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Sharon T. Sperling
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Sharon T. Sperling
The Law Office of Sharon T. Sperling
2830 NW 41st. Street
Suite C
Gainesville, FL 32635
Phone: (352) 371-3117 | Fax: (352) 377-6324
http://www.sharonsperling.com
Competent, Compassionate, Caring - Gainesville Area
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Bankruptcy - primarily consumer debtor cases.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
FL, Sep 1988
Bar Number: 763489
Other Court Admissions
Florida; Northern District of Florida Federal Court, and Middle District of Florida Federal Court.
Association Memberships
Florida Bar, Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association, Northern District of Florida Bankruptcy Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on bankruptcy and business law. I've lectured on bankruptcy topics for the National Business Institute and in seminars conducted by local bar associations. As a member of the Northern District of Florida Bankruptcy Bar Association, I participated in developing continuing education seminars for bankruptcy lawyers in Northern Florida.
Example Cases
I regularly represent clients in Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 cases in the Northern and Middle District of Florida bankruptcy courts.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Florida College of Law
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Year:
1987
Honors:
Book Award, Jurisprudence; graduated with Honors.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Associate Articles Editor, University of Florida Law Review.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Florida Atlantic University
City:
Boca Raton
State:
FL
Year:
1984
Honors:
Graduated with Honors.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Florida
Firm Focus and History
I opened this office in January of 2003, but I have been representing clients in bankruptcy in this area since 1988. I assist people in North Central Florida who have financial problems.
Previous Employment Summary
I was a partner in Swanson & Sperling, PA from 1991 until 2002. Prior to that I was an associate with Scruggs & Carmichael, PA and an associate with the Law Office of Lansing J. Roy.
Activities and Awards
Director/Treasurer Healthy Learning Academy, Gainesville, Florida; former President and currently Treasurer of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association; former President, James C. Adkins American Inn of Court; former President, Northern District of Florida bankruptcy Bar Association; 2002 recipient of the James L. Tomlinson Professionalism Award.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage my clients to stay informed and to seek information from me or from independent sources regarding the law, their rights and their responsibilities.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Under some circumstances I will review documents prepared by clients. I will review documents and correspondence received by clients and advise them regarding the contents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will meet with individuals who are proceeding pro se but usually can't be available to them on an on-going basis.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
The usual - Truth, Justice and the American Way. I believe that there are solutions for most problems. My goal is to allow people to make informed decisions and help them achieve the best outcome available.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I worked my way through college and law school. I understand that the people who come to see me don't want to be in the circumstances they are.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Bankruptcy offers people closed-end solutions. A lot of law is very open-ended. There are real answers to real problems. Bankruptcy also offers closure to people who are going through very difficult times in their lives and the opportunity for a fresh start.
What do you like best about your career?
Problem solving.
Tell us about your law firm:
All of my clients deal directly with me. I have a secretary named Barbara and while clients initially work with her, she and I are a team. I do not hand my clients off to a secretary or an associate. I analyze the situation. They may talk to Barbara first, but the clients will work with me. In a lot of bankruptcy practices, clients don't usually work with a lawyer, but will deal with a paralegal and will only see a lawyer when they go to court. In my firm, I work one-on-one with my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I am practical. I don't take a case just to take a case, I will tell people if I think that this is not a right thing for them to do and will suggest alternatives. I try to be realistic with what their results are because I want their lives to be better after their case.
Personal Interests:
Baseball, reading, my kids, and politics.
Office Manager/Assistant
Barbara Brady.
Fax
(352) 377-6324
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evenings and weekend appointments available.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Law clerk, Patty Sierra, speaks Spanish.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I offer a 30 minute free initial consultation for people who are interested in learning what their options are and whether bankruptcy can help them. My fees vary based on the complexity of each individual case but I always give people a recommendation and a quoted fee after we've met and I've reviewed their situation.
Hourly Rates
Free initial debtor bankruptcy consultation; $175 per hour for creditor representation.
Free Initial Consultation?
See above.
Typical Retainer
Deposit of at least $300 required to retain; attorneys fees and filing fee must be paid before filing a bankruptcy petition.
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.
