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James C. Reed

James C. Reed

James C. Reed, P.A.
6 Century Plaza
19633 Blue Bird Lane
Suite 6
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Phone: (302) 227-2477  |  Fax: (302) 227-5822
http://www.ReedLawDE.com

Contact James C. Reed

An experienced, caring Delaware bankruptcy attorney.

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

Chapter 7 bankruptcies for individuals, married couples, or small businesses, and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

DC, Oct 1980
Bar Number: 2260

DE, Dec 1983
Bar Number: 2260

Other Court Admissions

Delaware Supreme Court, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, D.C. Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, U.S. Court of Claims, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Association Memberships

Delaware State Bar Association and Bankruptcy Law Section, Sussex County Bar Association, and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Continuing Education

I normally exceed the number of required hours of continuing legal education, with over with 29 hours of continuing education in bankruptcy law in 2008 to 2009.

Papers and Publications

Casenote: Minimum Contacts and Delaware Directors Before and After Shaffer v. Heitner, 4 Del. J. Corp. L. (1979).

Example Cases

Typical case: an individual or married couple who after paying their living expenses have no funds left to pay their unsecured creditors: eliminating debts for credit cards, loans, repossessed vehicles, deficiencies for foreclosed home or investment property. Other cases often involved failed businesses or stopping foreclosure.

A couple who recently filed a chapter 7, wrote after having their debts were discharged: Mr. Reed "was very knowledgeable, personable and honest about what was involved. We met with him and he made us feel very comfortable about the whole process. He is very likable and seemed to have a genuine interest in our financial situation...very accessible by phone or email...his price was fair...paperwork was easy."

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Widener School of Law

City:

Wilmington

State:

DE

Year:

1979

Honors:

Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Focus and Accomplishments:

Research Editor and Delaware Journal of Corporate Law - Best Student Article Award 1979.

 

Degree:

Bachelor of Science

School:

Georgetown University

City:

Washington

State:

DC

Year:

1976

Honors:

Dean's List

Focus and Accomplishments:

Mathematics

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Delaware

Firm Focus and History

The focus of this office is finding debt relief for my clients. Most of my cases involve filing for bankruptcy for people with serious financial problems. In some cases I recommend working things out with creditors, credit counseling and debt consolidation, or not taking any action at this point.

In Sussex County, this office serves: Rehoboth Beach (19971), Henlopen Acres, Lewes (19958), Nassau (19969), Dewey Beach, Angola, Bethany Beach (19930), South Bethany, Ocean View (19970), Millville (19967), Clarksville, Roxanna, Fenwick Island (19944), Milton (19968), Broadkill Beach, Primehook Beach, Slaughter Beach, Ellendale (19950), Lincoln (19960), Milford (19963), Selbyville (19975), Frankford (19945), Dagsboro (19939), Gumboro, Millsboro (19966), Long Neck, Harbeson (19951), Georgetown (19947), Delmar (19940), Laurel (19956), Seaford (19973), Concord, Bethel, Bridgeville, and Greenwood (19950).

I started doing bankruptcy work in about 1986 while working for Wolhar and Gill. I opened my own office in about 1990, and then worked with the firm of Brown, Shiels, Beauregard & Chasonov, before going out on my own again in 2003.

Previous Employment Summary

  • Webster Chamberlain & Bean, Washington DC, 1981 to 1983
  • Schmittinger & Rodriguez, Dover, Delaware
  • Wolhar & Gill, Georgetown, Delaware
  • James C. Reed, P.A., Georgetown, Delaware
  • Brown, Shiels, Beauregard & Chasonov, Georgetown, Delaware
  • James C. Reed, P.A., Millsboro, Delaware

Activities and Awards

  • Judicial clerk for Judge Robert J. Yock, U.S. Court of Claims 1979 to 1980
  • Judicial clerk for Judge Marion T. Bennett, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 1980 to 1981

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

A well informed client is the best client: I do what I can to help the client understand the process.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am willing to review documents prepared by the client. It is very difficult to file a bankruptcy petition without the advice of a lawyer.

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

I am happy to provide assistance to clients who try to represent themselves in bankruptcy. I have seen people in court trying to represent themselves at creditors meetings, and confirmation hearings and in bankruptcy court, who are making serious mistakes.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I enjoy the law, helping people, and making a good argument. I am a third generation attorney in my family. Both my father and grandfather were primarily involved with real estate law.

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

I have experience as a teacher in the public school. My math degree helps me understand financial matters. I have faced adversity in my life, and have empathy for others who are having problems.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I enjoy helping people with their financial problems. My clients who file bankruptcy are usually in such bad financial shape that it would not do anyone (society) any good to leave them in that condition: debt relief is necessary. They should not be slaves to their debt or their creditors.

What do you like best about your career?

A happy client. Solving a difficult problem. Applying the law in a way that makes sense. Serving the people of Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner and all of my clients deal directly with me. You have an experienced attorney to analyze your unique situation and give you advice, and don't have to rely on a less experienced paralegal or secretary.

What are your strengths and style?

I answer the phone myself when I am available, and try to respond promptly to emails. I am committed to doing what it takes to get the job done. I work well with my clients and make them comfortable working with me.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy swimming in the ocean, snow skiing, sailing, and traveling.

Office Manager/Assistant

Pat Dukes

Fax

(302) 227-5822

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Evenings and weekends by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

The price of a bankruptcy depends on the chapter it is being filed under, whether it is an individual or business bankruptcy, whether there are debts to reaffirm, and the general complexity of the case.

Hourly Rates

Most bankruptcies are done for a fixed fee or retainer.

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer some free one-hour initial consultations. People who are seriously considering bankruptcy will generally pay for an initial consultation, with the fee being applied to reduce the total fee for the case.

Typical Retainer

$3,200 for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, much less for a Chapter 7, which starts at $1,200. You get a lot of attorney time for your buck.

Understanding Fees

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