocate to negotiate with creditors and guide them through the bankruptcy process.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I grew up in a small, rural Arkansas town where the local "county seat lawyers" were true community leaders--people whom others turned to for all types of advice, whether personal, financial, legal or otherwise. In addition, they were active in all types of other community-service organizations and were regular speakers to my Boy Scout troop and 4-H Club. Consequently, I always looked up to them and wanted to follow their examples when I grew up—to become a lawyer and a trusted advisor. Now I am able to do that—I help people address their problems through sound legal as well as practical advice.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
During the years I worked for a large law firm, I represented a broad range of clients, from individuals and small business owners to large corporations in several practice areas. With this experience and the training that goes with working in a large-firm setting, I understand my clients' issues from all perspectives and am, therefore, able to structure effective and creative solutions to their debt problems and minimize creditor and other objections, whether that involves working with creditors to reduce or restructure debts, or filing a bankruptcy case to eliminate debts and help my clients achieve a fresh start.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy helping people find real solutions to problems that they can't solve by themselves. As a bankruptcy and debt relief lawyer I have the opportunity to help people at a period in their lives when they desperately need someone on their side, someone who can help them through the difficult and complex bankruptcy process.
What do you like best about your career?
My clients are honest, hardworking people who have found themselves in situations that they can't get out of on their own. I find it very gratifying to be able to provide that help and to get my clients back on the path to financial freedom.
Tell us about your law firm:
We are a small law firm of two lawyers and one paralegal. We are dedicated to helping our clients reduce their debts and achieve financial freedom in a way that preserves and promotes their dignity and self-respect, and that maximizes their ability to start over. We provide a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and we provide services for English, Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking clients.
What are your strengths and style?
Because we are a small law firm, the attorneys are personally involved in each case, and our clients always meet and speak one-on-one with an attorney. We are always available when our clients need us. We provide our clients with the expert advice and representation they expect and the personalized attention they deserve.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy hiking (the Flatiron in the Lost Dutchman State Park is a favorite), running, reading (mostly economics and science books and articles), and watching television (House is a favorite).
Office Manager/Assistant
Brenda
Fax
(602) 916-0092
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
We can provide interpreters for Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking clients.
Additional Offices
Apache Junction
2015 West Apache Trail
Information coming soon.
Suite 1
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
(480) 982-1781
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
For a typical, no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy, our fee is $1,701. This does not include the $299 bankruptcy filing fee that is paid to the bankruptcy court. Our fees for Chapter 13 cases and other debt relief services vary depending on the specifics of the case.
Hourly Rates
$275.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation, which typically lasts one-half hour.
Typical Retainer
For a typical, no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy, we require a $2,000 retainer. The required retainer for other debt relief services varies from case to case.
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
