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Susan P. McCourt Friedel
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Susan P. McCourt Friedel
Messina Law Firm
961 Holmdel Rd.
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone: (732) 332-9300 | Fax: (732) 332-9301
http://www.forgivendebtlawyer.com/
Bankruptcy, Competent and Compassionate Care
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I prefer handling cases involving financial workouts, foreclosure and bankruptcy.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
NJ, Dec 1989
Bar Number: 015071989
Other Court Admissions
The Superior Court of New Jersey and the United States District Court of New Jersey.
Association Memberships
Monmouth County Bar Association and the Christian Legal Society.
Continuing Education
I take classes at the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Papers and Publications
Religious Clubs in the Public High School, 1 Seton.H.Const. L.J. 273(1989).
Example Cases
Bankruptcy and Elder Law matters.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor Government
School:
Lafayette College
City:
Easton
State:
PA
Year:
1986
Honors:
Cum Laude
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Seton Hall University School of Law
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Year:
1989
Honors:
Magna Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Constitutional Law Journal
Number of Attorneys
5
State Licensed In
New Jersey
Firm Focus and History
Senior partner Gil Messina founded the firm in 1980's, and it has been located in a beautifully-restored former Holmdel schoolhouse for many years.
We are a general practice with emphasis on litigation.
Previous Employment Summary
• Litigation firm, 1989 to 1995
• Adjunct Law Professor, 1992 to 2005
Activities and Awards
Allied Attorney for Alliance Defense Fund.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients can educate themselves at my website called Legal Answers for Hard Times. It is an FAQ center for foreclosure, unemployment and bankruptcy.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am unwilling to do so. Abraham Lincoln said, "a lawyer's time and advice are his stock in trade." There is more to legal protection than cutting and pasting.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
There are certain matters, like small claims, where I do advise people to represent themselves, but bankruptcy is a complete re-ordering of your financial affairs and its many aspects should be undertaken with legal guidance so you can obtain the fresh start the law promises. Last year, I made my own dress for the work Christmas party, but 99% of my wardrobe is created by professionals.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
In grammar school, I set out to save the world, but then I found out someone else did. So now I am content to lend a kind hand through life's inevitable troubles.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My work experience and education are drops in the bucket I draw from to serve my clients. My life experience as a mother, caregiver and wife (of someone in the tech industry) are the well I draw from in understanding what is needed in life crises.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Life is what happens to you as you are making other plans. I started doing bankruptcy in the major recession of the late 1980s into early 1990s and found I enjoyed helping people in this way.
What do you like best about your career?
Wise King Solomon said, "to find satisfaction in your work is a gift from God." It is with contentment that I do what I am good at, and am able help people.
Tell us about your law firm:
The Messina Law Firm is ably led by veteran litigator and one of the last gentleman lawyers left, Gil Messina. This small firm is located in the impeccably restored original schoolhouse of Holmdel and its small size enables us to give our clients the individual attention they need.
What are your strengths and style?
I will always tell clients the truth.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy sewing and bread-making.
Office Manager/Assistant
Kate.
Fax
(732) 332-9301
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
I am proficient in Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Our prices are always fixed for bankruptcy between $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the matter.
Hourly Rates
$250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
$250.
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.
