Terri Ann Lowery
Trozzo, Lowery, Weston & Rock
323 Paca Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
Map
Phone: (301) 759-4343 | Fax: (301) 759-4343
http://www.trozzo.com
Personal bankruptcy with 20 years experience.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Sub-Topics
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Collections & Repossessions
Creditor Harassment
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Garnishments
Personal Bankruptcy
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Bar Admissions
MD, Oct 1989
Bar Number: 10055
WV
Bar Number: 7077
Other Court Admissions
Maryland, State and Federal; West Virginia, State and Federal.
Association Memberships
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys; Maryland State Bar Association; MSBA Consumer Bankruptcy Section, Executive Council; Allegany County Bar Association; and Mineral County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Annual Convention to keep up with changes in the Bankruptcy Code.
Example Cases
We represent all kinds of debtors in Chapter 7 and 13 and are finding that more and more these cases involve people that have a good income but are underinsured and used their credit cards to pay medical bills. We also represent a lot of people who have taken pay cuts due to downsizing in their employment. There are two other attorneys in my office that represent clients in divorce and we find that bankruptcy and divorce tend to go "hand-in-hand." Very often, my partners recommend that people going through a divorce file bankruptcy so that they don't have to fight over debt that neither can afford to pay.
Education
University of Pittsburgh
Juris Doctorate
Pittsburgh
PA
1989
West Virginia University
Bachelor of Science
Morgantown
WV
1986
Summa Cum Laude.
Business Administration, Marketing and Finance.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Number of Attorneys
5
State Licensed In
Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Firm Focus and History
Our firm has five attorneys available to represent clients in all matters, business and personal. These areas include bankruptcy, real estate, worker's compensation, criminal defense and domestic.
Our senior partner, Wiliam Trozzo, has been practicing law in Allegany County, Maryland for 32 years. In 1996, he was joined by me and then Raymond Weston in 1998. Together, we formed Trozzo, Lowery and Weston, LLC. Deanna Rock joined the firm in 2003 and Seth D'Atri in 2006.
Previous Employment Summary
After passing the Virginia Bar, I worked for Shapiro and Burson, a law firm that was part of a national network of attorneys that represent creditors in foreclosure and bankruptcy matters. Clients included some of the largest banks in the country. After three years with Shapiro and Burson, I left to work for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the U.S. Trustee in Greenbelt, Maryland. After three years, I relocated to Allegany County to raise my son in the area where I grew up. I started representing debtors in bankruptcy in 1995.
Activities and Awards
Professionally, I actively participate in our state consumer bankruptcy bar association and in providing pro bono legal services through Allegany Law. In 2002 and 2005, I won awards for the pro bono services that I provided. Personally, I am active in the Allegany County Habitat for Humanity, the Frostburg Soroptimist Club and the Western Maryland Wheelmen bicycling club.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
The internet has made my job easier in some ways and more difficult in others. I like it when someone comes in after having done some research and knows what questions to ask. If they have a basic understanding of the bankruptcy process it allows them to give me the kind of information that I need. On the other hand, there is a lot of misinformation out there that may be scaring people away. I spend a lot of time reassuring folks that you can't believe everything that you read.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I have reviewed short, simple documents for people in the past, but I generally think that it is best to let me draft your document based on documents that I have used in the past to make sure that all the bases are covered.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I wouldn't want a surgeon to coach me in removing my own gall bladder! I have 20 years experience in representing individuals and businesses and I do not believe that I can transfer that knowledge to a non-attorney in an manner adequate for them to represent themselves. Relax and let me do the work!
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
When I was a young girl, I watched the movie "To Kill a Mockingbird." I thought Gregory Peck was the bravest man in the world because he stood up for something even though it was unpopular and dangerous. I remember thinking that it must be great to know that you helped someone when no one else could or would. I must admit, when I worked as a creditor's attorney and for the Justice Department, I often wondered where I went off the path. But now, representing people who are in financial trouble gives me the opportunity to feel like I can really make a difference for someone.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have a huge extended network of family and friends. They are all very "Middle America." They are not wealthy and many have never been to college. But they all work very hard to raise their children and be good citizens. Things happen to people. Problems come up and people get into bad situations. It doesn't make them bad people. I think seeing this as I grew up made me realize that you can't always control what goes wrong in your life and everyone deserves a second chance.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Although I have practiced in many areas of the law, including divorce, custody, and estates, I have spent most of my practice in the various areas of bankruptcy. Representing creditors and the government helped to develop my knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code, but representing debtors helped me develop my interest in helping people rid themselves of the stress that not being able to pay your debts causes.
What do you like best about your career?
We live in a small town and very often I see my clients out at restaurants or soccer games. It is so nice to know that I may have helped ease someone's stress or helped them out of what they thought was an impossible situation. I get to see my clients with their families and know that these are not just files or numbers, but real people working hard to raise their children and be good neighbors and contributing members of society.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have two assistants that work very closely with me. Doris has been with me almost 14 years and can provide a lot of information or a sympathetic ear. Mary has been with me for almost four years and has all kinds of answers. The other attorneys in my office will pitch in and answer questions if I am not available. They also have a wealth of information about other areas of the law, which is often helpful to my clients as issues arise.
What are your strengths and style?
I am very laid back! My clients say all the time that I don't seem like a "regular lawyer," which I take as a compliment. I like people to be able to relax and be honest with me so that I can help them find solutions. I dress very casually and insist that people call me by my first name. I often explain things to clients by telling them stories from my personal life -- that way, they know that I understand.
Personal Interests:
I have a large family and I enjoy spending time with them. I also bicycle a lot when the weather is good. In the winter, I spend a lot of time at the gym where I weight train and spin. I also love to read all kinds of books.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Office Manager/Assistant
Doris and Mary.
Fax
(301) 759-4343
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Offices in Frostburg, Maryland and Hagerstown, Maryland. Both use (301) 759-4343.
Emergency After Hours
No
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
My initial consultation is always free. Based on that consultation, I typically provide a flat fee arrangement for my clients. I think it is easier for the client to know what they should expect right up front.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. My initial consultation typically lasts an hour, but I always try to take as much time as each client needs.
Typical Retainer
I really don't have a typical retainer. I feel that I need to meet with the client and determine the retainer based on the difficulty of the case and what that person is able to pay.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
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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