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Harold Shepley

Harold Shepley

Harold Shepley and Associates LLC
209 West Patriot Street
Somerset, PA 15501

Phone: (814) 444-0500  |  Fax: (814) 445-3976
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Contact Harold Shepley

Considering Bankruptcy? Know your alternatives

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I would like to work with anyone who is need of debt relief. We currently handle debt negotiations across the country and bankruptcy filings within the state of Pennsylvania.

Sub-Categories

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

Bar Admissions

PA, Nov 1995
Bar Number: 76267

Other Court Admissions

We have attorneys that practice in all districts in Pennsylvania: Western, Middle and Eastern.

Association Memberships

Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Continuing Education

I always meet and exceed my required continuing education hours focusing on topics related to debt.

Example Cases

For our Bankruptcy clients, we will help them become debt free either through filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. For clients who feel that our Debt Negotiation program is a better choice, we will settle their debt for sixty cents or less on the dollar, fees included. We've dealt with both scenarios many times over. Our main goal for all of our clients that are either filing for Bankruptcy or going through our Debt Negotiation program is to help them keep their home and possessions and have them become active members of their community once again.

Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Science in Politcal Science and Business Administration

School:

Washington & Jefferson College

City:

Washington

State:

PA

Year:

1992

Honors:

Dean's List.

Focus and Accomplishments:

I was one of the four peer counselors for the entire college. I was the founding chairperson for the Delta Tau Delta Community Service Organization of Washington & Jefferson. I also served as Community Service Chairman for the entire college. During my tenure we created one on one matchups and the "umbrella effect"currently utilized by the United Way. I also served on the Delta Tau Delta Judicial Board. I was an orientation leader for two years and an orientation trainer my senior year.

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Capital Law School

City:

Columbus

State:

OH

Year:

1995

Honors:

I received a letter from the Dean recognizing my success in a post pardon relief case. In everyday terms, I helped a very poor lady get released from prison after she had been convicted and had served several years.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Capital Law School Legal Clinic, Tax Assistance Program.

Number of Attorneys

6

State Licensed In

Pennsylvania

Firm Focus and History

Prior to founding Harold Shepley & Associates, LLC, I served for many years as a debt counselor referring business to a debt negotiation company, which was not a law firm, merely a company. I realized the power of leverage clients needed from an actual law firm. To many times people were left alone to handle things themselves after being sued.

In 2004, Harold Shepley & Associates, LLC was established to file bankruptcy if necessary and negotiate debt whenever possible. Our clients are treated with dignity and respect with "top notch" representation.

Within our bankruptcy division we have a staff attorney who was a former bankruptcy trustee. Within our debt negotiation division we have an attorney who was a former President of the Pennsylvania Debt Collectors Association. I like to describe it as the wolf guarding the hen house.

We have the experience needed to provide quality representation, but the most important characteristic is the compassion we have for our clients.

Harold Shepley & Associates, LLC is a full service debt relief law firm. Our primary objective is to help people get out of debt. We accomplish this objective typically through debt negotiation or bankruptcy. The first goal it to help people avoid bankruptcy, whenever possible. We currently handle debt negotiations across the country, and bankruptcy filings within the state of Pennsylvania.

Previous Employment Summary

Prior to establishing Harold Shepley & Associates, LLC, I was an Executive Director with a major legal service provider. The company provided access to attorneys across the entire country.

Activities and Awards

I do not measure myself by titles or awards. The best award is the positive feedback we receive from our clients. This is further evidenced by our positive Better Business Bureau rating.

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

I want clients to be fully informed. We do our best to explain things in terms that anyone can understand. However, when it comes to debt negotiation and bankruptcy many of the "so called" experts get it wrong. So how can people educate themselves when many of the so called "experts" are giving bad advice?

An additional problem is created when a client perceives one size fits all. Just because a bankruptcy was good for your neighbor does not mean it is right for you.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I will not touch a Bankruptcy case after a client has tried the "do it yourself" approach. It is far more problematic than handling the case from the beginning. On the debt negotiation side of our business we will definitely review your situation so we know how to proceed.

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

I would rather not coach clients who want to represent themselves. If something unexpected comes up, there is no one in the courtroom to assist this troubled client. However, we will guide people in areas where affordable legal counsel just cannot be found.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I've wanted to be a lawyer ever since third grade and the primary reason is that I always wanted to make a difference; now I do make a difference with every life that my firm touches.

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

I have been through the gamut of emotions. I could barely put food on the table, yet the creditors continued to hassle and harass me day and night. They would say things like, "So, you really do not want to pay your bills, do you?" or, "Can't you borrow the money from a friend or relative?" I would explain my circumstances five or six times a day only to explain them again to someone different from the same company the very next day.

