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Theodore Lyons Araujo

Theodore Lyons Araujo

Bankruptcy Law Center
313 East Willow Street
Suite 105
Syracuse, NY 13203

Phone: (315) 422-1234  |  Fax: (315) 883-1322
http://www.bodowlaw.com

Contact Theodore Lyons Araujo

Aggressive, Comprehensive Protection since 1976

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

All clients.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Chapter 11
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
  • Municipality Bankruptcy Chapter 9
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

NY, Dec 1985
Bar Number: 2035103

NJ, Dec 1985
Bar Number: 0031124

Other Court Admissions

All Federal District Courts in New York and New Jersey; Military Court of Appeals; 2d & 3d Circuit Court(s) of Appeal, and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

Association Memberships

Onondaga County Bar Association.

Continuing Education

I attend all required CLE's plus many additional hours.

I have conducted and participated in numerous seminars in trial practice, evidence, motion practice, and procedure.

Successfully completed the following courses of study: Naval Justice School, 1992(10 weeks); New York State Prosecutors School, Albany, New York, 1986(2 weeks); National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) Courses (Multiple); New Jersey New Lawyers Course, 1986.

Papers and Publications

"From the Horse's Mouth" (Selected Thoughts on Small Unit Leadership), Marine Corps Association Press, August 1999.

Various articles in the Official Publication of the United States Marine Corps "The Gazette", published by the Marine Corps Association.

(Manuscript in Progress): "Machiavelli & Modern Business: Realist Thought in Contemporary Corporate Leadership Manuals"

Example Cases

In re Little: #05-68281
Extension of Homestead Exemption to pre-amendment debt. This was the biggest case in New York State and is a constitutional case.

Sullivan: #03-65486
Establishing Section 362 violations against a mortgage holder and attorney to include the payment of attorney's fee for the prevailing party. Debtor successfully sued his mortgage company and attorney for violating his rights while he was in bankruptcy.

Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Science

School:

Cornell University

City:

Ithaca

State:

NY

Year:

1982

Focus and Accomplishments:

Economics

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

State University of New York at Buffalo

City:

Amherst

State:

NY

Year:

1985

 

Degree:

Master of Arts

School:

State University of New York at Buffalo

City:

Amherst

State:

NY

Year:

1985

Focus and Accomplishments:

Economics

Number of Attorneys

4

State Licensed In

New York; New Jersey

Firm Focus and History

Since 1975 we have been a bankruptcy and consumer rights firm and are the founding member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. We established the New York State Homestead Exemption for all debtors.

I have been with the Bodow Law Firm since March, 2003. I am the Managing Partner of the firm.

Previous Employment Summary

Brown & Michaels, P.C. Most Recent: 09-1997 to 04-2002
(Formerly Barnard & Araujo) Prior: 09-1990 to 06-1991

United States Marine Corps Dates Employed: 06-1991 to 09-1997
Captain. Honorable Discharge.

Cornell University Dates Employed: 01-1988 to 09-1990
Office of the General Counsel, 500 Day Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853

I have taught at a number of Universities and Colleges over the years: University of Phoenix Online 11-2001 to 12-2005 - Faculty Member of the Online Campus.

Business Management Courses at Cazenovia College 2001 to 2002.

Activities and Awards

American Bar Association "LAMP" (Legal Assistance, Military Practice); Western New York Trial Lawyers Trial Technique Award; Three Navy Achievement Medals; National Defense Service Medal; Federal District Court Award for Pro Bono Service.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I think it's highly advisable. Part of our mission is to educate the public as to its rights under bankruptcy.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

No. Bankruptcy attorneys are not allowed to coach people without putting their name on the representation.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I wanted to pursue a professional life that required me to think.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

A sound education, empathy for individuals because of family and personal ties, and a grounding in the political philosophy that underlies the constitution.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Bankruptcy yields the quickest, most comprehensive relief for people in distress when compared to other areas of the law. It is relatively inexpensive and offers immediate relief and is very satisfying on a professional level.

What do you like best about your career?

I've got a wide range of experiences and I have the flexibility of being self-employed. The various positions I've held in government and the public sector have given me an extraordinary perspective when applying the relief available under the bankruptcy code to individual or business situations.

Tell us about your law firm:

We have 5 full time staff members who do nothing but file bankruptcies. All attorneys here practice exclusively in the area of bankruptcy and the protection of debtors' rights.

What are your strengths and style?

I am aggressive and forthright, with an ability to achieve the results my clients desire.

Personal Interests:

Foreign affairs, the military, my family, college basketball, and golf.

Office Manager/Assistant

Shiela, receptionist; Kevin, paralegal.

Fax

(315) 883-1322

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays and emergency hours by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Everything we do is a fixed price for individuals. The attorney fee range is from $600 to $1,000 for Chapter 7 for an individual (Chapter 13 will be more).

The costs are fixed but depend on the number of individual filings.

Hourly Rates

$200 - $250 an hour for businesses. Individuals pay a fixed rate.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes.

Typical Retainer

$250.

Understanding Fees

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.