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Dorothy G. Bunce
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Dorothy G. Bunce
A Fresh Start
2037 Franklin Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: (702) 456-1920 | Fax: (877) 613-3287
http://www.endgarnishment.com
You deserve a fresh start! We can help.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I only handle bankruptcy cases, and I have many years of experience helping people with their financial problems.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
NV, Sep 1978
Bar Number: 756
Other Court Admissions
United States District Court, District of Nevada, 1979.
Association Memberships
State of Nevada, 1978.
Continuing Education
I participate in at least two major Bankruptcy educational conferences each year. I also attend monthly sessions of the local Bankruptcy Bar association.
Example Cases
In a Chapter 7 case, I help my clients to end creditor harassment and eliminate old debts from credit cards, medical bills and even "payday loans."
In a Chapter 13 case, I advise my clients on ways in which they can stop a foreclosure and bring their mortgage payments current, pay off old IRS debt (sometimes for "pennies on the dollar"), or pay only what they can afford and be debt free in three to five years.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Missouri
City:
Kansas City
State:
MO
Year:
1975
Focus and Accomplishments:
Speech Communications.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Puget Sound School of Law
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Year:
1978
Honors:
Youngest person in graduating class.
Focus and Accomplishments:
I graduated and passed the Bar examination on my first attempt.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Nevada
Firm Focus and History
I named my law firm "A Fresh Start" because I believe everyone deserves a second chance, especially if they have learned from their mistakes.
At "A Fresh Start," my job is to help individuals fix their money problems. I represent people, not companies. My services are available for a fair price, and I offer payment options. I want to help you, and if you choose my Attorney services, I expect you to work with me to make your financial life better. This is your financial life - I can't do it all for you! I frequently say, "I don't have a magic wand!" In order to fix the mistakes that are ruining your life, you must participate in the process. With the help of the Bankruptcy and the Credit Rebuilding Secrets I share, many of my Clients say that their lives have greatly improved. They are buying homes, new cars, and are no longer staying up nights worrying about money.
Previous Employment Summary
Most of my legal career has been in private practice helping individuals with their legal problems.
After graduating from law school and passing the Nevada Bar in 1978, I opened my own law firm in Reno, Nevada handling Bankruptcy cases, Divorces and family law, as well as Immigration cases. In 1999, I was looking to return to private practice when a former law school classmate contacted me to see if I would be interested in working with him in a multi-state Bankruptcy practice. This was how "A Fresh Start" was born.
Activities and Awards
The American Bar Association honored me as one of first 100 women admitted to practice law in Nevada.
A local newspaper, Consumer Business Review, selected me as 2006 and 2007 Bankruptcy Attorney of the Year.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
My clients should understand what I am doing in their case and therefore need to understand the legal issues. To help reach this goal, I provide materials explaining both the legal issues and the process involved in the case. However, Bankruptcy is a complex area of law, and the answer to any particular question will depend on the specific circumstances.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
No, the field of Bankruptcy does not lend itself to clients preparing documents. All documents are required to be filed electronically and according to an explicit format using specialized software.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
No, if a client wishes to represent themselves, the best way for them to see what is involved is to go to the Courthouse and observe cases being heard. This would not be a good use of my time or the client's money.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I enjoy solving problems, especially problems that can make someone's life a lot better. And I believe everyone deserves a second chance, and a fresh start.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have had to file bankruptcy myself. After my husband suffered a stroke, he went into a nursing home, where he stayed until he died. Like many Americans, we had no medical insurance and the bills were enormous. For a time afterwards, I developed my own medical problems and became unable to practice law. With the huge medical expenses and no income, I learned what it feels like to be helpless. During this time, I lost every material thing I owned. Fortunately, I never lost my sense of humor. I filed Bankruptcy so I could get on with my life. So, yes, I understand what it is like. I believe I am a better attorney and a better human being because of these experiences.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
There is a special reason I became interested in Bankruptcy. When I was a kid, my parents had money problems. By the time I was 8, I found myself lying to bill collectors for my folks. I still remember how ashamed I was by this experience. When I was in college, my Dad's business failed and he had to file Bankruptcy. He still remembers that his attorney was late for Court and that the Referee (as the Trustee's were called back then) scolded him because of his lawyer's mistake. For me, the practice of Bankruptcy law is very rewarding, and I fix the problems of the past.
What do you like best about your career?
Bankruptcy is a small and specialized field. I have the pleasure of working with two exceptional Bankruptcy Judges and seven local Trustees. We all know each other pretty well and meet on a regular basis for lunch. There are only ten attorneys representing creditors on a day to day basis, and due to necessity, we have learned to work together and get along. So life at the Courthouse is usually pleasant. My clients frequently comment on how impressed they are with the cordial way they are treated at their Bankruptcy hearing. Although there is sometimes a lengthy wait before a case is called, it is nothing at all like the unpleasant experience of traffic court or court scenes shown on TV.
Tell us about your law firm:
After graduating from law school and passing the Nevada Bar in 1978, I opened my own law firm in Reno, Nevada handling Bankruptcy cases, Divorces and family law, as well as Immigration cases. In 1999, I was looking to return to private practice when a former law school classmate contacted me to see if I would be interested in working with him in a multi-state Bankruptcy practice. This was how "A Fresh Start" was born. When Bankruptcy laws changed in 2005, my out-of-state colleagues left the Bankruptcy field. I decided to continue the business on my own in Las Vegas.
What are your strengths and style?
Although I am capable of turning into a wicked witch if the situation requires it, I would really rather not. I strongly believe that people will respond positively to being treated with courtesy and respect. Everyone makes mistakes, and it doesn't help to judge others or cast blame. It is important to learn from our mistakes, and we can't learn if we refuse to look at the problems. (I feel the same way about stepping on the scale.) It takes enough pain to push us to the point where we are willing to do whatever it takes to fix what is wrong.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy "surfing the net" for gossip on celebrity bankruptcy cases and playing with my doggies, Oreo and Gigi, and my grand puppies, Alfie & Brownie. Finally, I have a wonderful man in my life who shares my goofy sense of humor.
Office Manager/Assistant
Michele, Legal Assistant
Fax
(877) 613-3287
Office Hours
Monday through Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays by appointment only.
Emergency After Hours: By calling my toll free number, you are connected to my cell phone.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
We have two Spanish-speaking staff members: Yumai Martinez and Kevin Palmros.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Legal fees are based the amount of work to be done. A Chapter 7 case that requires one Court appearance costs less than a Chapter 13, which requires several Court appearances. If your income is higher than the "median" amount, more legal work is required because the "long form" Means Test must be completed. The fee is also higher when a Husband and Wife file together than for a single person.
The Bankruptcy Court requires payment of a filing fee. The filing fee is in addition to the legal fee. The attorney collects this fee from you and pays the Bankruptcy Court when your case is filed.
Hourly Rates
The hourly rate is $275. Most of the cases I handle are provided on a "flat fee" basis.
Free Initial Consultation?
No. While many high volume law firms offer a "free consultation," at "A Fresh Start," we feel that the "free consultation" is simply attorney-speak for a high pressure sales pitch. During a "free consultation," you might get answers to a few of your questions. But the answers will not be specific. The emphasis will be on giving you information about the legal fees and the payment terms.
We answer the same type of general questions that would be covered in a "free consultation" by email, or over the phone. No one can provide specific advice without a review all of the details of your financial situation.
Typical Retainer
For a Chapter 7, it is $600, half of which is allocated towards Court filing fees. For a Chapter 13, it is $1,200, which includes a filing fee of $274. The retainer also covers the costs of the mandatory pre-bankruptcy credit counseling and obtaining your credit report.
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.
