Ruth M Allen
Ruth Allen Law
7413 Six Forks Road
Suite 326
Raleigh, NC 27615
Map
Phone: (919) 481-4141 | Fax: (866) 321-9449
http://www.ruthallenlaw.com
Compassionate, Approachable Bankruptcy Counsel
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Chapter 7 bankruptcies and those debtors who are being harassed by creditors.
Sub-Topics
Debt Relief
Bar Admissions
NC, Apr 2006
Bar Number: 34739
Other Court Admissions
• Eastern and Middle Federal District Courts of North Carolina
• North Carolina State Courts
• Eastern and Middle Federal District of North Carolina, Bankruptcy Courts
Association Memberships
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, National Association of Consumer Advocates, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and Tenth Judicial District of North Carolina.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing education seminars in my areas of specialty, and also general topics, and always have more hours than I need for each year.
Example Cases
Due to client-attorney confidentiality, we do not share information about prior cases.
Education
North Carolina Central University School of Law
J.D.
Durham
NC
2005
Maryville College
B.S.
Maryville
TN
1980
Major in Political Science.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
North Carolina.
Firm Focus and History
My main service areas include bankruptcy (Chapter 7 only) and debt defense. I am interested in helping those clients who are struggling with harassment by collectors, and who may be unaware that they can possibly take advantage of North Carolina's consumer friendly laws and sue the creditor. I also help people plan for unforeseen events in their lives, as well as end of life planning. I have visited many folks in their homes or in hospice to record their final desires for distribution of their personal belongings, which gives them peace of mind.
Previous Employment Summary
As a certified legal assistant since 1988, I have had experience in the legal field in government, law firms, and in-house in corporations. I lived and worked in Atlanta and Houston before moving to Raleigh in 1998. In 2002, I decided to go to law school to further my career. Since graduating, I have worked for over 3 years as a part time advocate at Legal Aid, as well as court appointed guardian ad litem for guardianship proceedings. I have worked with an attorney in drafting wills and other important life planning documents. While I currently work at Legal Aid part time, I am also developing a private practice to protect the rights of consumers.
Activities and Awards
Pro bono work with Legal Aid in their Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Project, and offer reduced rate bankruptcy services for Legal Aid clients.
Wake County Attorneys
Graduate of Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Bootcamp.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
There is so much misinformation from many sources. I absolutely advocate having clients educate themselves from a reliable source. Information empowers those who are in precarious or uncertain situations, and makes them less vulnerable to being misled or taken advantage of.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I generally do not review documents prepared by clients. I will review documents they present which may pertain to the matter I am handling for them, or analyze what their rights or responsibilities may be.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I generally do not coach clients who wish to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
After working as a certified legal assistant since 1988, I decided to take the next step and further my career. I would be able to be in a better position to help people, and craft a practice that suited my lifestyle.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I was a legal secretary in Atlanta, and then obtained a paralegal certificate. I qualified as a Certified Legal Assistant, and worked in the legal field for over 15 years before attending law school as a mature adult. I have a wealth of practical legal experience, and was fortunate to have excellent mentors and advisors during my life as a paralegal. I have worked in a legal capacity in government, law firms, and corporations.
As an officer in the United States Navy (Reserve Component) for over 20 years, I have been in positions of leadership and responsibility in a unit with up to 50 military members, so I take responsibility seriously. The military also enhanced my skills of organization and logistics, both of which are called upon in the practice of law.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
During my work at Legal Aid, I talk with and advise so many people who have been taken advantage of or harassed by creditors and collectors who purposefully step outside of the bounds of the law. Many clients are not aware of their rights and available remedies, and I want to help them learn what they can do, and also educate the creditors about their legal limitations. I understand that financial burdens can be very stressful, overshadowing every other aspect of one's life, and are often brought about by unforeseen circumstances or events out of our control. My personal philosophy is "there but for the grace of God go I," and so I treat my clients with compassion and respect.
What do you like best about your career?
So many things! I love being able to help people, to calm them and educate them. As a guardian ad litem appointed to alleged incompetents in guardianship cases, I get to visit people in their homes, or in the hospital, and for a moment in time I get a glimpse into their lives. I want to alleviate their anxiety and giving information and advice empowers people. I feel that I can help people by ending creditor harassment and by alleviating the daily anxieties and uncertainties that weigh on them. I also have the power to help clients secure a better financial future. My father was a rural preacher who visited folks in their homes, and at bedside. I never suspected that I would do the same to give services to those who are facing the end of their life journey.
Tell us about your law firm:
All clients deal directly with me from start to finish.
What are your strengths and style?
Because of my mature age and experience, I am compassionate and nonjudgmental. I do not fit the typical "attorney" mold, because it does not reflect who I am at this point in my life, and because being rigid or unapproachable does not serve my clients.
Personal Interests:
Reading fiction, dance, old school music, and my daughter.
Fax
(866) 321-9449
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
After hours available by appointment.
Our mailing address is 7413 Sixth Forks Road, Suite 326.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Generally my services are fixed rate flat fee, but that is determined by the nature and complexity of each individual matter. The current fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $1,250.
*Get Creditors Off your Back Program*
Flat fee of $325
Terms: One year
Hourly Rates
$175.
Free Initial Consultation?
I will generally consult with a prospective client at no charge to determine if there is a cause of action or matter which I am able to handle, if they desire.
Typical Retainer
I require payment of all court filing fees up front, as well as the full payment for a bankruptcy matter. For consumer matters, we will negotiate a 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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