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James Peter Frego
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James Peter Frego
Frego & Brodsky, PLC
23843 Joy Road
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Phone: (313) 565-4252 | Fax: (313) 724-5087
http://www.fregobrodsky.com
Michigan's Largest Consumer Bankruptcy Firm
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle consumer bankruptcy cases.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
MI, Nov 1996
Bar Number: P55727
Specialty Certifications
Both attorneys are certified as specialists in consumer bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification.
Other Court Admissions
Michigan, California, Illinois, and Eastern District of Michigan (Federal Courts).
Association Memberships
Consumer Bankruptcy Association
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
American Bankruptcy Institute
Continuing Education
I teach seminars on bankruptcy and attend one or two seminars each year. Additionally, we send many of our associate attorneys to seminars to ensure the entire firm remains on top of legal development and issues affecting our clients. I always exceed the required amount of continuing education needed.
Example Cases
We handle all types of small business and small business owners' needs and offer complex analysis of their problems. We have some of the top bankruptcy attorneys in Michigan and can provide most any service or analysis required by the client. No matter how bad the situation may seem, we can almost always provide the clients with a plan of action to improve things and relieve the stress.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
School:
Loyola Law School
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1990
Focus and Accomplishments:
Participant in Moot Court Honors Program.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
The University of Michigan
City:
Ann Arbor
State:
MI
Year:
1986
Honors:
2 years in the Honors College.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Double Major - History and Political Science.
Number of Attorneys
11
State Licensed In
Michigan, California and Illinois (plus Federal Courts)
Firm Focus and History
We handle only bankruptcy cases. Our motto is to help good people work through tough times. We do not dilute our practice or our staff trying to do other areas of the law. When you really, really need help you go to specialist and that's what we are - specialists in consumer bankruptcy. It's all we do and we are very good at it.
The firm was established in 2000 and through the efforts of our first class support staff, we have quickly rose in prominence to become one of the most respected consumer bankruptcy law firms in Michigan. In 2005, with the law changes in bankruptcy, we set a record by filing 530 consumer bankruptcy cases in two weeks. Today, we are the largest bankruptcy firm in the state of Michigan.
Previous Employment Summary
I've been an attorney since 1990 practicing worker's compensation and personal injury law until 1997. After that I found a home in consumer bankruptcy and have done only bankruptcy cases since. I estimate I have handled in excess of 15,000 bankruptcy cases in my career.
Activities and Awards
Michigan "Super Lawyers" Designation for 2006 and 2008.
Who's Who in Executives & Professionals (National Register) in 2000.
Who's Who in Executives & Professionals (Manchester Edition) from 2003 to 2004.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We try to help our clients understand many of the basic legal issues they face and try to answer all client questions as quickly and thoroughly as possible without getting caught up in "technical jargon."
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We will review any documents clients bring with them to their appointments and explain details as needed.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
If a client does not need a bankruptcy, then we will tell them and will try to lay out a plan on how to attack their problems outside of the bankruptcy system. Our attorneys are told to watch out for these cases and they are encouraged to tell clients non-bankruptcy alternatives when available (though our actual legal representation after this can only be for bankruptcy cases).
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My grandparents came from immigrant families. None had greater than a high school education. They were farmers and had been for generations. My dad and mom always placed an emphasis on education and on the need to use my God-given intelligence and problem-solving skills in a profession where I could help people. I chose to practice law and became the first lawyer ever on the Frego side of the family! Now, I spend all day, everyday, helping people and, even though my grandparents have long since passed away, I see them in the faces of good, honest people who come through my office. With that, I'm blessed because it keeps me close to my personal roots.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Between college and law school, I had three credit cards that I ran up to approximately $9,000 in debt. Once law school started, I could not pay them quickly enough or even maintain payments. It might as well have been $90,000, because I just couldn't dig out. I remember the collection letters, harassing phone calls, and the feeling of embarrassment I had over this situation. Now, 20 plus years later, I understand better then most attorneys what clients are feeling and suffering through. That empathy can only help my clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Other than my personal experience with creditors and bill collectors mentioned earlier, I must say that consumer bankruptcy is one of the very few areas of practice where you get an opportunity to really improve the lives of your clients and their families. This isn't a lawsuit you file or defend; it is REAL and SIGNIFICANT help to people who need a break. If successful, we have changed their lives forever! Show me another practice area that can match that!
What do you like best about your career?
The smiles on the faces of my clients after they have been helped are the best thing about my career. We get hugs; we get thank you cards; we get occasional gifts of cookies and the like. Nothing, NOTHING touches me more than to see or receive this personal gratitude. To touch so many lives is a true blessing, and I know that for every expression of thanks I see there are 50 to 100 clients who feel the same way. That's special.
Tell us about your law firm:
My firm has some of the top attorneys and support staff available. We are constantly training and educating all of them, so that they can better serve our clients and help them through this difficult time. They are knowledgeable and it is their efforts, and those of the support staff, which makes us the top consumer bankruptcy firm in Michigan. No other firm can match the level of client help we give our entire slate of filed cases.
What are your strengths and style?
Personally I am not afraid to make the "tough calls" for attorneys and clients. This means many of our very toughest cases are brought to me for input. I am creative, well-educated, and experienced enough to find options and solutions for clients that other law firms either don't know about or don't understand. My reputation is that I'm honest with my clients, creditors and the court. I will not push a client to settle something just to avoid me having to fight a creditor on the issue, but I will advise a client to settle if I believe it is in their best interests and give them a realistic evaluation of their chances for success.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy competitive sports. I also enjoy working on the family farm (nothing like a good day of work in the field to make you appreciate the efforts of hard-working men and women).
Office Manager/Assistant
Office Manager: Magda; Personal Assistant: Jennifer
Fax
(313) 724-5087
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with evening and Saturday appointments available as well.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Some staff members can speak Polish and Chaldean.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
The legal fees vary based on the complexity of the case and type of bankruptcy filed. However, most clients pay a $100 retainer and court costs/fees. They pay the rest of our attorney fees during and after the bankruptcy case.
Hourly Rates
Vary by attorney's experience. We try to keep fees low as much as possible.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, we offer a free consultation with no time limit. Bring your questions so the attorney can review them with you, and you can make informed decisions.
Typical Retainer
$100 is the typical retainer. Most clients pay the bulk of their attorney fees to us during and after the bankruptcy case.
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.
