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Richard Croak
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Richard Croak
Richard Croak & Associates
314 Great Oaks Blvd.
Building 300
Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (518) 690-4410 | Fax: (518) 690-4435
http://www.albanybankruptcy.com/jsp2618229.jsp
http://www.richardcroak.com/
Bankruptcy and Mortgage Modification
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
We do bankruptcy and insurance.
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
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
NY, Feb 1976
Bar Number: 101428
Specialty Certifications
Certified by the American Board of Certification Business and Consumer.
Other Court Admissions
New York Federal and State Courts.
Association Memberships
New York State Bar; American Bankruptcy Institute; Capital District Bankruptcy Bar
Association; National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the New
York County Lawyers.
Continuing Education
I am part of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and American Bankruptcy Institute.
Example Cases
Representation of Corporate officers in Bankruptcy and Consumer Debtors.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Brooklyn Law School
City:
Brooklyn
State:
NY
Year:
1975
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
New York
Firm Focus and History
We do primarily consumer bankruptcy work including defending objections to discharge.
The practice was first opened in 1994 as the firm of Schall and Croak. Thereafter it was known as the Goodman and Croak Law Firm until 2001, when the firm became the Richard Croak Bankruptcy Law Firm. In 2004 Sandra Demars a creditor attorney came over to the right side of things, and in 2007 I added Kathy Day, a recent graduate, as the third attorney. While most firms were contracting after the 2005 bankruptcy law changes we expanded to meet the new law head on.
Previous Employment Summary
Richard Croak has been employed with the State of New York and the U.S.
Department of Justice.
Activities and Awards
Superior Court award; AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell; Pro Bono work for Legal Aid; several awards for Pro Bono Service.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We represent many debtors who at first tried to file pro se and then had adversary proceeding file against them.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
This firm is often requested to represent once a problem has developed.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We prefer clients to use our service to prepare for a filing to avoid complications. It is often possible to avoid a problem with good preparation. Very few save by doing the work themselves. The practice is now so automated that the cost between self
representation and a lawyer is small. However, you need a full time bankruptcy lawyer to get the best result.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I attended law school after graduating from college. I like the work.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have extensive experience working for the government.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Bankruptcy is an interesting area that involves a wide range of issues. By limiting the practice I have developed a significant expertise.
What do you like best about your career?
I am able to work for myself and take the cases that I feel are worthwhile.
Tell us about your law firm:
We provide the very best representation. The attorneys are very aggressive and we do not concern ourselves with the question of whether we are liked. On most issues we
are the firm to watch.
What are your strengths and style?
I am very aggressive, but flexible. The point is to achieve the goal.
Personal Interests:
I like my work and I give it my full attention.
Office Manager/Assistant
Kathy Day
Fax
(518) 690-4435
Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays
10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
No.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Most cases are handled on a flat fee basis fixed by the Bankruptcy Court.
Hourly Rates
The general hourly Rate is $300 per hour. Very few bankruptcy cases are handled on an hourly rate. The exception is large business cases where the United States Trustee reviews fees. All fees must be Court approved.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer free consultations and free bankruptcy counseling.
Typical Retainer
We generally allow the client to pay the expenses and enter into a payment plan for legal 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.