It was degrading, depressing and paralyzing. I wanted to pay my bills. I did not want to file bankruptcy but I did not know where to turn or what to do. I tried to bury my head in the sand and pretend this debt did not exist. Then the unthinkable happened: I got sued. I called an attorney for advice. At that time, although I was licensed to practice law, I knew nothing about bankruptcy or the alternatives. Although facing a sheriff's sale, I still wanted to avoid bankruptcy. How would it look for an attorney to file bankruptcy? When you call an attorney you expect to get proper advice. It turns out the gentlemen I spoke with knew about as much as I did, at that time. He gave me bad advice. If I knew then what I know now, I never would have needed to file bankruptcy.

I took his advice and decided to find a bankruptcy attorney and file in an effort to avoid the sheriff's sale. The bankruptcy attorney wanted me to schedule an appointment and come into his office. Although he was very friendly during the appointment, he was not very forth-coming. I imagine he did not want to say much until he was paid.

The price was staggering for someone who could not pay his bills. Shortly after meeting him, an acquaintance mentioned another attorney. My wife and I met with him. Initially, he was short, abrasive and to the point, which made us feel like we were more of a bother than a paying client. He explained even less than the first attorney, but his fee was much less. We got exactly what we paid for. This man went from short and abrasive to downright rude and arrogant. He rarely answered our questions, if he even bothered to return our calls at all. Our occasional discussions always left us feeling berated and ignored. Our experience left us totally demoralized.

I constantly asked the Lord why he was putting me through this. One day I came to the realization that I needed to go through this so other people would not have to share my pain and frustration. Yes, you may have no choice but to file bankruptcy, but I will discuss at length your options and assist you in determining if this is necessary. You will be treated with respect and dignity. I will answer your questions thoroughly and explain it in non-legal terms to make sure you completely understand. I will listen to your situation, because I care and want to know. I will treat you the way I wanted to be treated, but was not.

When your debts have either been negotiated away or discharged through bankruptcy, I will help you get your credit score back on track. You can start over just like I did. I firmly believe bad things happen to good people all the time. That does not make you bad, it just makes you unfortunate. Isn't it time you stepped out of your problem and into a solution?

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I chose Debt Negotiation because contrary to popular beliefs, people do not want to file bankruptcy. Debt Negotiation is an affordable alternative to Bankruptcy and it allows many people to pay off their debts with their heads held high.

What do you like best about your career?

This is my ministry. I believe I had to go through my difficult times to help serve others. Many people serve the Lord in different ways. I like the fact that I give people back their lives. When you're being harassed at work, school or home you lose you quality of life. Helping people overcome their debts allows them to dream again. It is rewarding when people end their initial consultation is tears thanking God for finding us. They do it because for the first time they finally have a solution.

Tell us about your law firm:

You will not find a more caring and compassionate staff. My staff treats everyone with dignity and respect. They treat your problems as if it were their own.

What are your strengths and style?

My strength and weakness is that I have a big heart. While sometimes people take this for granted, the benefit of helping those in need provides its own reward.

Personal Interests:

I am an active member of the Somerset Christian and Missionary Alliance Church serving on various committees and positions. I am a member of the Somerset Christian School Board. If it is a Thursday after 5:00 p.m. you will find me golfing or bowling depending on the season. I tell all my friends I golf and bowl every Thursday whether I need to or not.

Office Manager/Assistant

Diane Shepley

Fax

(814) 445-3976

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Additional Offices

Millersburg, PA
270 Market Street
Millersburg, PA 17061

Somerset, PA
485 Berlin Plank Road
Somerset, PA 15501

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Fees for debt negotiation services are based on the client's percentage of debt. For bankruptcy we charge $1,600 out of pocket with what we believe is the lowest payment plan in the state $200/month.

Hourly Rates

This is not applicable.

Free Initial Consultation?

Harold Shepley & Associates, LLC does offer a free consultation. This consultation includes a detailed budget analysis to determine if we can keep a person out of bankruptcy or file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code if necessary. I want to know if a person qualifies for either Bankruptcy or Debt Negotiation before we take one cent from them. I do not want to tell a person that I cannot assist them after they have already paid with their hard earned money for a consultation. This should be something all law firms do, however I find that most law firms will not give a true consultation until all fees are paid.

Typical Retainer

Fees for debt negotiation services are based on the client's percentage of debt. For bankruptcy we charge $1,600 out of pocket with what we believe is the lowest payment plan in the state $200/month.

Understanding Fees

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