Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Bankruptcy lawyers serving Aitkin County, MN >
James Agosto
Back to Search Results
James Agosto
Legal Helpers, the Law Offices of Macey & Aleman
1970 Oakcrest Ave
Suite 210
Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: (877) 245-2098
http://www.legalhelpers.com
An attorney of the people, for the people.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with consumer bankruptcy clients from all walks of life. Everybody that needs relief from debt is welcome and I will be glad to help.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
MN, Dec 2007
Bar Number: 388438
Other Court Admissions
Besides being admitted to practice in all Minnesota Courts, I am also being admitted into the U.S. Federal Court - District of Minnesota and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of Minnesota.
Association Memberships
American Bar Association, Minnesota Bar Association; Hennepin County Bar Association; Minnesota Bar Association's Bankruptcy Section.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of Bankruptcy, Finances and Public Interest.
Example Cases
The Legal Helpers bankruptcy attorneys only handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy law cases. We are a peoples' firm for peoples' consumer debt problems.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Minnesota Law School
City:
Minneapolis
State:
MN
Year:
2007
Honors:
Dean's List.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Maynard Pirsig Moot Court ; Phi Alpha Delta; Association of Trial Lawyers of America Latino Law Students Alliance; Business Association of Multi-Cultural Students, Carlson School of Management. Legal Aid of Minnesota; Volunteer Lawyer's Network; Simpson Homeless Shelter Línea Legal Latina Hennepin County Family Court Self-Help Center with their caseload, particularly with the Hispanic population cases.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Minnesota.
Firm Focus and History
Macey and Aleman's Legal Helpers have one of the most sophisticated consumer bankruptcy law firms in the country. This firm's consumer bankruptcy law practice group has a client base of over 40,000 and now represents over 10,000 new clients each year in consumer bankruptcy matters, making the bankruptcy law firm one of the largest consumer bankruptcy law firms in the country.
Legal Helpers only handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy law cases. So, when our clients file bankruptcy, they have the peace of mind that their case is being handled by some of the most experienced consumer bankruptcy attorneys in the country.
With over 25 offices throughout the country, and attorneys answering the telephones six days a week, our bankruptcy law firm is always striving to provide the highest level of client service available. Our aggressive representation and extensive experience have earned the bankruptcy attorneys at Legal Helpers a national reputation for excellence in the representation of debtors in financial distress.
Previous Employment Summary
Financial Services Representative - MidAmerican Financial Group (MetLife): I helped business owners, professionals and families in meeting their financial needs with strategies to help create, preserve and distribute wealth. Through interviews with clients I identified their goals and formulated a financial road map consistent with their situation, resources and risk tolerance. Also helped clients organize all aspects of their finances, provide them with a written summary of their plan, and gave them the opportunity review the plan so that it is implemented in accordance with their input and our recommendations. The specific areas covered in the financial services include Estate Planning, Business Succession Planning, Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Risk Management and, Tax Planning.
Activities and Awards
I volunteered to help in the Simpson Housing Services assisting the homeless with their legal problems many of them leading to litigation. During the summer of 2005, I helped the Volunteer Lawyers Network in developing and implement a Spanish Legal Hotline in Minneapolis while working at the Hennepin County Family Court Self Help Center with their intake of Hispanic and low-class persons. I also volunteered at the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis to assist Attorney Christina Cook help qualifying clients litigate their tax disputes with the IRS.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is important for the general public to educate and be aware of the legal issues affecting them as individuals and all of us as a nation and members of the world community. A population educated in legal and political issues is one of the greatest assets a nation can have and I totally encourage it. Educated clients are the best clients.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents prepared by clients. However, it is something I would have to do on my own time. Unfortunately, I have a very busy schedule and seldom have time to sit and review documents for a pro-se client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Bankruptcy law is not an area of law where I will encourage anyone to go it alone. It is true that most cases are routine but there are forms, procedures, requirements and negotiation sessions involved with the process that are beyond the ability of the average citizen. An attorney can make a significant difference in any court proceeding. Don't gamble with yourself, your family or your property. Hire an attorney.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My personal philosophy is that the purpose of our lives is to contribute in the most positive way. I am a highly motivated individual, conscientious about the community and I always seek opportunities to serve and help others. My personal mission is to make a real difference in my community, in the lives of my clients and their families. There is no better way to achieve this than by practicing law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Coming from the middle class, I am the first in my family to go college. Never forgetting where I came from, I see it as my duty to help families protect their future, achieve their goals, and live their American dream.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I am an accountant and like to help people. Given the present economic crisis our great nation is going through, more and more people are finding themselves in financial difficulty. Bankruptcy is the area in which I am able to help the most people and make a significant difference in their lives. At the same time, I can apply my legal and accounting skills to further assist clients in need.
What do you like best about your career?
I like that I can help people solve their money problems. Just when they think the whole world is about to collapse around them, I can help save them, their families, and all the things they worked so hard for while preserving their dignity. It is a great feeling to receive a client in desperation and have him or her walk out of my office relieved and full of hope.
Tell us about your law firm:
Currently, only my assistant and I are in the office. We have a collegial environment and deal on a first name basis among ourselves. We want to keep it friendly and comfortable for people who seek our help.
What are your strengths and style?
Faith in God and honesty are my biggest strengths. A strong sense of justice and the desire to help my neighbor are also virtues I value greatly. I am candid and straightforward with my clients and like to develop a team working relationship with them. Nothing can really get between a good client-attorney team.
Personal Interests:
In addition to practicing law I am a classical pianist and an officer in the U.S. Army. I also like to play chess and am a member of the U.S. Chess Federation. I study languages and practice calligraphy. I go to the great outdoors frequently, follow baseball, football and soccer and like to keep in shape. I also love reading and talking about History, Philosophy, Anthropology & World Cultures. Particularly, I enjoy meeting people from other countries and exchanging impressions with them. I find it a very enriching experience.
Office Manager/Assistant
Our legal assistant's name is Lin.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
However, if you want to meet after hours that can also be arranged. Just call and inquire. I know many of you have busy schedules.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
We are fluent in Spanish and Mandarin; Intermediate in French, Italian and Portuguese.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Attorney's fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and the issues involved. However, most cases are routine and can be handled with reasonable fees. We work with you so that you can pay the attorney's fees through a payment plan over time.
Hourly Rates
Most cases do not require us charging additional hourly rates. Typically the attorney fee is all the vast majority of clients have to pay.
Free Initial Consultation?
The initial 20 minutes consultation is free. However, most clients with debt problems are already in dire straits and it is recommended that they engage us as soon as possible. The sooner they engage us, the sooner we can get rid of their debt problems.
Typical Retainer
The typical retainer is $100, which is credited towards your attorney's fees. This can be paid over time through a payment plan.
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.
