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Donald P. Norris

Donald P. Norris

Legal Helpers, the Law Offices of Macey & Aleman
1701 West Charleston Blvd.
Suite 320
Las Vegas, NV 89102

Phone: 877 245-2098  |  Fax: (702) 671-4113
http://www.legalhelpers.com

Contact Donald P. Norris

An Experienced Belief in Your Right to a Fresh Start

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I prefer clients who have some sense of what's happening in their situation in terms of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Personal Bankruptcy

Bar Admissions

NV, Sep 2000
Bar Number: 7464

Other Court Admissions

I am admitted to practice in all Nevada Courts and the Federal Court for the District of Nevada.

Association Memberships

Nevada Bar Association in the Bankruptcy Section, and the Southern Nevada Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Continuing Education

We're required to have a certain number of hours and I usually fill these requirements with bankruptcy CLEs through the Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys. I try to take CLEs every year in related fields such as collections or family law so I can keep up with relevant trends in related fields. I once took a course of fair debt collection practices, for instance, and it turned out to be very relevant to bankruptcy issues.

Papers and Publications

I have published articles in the past, but they are not relevant to my current practice.

Example Cases

I have some general business litigation experience which involved collections cases from the creditor side and litigation involving mortgages. I have also represented a bankruptcy trustee. I have been on every side of bankruptcy cases, most of it on the debtor side, so I have a great deal of perspective.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctorate

School:

Boston University School of Law

City:

Boston

State:

MA

Year:

1969

Focus and Accomplishments:

I was active in the Moot Court for two out of my three years here. I did both appellate and trial work.

 

Degree:

Bachelors Degree in Government

School:

Tufts University

City:

Metford

State:

MA

Year:

1966

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Nevada and Massachusetts.

Firm Focus and History

Legal Helpers is the largest consumer bankruptcy firm in the country with more than 30 offices nationwide.

This office deals exclusively with bankruptcies. We work with consumers who wish to file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.

Previous Employment Summary

I have worked for two very large bankruptcy firms here in Las Vegas for a number of years. I also have two years experience doing family law, though that is not what I specialize in currently. I had a whole career in legislative and government affairs before my current position at Legal Helpers.

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

I definitely encourage clients to educate themselves on legal issues. I welcome clients who've done their research. I like it when clients come in well prepared. It makes it much easier to help them.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

The kinds of documents that a client would typically prepare are involved with the consultation process. It would be unusual to use documents prepared by clients, however. The exception would be if a client was actually involved in litigation which involves money in any way.

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

I never encourage clients to represent themselves in bankruptcy matters, because they are presumed to know the law and there is a great deal to know in this field.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

There are two reasons I decided to become a lawyer:

I've always wanted to help people and, actually, all of the careers I envisioned myself having involved some means of helping people. Additionally, I love the intellectual challenge of the job and I like to argue.

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

I worked for 25 years in government relations, which is not precisely the practice of law, but it involves skills of persuasion, negotiation and the ability to gain people's trust.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

The truth is that it found me. I accepted an interview with a firm that didn't initially know was a bankruptcy firm. They offered me a job, so I tried it and I found that I liked it.

What do you like best about your career?

I like being able to deal directly with my clients. I get the opportunity to meet many new and interesting people because I deal with quite a cross-section of society by working in bankruptcy.

Tell us about your law firm:

My assistant is very bright and personable. She is also bilingual and anxious to be helpful to our clients.

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths are that I have a lot of enthusiasm for what I do and I really enjoy meeting new people. I don't mind being a detail-oriented person. I enjoy joking with my clients, but I make it clear that this is serious business. If there's something they need to hear, I tell them.

Personal Interests:

I like all kinds of music and I'm a reader of fiction and non-fiction. I like to travel, and I've seen more of North America in my work life than most people will ever see in their lifetime. I enjoy the diversity of people and regional differences.

Office Manager/Assistant

Mayra

Fax

(702) 671-4113

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

Yes, my assistant speaks Spanish

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

No, we do not have a fixed-price. We normally operate on a flat fee.

Hourly Rates

We do not charge hourly unless matters come up which require it, but that will always be discussed with a client beforehand.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, for at least 30 minutes and sometimes as long as an hour.

Typical Retainer

Once a client has agreed to our flat fee, we ask for an initial payment of $100 and work out an appropriate payment plan; it depends on the client's means and the urgency of filing the case.

Understanding Fees

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