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Derrick B. Hager
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Derrick B. Hager
Derrick B. Hager, Attorney at Law
106 W. Wilson St.
Suite 3 L
Batavia, IL 60510
Phone: (630) 482-2525 | Fax: (630) 482-9915
http://www.needbankruptcynow.com
Get The Debt Relief You Are Entitled To! I Can Help!
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I am interested in consumer clients only, who need the relief provide under chapters 7 (liquidation of unsecured debt while keeping the home, cars and personal possessions) and 13 (saving the home from foreclosure) of the bankruptcy code.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
IL, Nov 2005
Bar Number: 6286319
Other Court Admissions
Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Federal District Court for the Central District of Illinois
Association Memberships
Illinois State Bar Association
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on Bankruptcy Law and always exceed the required amount of continuing legal education hours.
Example Cases
I employ the TET Offensive (Thorough, Efficient, Timely) for my clients, frequently making it possible for them to avoid having to appear when sued on a debt or recover a vehicle moments away from repossession. Through a "Save the Home" Chapter 13 Plan, I have frequently stopped a foreclosure sale, literally on the courthouse steps, within minutes of the Sheriff's Sale.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Southern Illinois University School of Law
City:
Carbondale
State:
IL
Year:
2005
Honors:
Elder Clinic Client Services Award; Outstanding Achievement in Education Law Award
Focus and Accomplishments:
Consumer Bankruptcy
Degree:
B.S. Paralegal Studies for the Legal Assistant
School:
Southern Illinois University
City:
Carbondale
State:
IL
Year:
2002
Honors:
Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major: Paralegal Studies
Minor: Administration or Justice
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
My firm was established on August 24, 2007. The firm focuses exclusively on consumer bankruptcy filings under Chapters 7 (liquidation of unsecured debt while keeping ones home, car and personal possession) and 13 (saving the home from foreclosure) of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
Previous Employment Summary
I have practiced consumer bankruptcy law as an attorney since being licensed in November of 2005. I managed consumer bankruptcy cases as a paralegal and law clerk for a large public creditor for the better part of five years before graduating law school.
Activities and Awards
Pro bono criminal expungement processing and federal pardon applications.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage clients to educate themselves on legal issues but with the caveat that they need a final review from a qualified attorney before making any final decisions. The consumer should find it easy to get in touch with a qualified attorney - we are the ones with the confidence to always offer free initial consultations.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am happy to review documents prepared by clients. It is more cost efficient for them and time efficient for me.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
There is no "coaching" of clients, even if they insist on self representation. I am willing to give solid legal advice to those who need it, regardless of the presence or lack of a retainer agreement. With that comes the promise of zealousness and confidentiality.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I couldn't pass the MCATs to get into medical school. I really wanted to be a forensic pathologist. Organic chemistry was killing me as an undergrad and I woke up one morning and realized I wasn't having fun anymore. An adviser suggested that I was more of a "people person" than a "dead people" person and being a "people person" was well suited to legal representation.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Before deciding to go to law school I worked for 25 years in retail furniture and ran my own specialty shop for a number of years. I know personally the travails and ups and downs of being a small business owner. I have learned from my personal experiences that there is no greater satisfaction in one's employment that being in a position to help people change their lives for the better.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose to concentrate my practice on consumer bankruptcy because it allows me to make a real difference in the lives of my clients by educating them on how to be better consumers and how to resist the temptations of credit.
What do you like best about your career?
My career allows me to share with people what I have learned in the school of hard knocks and law school. That there is no problem insurmountable so long as you have patience in discovering the truth, passion in exercising rights, and treat others with dignity and respect.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner so all of my clients deal directly with me.
What are your strengths and style?
One of my strengths is that I listen (the same letters that spell "listen" also spell "silent") more than I talk. Another strength is that I want the same thing for my clients that they want for themselves. My style is to turn what was upside down right side up again.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid bicycle rider, love my cats, and am convinced the authors of the First Amendment never meant there to be a separation of church and state (and I am doing research to prove that point!)
Fax
(630) 482-9915
Office Hours
Monday through Saturday
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I have flat fees for bankruptcy filings:
Chapter 7 fees are $1250 for individuals or joint filing couples + $100 for each reaffirmation agreement negotiated and reviewed.
Chapter 13 fees are set by local rule, are $3500 and are paid through the repayment plan.
Hourly Rates
$185
Free Initial Consultation?
All initial consultations are always free and generally last 90-minutes.
Typical Retainer
No.
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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
