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Rebeka Seelinger

Rebeka Seelinger

Seelinger Law
5148 Peach Street
Suite 330
Erie, PA 16509

Phone: (814) 824-6670

Contact Rebeka Seelinger

Taking the Fear out of Bankruptcy

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I prefer personal bankruptcy cases. I find them more rewarding than corporate bankruptcies.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

PA, Nov 2004
Bar Number: 93897

Other Court Admissions

All Pennsylvania State Courts and The Bankruptcy Court for Pennsylvania.

Association Memberships

Pennsylvania Bar Association and Erie County Bar Association.

Continuing Education

I attend continuing legal education seminars in bankruptcy every year. I always exceed the required number of continued education hours. Continuing education is how attorneys remain up to date on the numerous changes each year in the law and legal procedure. It is an important aspect of your attorney's resume. I routinely attend seminars in my practice areas. I typically will exceed the requirements by three or four times the number of required hours. Since my practice is focused on only a few areas of law, this concentration ensures I have the most up to date information available on any changes.

Example Cases

Each and every case is unique, even similar sounding situations can have dramatically different results in court. Our goal is find a solution that enables you to start living your life again and to put your past behind you.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law

City:

Pittsburgh

State:

PA

Year:

2004

Honors:

Cum Laude

Focus and Accomplishments:

Law Review and Moot Court.

 

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

The Ohio State University

City:

Columbus

State:

OH

Year:

2001

Honors:

Magna Cum Laude

Focus and Accomplishments:

Social Sciences

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Pennsylvania

Firm Focus and History

Seelinger Law is focused on our clients and their needs. Each client and case is unique and is given special attention. For example, if a client is extremely nervous about a court appearance, we will work with the client to ease their tension so that they not only have excellent legal representation, but will also make positive impressions on the judge from the moment they enter the courtroom. Your needs come first, we understand this can be a scary and confusing time of your life. We want to make the legal process comfortable for you.

Seelinger Law was established in 2009 when Rebeka Seelinger left the Pittsburgh District Attorney's Office and moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, following her marriage to Brian Seelinger of Erie.

Previous Employment Summary

I was a lawyer in Pittsburgh for five years where I spent my days negotiating and mediating adverse parties and bringing them to a resolution.

Activities and Awards

I was on the University of Pittsburgh Law Review which is an honor given to law students who score within the top 10% of their class.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

An actively involved client can be a pleasure to work with, however, outside education is not a necessity and can involve more stress for the client. I am happy to work with my client to insure they have the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Given the bankruptcy law changes, I would not recommend a client prepare any documents themselves once they have engaged an attorney to represent them.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

This is not advisable; the recent changes to the bankruptcy laws drastically skewed the burden onto the individual. Mistakes can be costly and result in the inability to discharge debt for years, if ever.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

Every person makes mistakes and unfortunately sometimes one moment can follow a person for the rest of their life. I enjoy the satisfaction of helping people move forward with their lives.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Attorneys can spend entire careers without ever having a trial and rarely entering a courtroom. I have experienced long hours in courtrooms and at trial. This experience is invaluable when a client's future is at stake.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

People make mistakes or are the victims of unfortunate events and need an attorney to represent their interests. This representation, in bankruptcy proceedings, is often the difference between: being able to move forward with life and family or being trapped in a never ending cycle of debt. It gives me a great feeling to know that I've helped people start over.

What do you like best about your career?

Knowing that I can truly help people who end up in a bad situation.

Tell us about your law firm:

When you sign up with Seelinger Law you deal only with lawyers. No paralegal or secretary will come between you and your attorney.

What are your strengths and style?

I am a good listener, it is important for the client to feel safe when telling me their story. I discuss your options and give my opinion before developing a game plan. It is important for the client to decide how they want to proceed as long as it is an informed decision. I am sensitive and available to you. I understand that you are not familiar with the process and I ensure that I explain and answer all of your questions.

Personal Interests:

My interests are varied and diverse, however, I particularly enjoy working out, food and wine, and traveling. I have made many trips to the Far East including Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

Office Hours

Seven days a week by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Fee agreements will be prepared after an initial consultation. Agreements will be reasonable and based on the complexity of the case.

Hourly Rates

Unless the case is unusually complex, hourly rates are not applicable.

Free Initial Consultation?

Bankruptcy clients receive a free consultation, which involves general education and pre-screening. If the client decides to proceed with a means test (prerequisite for bankruptcy) there is a fee for that process, and another for actual filing.

Typical Retainer

do not have a typical retainer. It depends on the complexity of the case.

Understanding Fees

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.