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Kerri M. Keyte
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Kerri M. Keyte
Keyte Law Firm
701 East Court Avenue
Suite A
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 699-8683 | Fax: (515) 274-1364
I'm Here to Help You, Not to Judge You
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Keyte Law Firm represents debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
IA, Apr 2003
Bar Number: 18058
Other Court Admissions
State - Iowa; Federal - Southern District of Iowa.
Association Memberships
Continuing Education
As a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), I attend the annual conference each spring and on occasion, the fall workshop. In addition, I attend local continuing legal education seminars in Des Moines, Iowa, that focus on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcies. I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours.
Example Cases
• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Debtor is overwhelmed and cannot get ahead of his debt. By filing the bankruptcy the debtor discharges all unsecured debt and any secured debt he wishes, freeing up his budget to make monthly living expense payments such as those for his house, car, and groceries.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Debtor is behind on her mortgage but wishes to keep the home. The bankruptcy enables debtor to pay the arrearage on the loan over the course of a Chapter 13 Plan wherein debtor makes monthly payments to a Trustee. In addition, debtor is able to include all unsecured and secured debt.
In both instances, the debtor's predicament becomes manageable and can begin a fresh financial start.
Education
Degree:
B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in English
School:
Central Missouri State University
City:
Warrensburg
State:
MO
Year:
2000
Honors:
Cum Laude
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Drake University Law School
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Year:
2002
Honors:
With Highest Honors
Focus and Accomplishments:
Agricultural Law Journal
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Iowa
Firm Focus and History
Keyte Law Firm was established May 1, 2008 in Des Moines, Iowa. I have been in practice for nearly six years and representing clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy for approximately four years. I focus on quality of representation, not quantity of clients or cases.
Keyte Law Firm was established May 1, 2008 in Des Moines, Iowa. I have been in practice for nearly six years and representing clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy for approximately four years. I focus on quality of representation, not quantity of clients or cases.
Keyte Law Firm represents clients who are struggling with debts, creditor issues, judgments, lawsuits, garnishments, creditor harassment, and foreclosure. I help clients determine whether to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to help with the above struggles. I maintain close client contact to guide them through the difficult process of filing bankruptcy.
Previous Employment Summary
My first job as an attorney was to serve as a judicial clerk for a judge on the Iowa Court of Appeals. For approximately 18 months I helped an appellate judge with research and drafting legal opinions on a variety of matters including criminal, juvenile, family, contractual and other civil matters. When the clerkship was complete, I entered private practice for a small law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. For the first six months my work focused mostly in the areas of criminal defense, juvenile matters and family law issues. After the first six months I began filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies in the southern district of Iowa. I have filed approximately 500 Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies over the last four years.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe it is important for clients to take an active roll in their legal representation. Clients should become familiar with the legal terms involved and the process of the legal matter. It is also important that clients gain information from reliable sources, and if there is any question, discuss it with their attorney.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I would be reluctant to look over documents prepared by clients. This is due to ethical rules and obligations of the attorney. If the client merely wanted to be sure a document was in the proper format, that would not be an issue; but if I were to give any legal advice about the substance of the document, my name should appear on the document itself.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to discuss issues with potential clients in general. However, I cannot give specific advice if I am not representing the clients in the matter.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
There was not one big moment where I decided to become an attorney, and there are no other attorneys in my family. A progression of events led to law school. I have decided to focus on the area of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy because I enjoy the contact with clients and feel that something real and tangible is being accomplished by the bankruptcy filing.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Being an attorney has a lot to do with being able to relate to clients and explain the legal process. I meet one-on-one with my clients and build a rapport with them. I think that through jobs held in the past - even in high school - learning to communicate with others and build relationships has made me a better attorney. And I deal with a lot of the same issues my clients do: mortgages, car payments, student loans, daycare costs, etc. I understand what my clients are going through and can relate to their situations.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Bankruptcy choose me. When I graduated law school I thought I was going to focus on criminal defense. But the firm where I first practiced was moving in the direction of bankruptcy. Once I started doing bankruptcies, I knew this was the area of law I wanted to focus on.
What do you like best about your career?
Owning my own practice allows me to conduct business the way that I want to, with integrity and character. I really enjoy the clients I work with and being a part of getting them a fresh start.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me. This is a bonus for the clients, since overhead costs are kept to a minimum; and when clients call, they deal with me and only me.
What are your strengths and style?
My style is fairly informal, I talk to my clients at a comfortable, personable level. I believe this is one of my strengths as it allows me to relate to my clients and build a relationship with them. My other strengths include being approachable, organized, and knowledgeable in the law.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid reader, fiction novels specifically. I have two toddlers so I am constantly on the go. I enjoy playing with the kids and watching them learn. Though there is rarely time, I also enjoy yoga and going to the movies.
Fax
(515) 274-1364
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy Attorney fees can vary per case. After a detailed discussion, the fee will be determined.
Hourly Rates
Varies, between $150 to $200 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation is free and lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.
Typical Retainer
The typical retainer for a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is $1,000.
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.
