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Thomas K. Atwood
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Thomas K. Atwood
Thomas K. Atwood, Attorney at Law
1595 NW Gilman Blvd.
Suite 8-C
Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: (425) 996-4145 | Fax: (815) 550-1378
http://www.tomlaw.com
Low Fees, Free Consultation & Personal Service
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I provide legal services for individuals and small business debtors seeking bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
WA, Jun 2007
Bar Number: 38834
CA, Jun 1994
Bar Number: 171142
Other Court Admissions
United States District Courts, Western District of Washington, Southern District of California and Central District of California.
Association Memberships
Washington State Bar Association; California State Bar Association; American Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education provided by the state and county bar associations as well as private providers, specifically in bankruptcy and insolvency related areas. I remain current in the law by constantly reviewing new cases and treatises dealing with bankruptcy and insolvency issues.
Papers and Publications
Debtor's counsel in published cases:
• IN RE GAONA, 290 B.R. 381 (S.D.Cal. 2003)
• IN RE SOUNAKHENE, 249 B.R. 801 (S.D.Cal. 2000)
Example Cases
My typical clients are individuals or married couples that have acquired substantial consumer debt and reached a point where they are having difficulty making their monthly payments. Sometimes, they are behind on their house or auto payments and are facing foreclosure or repossession. Through a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, we can usually either discharge or reorganize debts to take the pressure off. Typically, this can be accomplished without losing any property and frequently, prevent the loss of a home or vehicle.
A typical consumer Chapter 7 takes about three to four months to complete. A Chapter 13 usually runs three to five years before finishing and receiving a discharge from the Court.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Western State University College of Law (now Thomas Jefferson School of Law
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1993
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California and Washington
Firm Focus and History
I provide Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy services to individuals and small businesses in the Greater Seattle Metropolitan area. I offer low fees, free consultations and personal service.
Previous Employment Summary
My law firm was established in 1994 in La Mesa (San Diego), CA as a solo practice after admission to the California Bar in June of 1994. I have focused on personal bankruptcy and insolvency issues for over 12 years and have filed over 1,000 cases as debtors' counsel for individual and small businesses seeking Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy relief. I moved back to the Seattle area in 2006 and opened my office in Issaquah in June of 2008 while phasing out my California caseload. I am now accepting new clients in the Western District of Washington at Seattle (King and Snohomish Counties).
Activities and Awards
Since completing law school, I have been in private law practice. Prior to attending law school, I was a professional musician playing in bands and as a single in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and California for over 10 years.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I look forward to working with referrals through Nolo and expect I will be getting clients who have taken the time to review basic bankruptcy concepts with the Nolo materials. A client who understands the principles involved is in a better position to make the important decisions involved with a bankruptcy filing.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Once I am hired to file a bankruptcy, I prepare and file all documents with the Court.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not offer partial representation or document review for pro se debtors in bankruptcy. If I am hired to represent an individual, I am happy to provide the client with as much or as little bankruptcy law and procedural detail as they desire. All document preparation, creditor contact and Court filings are done through my office. I believe this makes the bankruptcy process less stressful on the client, as I take care of the details and let the client get back to his or her normal routine without concern for the timing or sufficiency of his or her documents. Even if a prospective client does not hire my office, I urge them to find a competent bankruptcy attorney to see them through the process - it is well worth the small amount of fees involved.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My decision to become an attorney was generally a vocational one. I wanted flexibility in my work, to be self-employed, and to be able to spend time with my family. I have always had the ability to listen, communicate well with people, and complete administrative tasks to a positive result. I also had inspiration when my wife started law school a year before I did. I was getting a pre-law education already. Practicing law is a rewarding job and in retrospect, it was a good decision.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
After representing more than 1,000 clients in bankruptcy, I am generally able to steer new clients in the right direction. I can give clients options that work well for them. I have talked many people out of bankruptcy where it was not in their best interests, but I am a firm believer in the benefits of bankruptcy. An individual's quality of life can be greatly improved when debt has become oppressive. I think my belief in the system and my extensive experience makes me a better lawyer.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
The bankruptcy courts are well-run, very efficient and there is a high level of civility among the bankruptcy bench and bar. Also, bankruptcy clients are usually happy clients since they receive huge benefits with protection from creditors and discharge of debts. The practice is consistent and predictable, with just enough in the way of new issues to keep things interesting.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the flexibility, autonomy, good income, providing a genuine benefit to my clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a solo practice and I answer my own phone, so clients are assured of maintaining a one-on-one relationship with their attorney. I am always happy to answer questions and reassure clients through the process.
What are your strengths and style?
I listen and try to provide a certain comfort level for my clients. I take the time to answer any questions they have and educate them if they so desire. I never forget that the client is my employer.
Personal Interests:
I have two sons (13 and 15 years old), and a daughter (11 years old). They keep our household pretty busy. My wife is a career attorney, so Mr. Mom was part of my job description until my boys got taller than I am. I also sing and play guitar whenever I can.
Fax
(815) 550-1378
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evenings and weekends by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Shoreline, WA
18820 Aurora Avenue North
Suite 202
Shoreline, WA 98133
(206) 569-4685
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes, I offer flat fees in Chapter 7 that are very competitive - please see my website at www.tomlaw.com for a current fee schedule. In Chapter 13, fees are generally paid later by your bankruptcy trustee, and a Chapter 13 can sometimes be filed without any attorney or Court fees up front.
Hourly Rates
Please see my website at www.tomlaw.com for details.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, initial consults are free.
Typical Retainer
I have payment plans starting with a $100 retainer to retain my office for a simple consumer Chapter 7. I will respond to creditor inquiries and provide you with pre-petition guidance upon being retained, and will file your case upon payment of the balance of fees. Please see my website at www.tomlaw.com for details.
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.
