Drescher & Associates, P.A.
Bankruptcy is not a Failure, but may be a New Beginning
4 Reservoir Circle
Suite 107
Baltimore, MD 21208
Map
Phone: (410) 484-9000 | Fax: (410) 484-8120
http://www.drescherlaw.com/
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Sub-Topics
Business Bankruptcy
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Collections & Repossessions
Credit Repair
Credit Restoration
Creditor Harassment
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and California
Firm Focus
Drescher and Associates carefully reviews the special facts of each client before arriving at a course of action. We do not rush into filing cases, but prefer to weigh all available options and then intelligently plan an appropriate strategy with substantial input from the client.
Firm History
Drescher & Associates was formed in 1994, and Ronald Drescher has been a licensed attorney focusing primarily on bankruptcy issues since 1986.
Activities and Awards
Pro Bono work for Maryland Volunteer Legal Services.
Example Cases
The firm has confirmed a series of Chapter 13 cases for high income debtors by strategically analyzing outstanding indebtedness and structuring repayment plans after the deadline has passed for creditors to file claims. The firm also carefully claims available exemptions to maximize clients' asset retention in Chapter 7 cases.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Drescher & Associates welcomes well informed clients. The participation of the client in the legal process is an important factor in obtaining a successful result.
Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes, and frequently this is the best approach for a client who wants to attempt to reduce their debt burden and avoid bankruptcy. On the other hand, the firm has structured payment plans to enable all clients to be able to afford the firm's representation in bankruptcy cases.
Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Yes. The firm is flexible in participating in the client's team in whatever role seems most appropriate.
What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
The firm is very cost conscious. We have begun to enlist various low cost contract assistance in order to maintain an affordable cost for legal services.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
The firm is always aware of such options, however unless both parties to a dispute are genuinely committed to such alternative dispute methods, they are not generally effective.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
Yes, we generally handle two or three such chapter 7 cases each year. We are also involved in the State of Maryland Peer Review Committee for the Attorney Grievance Commission, so we are dedicated to a very high ethical standard.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
Many of our clients have seen other lawyers first, and discuss having felt pressured to file the bankruptcy case. We feel that the case must be well and carefully planned. Once a bankruptcy case is filed the client loses control over the process, so we feel that everything must be done correctly and, if necessary, patiently before the case is actually filed.
Office Manager/Assistant
My practice assistant is Lauraetta, who has been with me since 1997.
Fax
(410) 484-8120
Office Hours
Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm, but I will give my clients my cell phone number and generally check and respond to emails off hours and on weekends.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Delaware Office
1 Commerce Center
1201 North Orange Street
Suite 722
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 884-6722
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Normal price for a Chapter 7 case is $1350 plus the filing fee ($299) and the credit counseling fee ($40). Chapter 13 cases usually require a $2200 initial payment, plus the filing fee ($275) and the credit counseling fee ($40).
Hourly Rates
$300.
Free Initial Consultation?
The firm offers a one-half hour free initial consultation, which is usually enough time to consider primary options. I ask clients to prepare a preliminary schedule of income, expenses, assets and debts before the first meeting, and this usually saves a great deal of time.
Typical Retainer
Frequently, some planning needs to be done in order to properly file a case. Many attorneys do not focus on this part of the client's issues. There is generally a $750 retainer to be paid if there is any extensive planning involved before a bankruptcy case is filed. If the case is filed soon after, the $750 may be applied to the flat fee. If there is an extended time after the initial meeting before the case is filed, this retainer will be in addition to the flat fee.
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
