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Richard H. Agins
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Richard H. Agins
Sigman & Rochlin, LLC
100 Pearl Street
14th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 828-2138 | Fax: (860) 218-9659
http://www.sigmanandrochlin.com
http://www.ctdebtreliefattorney.com
Experienced, Result-Oriented Counsel
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Business chapter 11; chapter 7 and chapter 13; out-of-court debt restructuring and modification; creditors' rights cases; business formation (corporations, partnerships, LLPs and LLCs).
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
Business chapter 11; chapter 7 and chapter 13; out-of-court debt restructuring and modification; creditors' rights cases; business formation (corporations, partnerships, LLPs and LLCs).
Sub-Categories
Banking & Finance
- Commercial Banks & Loans
- Mortgages & Foreclosures
- Reorganizations & Restructuring
- Workouts
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Franchises
- International Transactions
- Commercial Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Construction Disputes
- Mechanics' Liens
- Creditor's Rights
Bar Admissions
NY, Feb 2004
Bar Number: 4195939
PA, Oct 2009
Bar Number: 304990
CT, Nov 2003
Bar Number: 421814
Other Court Admissions
Connecticut; New York; District of Connecticut; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
Association Memberships
American Bar Association; Connecticut Bar Association; Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association; New York State Bar Association; American Bankruptcy Institute; National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of business law, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, civil practice and other relevant areas.
Papers and Publications
- An Argument for Extending the Application of Rule 53(b) to Facilitate Reference of the Special Master in Electronic Data Discovery, 23 Pace Law Review 689 (Spring 2003)
- Indefeasible Rights of Use in a Revived Telecommunications Industry: Revisiting the Treatment of IRUs in Bankruptcy Proceedings, 2008 Norton Annual Review of Bankruptcy Law 333 (2008)
Example Cases
Represented committees of unsecured creditors in many commercial bankruptcy cases, always preserving their rights to recovery to the maximum possible extent. Successful representations of many individual debtors in chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings, securing discharge of their debts to the greatest extent legally permissible. I have negotiated various out-of-court workouts and debt restructurings often resulting in the exchange of debt for equity.
Education
Degree:
Master of Business Association (M.B.A.)
School:
Bernard M. Baruch College - City University of New York (CUNY)
City:
New York
State:
NY
Year:
1976
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Pace University School of Law
City:
White Plains
State:
NY
Year:
2003
Honors:
Cum Laude; Adolph Homburger Humanitarian Award.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Managing Editor, Pace Law Review; National Finalist, American Bar Association (ABA) Client Counseling Competition.
Degree:
Artis Baccalaureate
School:
Lafayette College
City:
Easton
State:
PA
Year:
1970
Honors:
McKelvy Scholar; Frank Klein Baker Prize in Spanish.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Romance Languages; study abroad in Madrid.
Number of Attorneys
4
State Licensed In
New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Firm Focus and History
Sigman & Rochlin, LLC handles a wide variety of matters involving commercial and personal bankruptcy including proceedings under chapters 7, 11 and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code; out-of-court workouts and restructurings; and creditors' rights law. In addition, we handle commercial collection matters, business formation and corporate matters, commercial real estate and planned community development and related litigation, immigration, civil litigation and criminal defense.
Sigman & Rochlin was formed in 2009 by attorneys with years of experience in their respective fields as a means to provide exceptional client service through the synergistic combination of talent, abilities and experience. See www.sigmanandrochlin.com.
Previous Employment Summary
I was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1977 in New York State and subsequently practiced public accounting for a number of years before becoming first, a chief financial officer and later, a management consultant for businesses in a broad spectrum of industries. I next owned and operated a fashion accessories design and manufacturing company in New York City for many years before deciding to pursue a career in law. I attended law school while working full-time, earning my law degree with honors.
Activities and Awards
I have performed a substantial amount of pro bono work through Statewide Legal Services in Connecticut, and have been appointed to the boards of directors of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, Inc., where I also serve as Treasurer, and The Knox Parks Foundation, where I am a member of the Finance Committee.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think the client should have a firm idea of his/her objectives and should provide the attorney with as much information and guidance as possible. Ultimately, though, attorneys are trained and skilled in the practice of law, and can help a client to steer clear of the kind of trouble that self-represented individuals often encounter without proper assistance.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
In my experience, the time required for a lawyer to review and correct a layman's work is often greater than the time needed for the lawyer to do the initial drafting. I am not in favor of this practice unless the client understands up-front that there may be no cost savings involved.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
My willingness would depend upon the facts and the venue of the particular case.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My earliest memories are of my father bringing home his contracts and legal briefs for review, and of conversations around our dinner table regarding the non-confidential aspects of his cases. My father never had a client who didn't become a friend; he enjoyed the intellectual and personal challenges of his profession and I never found the same to be true in my previous career. That is why I chose to become a lawyer and I haven't been disappointed.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My work as a CPA prepared me for the attention to detail that is necessary in legal work - especially where finances are concerned. My work as a consultant taught me how to analyze complex situations and provide guidance regarding solutions. My experience as the principal of a manufacturing and design company taught me to juggle multiple areas of responsibility simultaneously and to focus my attention on achieving measurable results.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
The business and financial areas of law are a natural outgrowth of my 30 years of experience before becoming a lawyer.
What do you like best about your career?
I never leave work at the end of the day without having learned something new that I can put to use in helping clients. It is an ongoing intellectual challenge with real rewards.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have three terrific partners, each with his own list of talents and abilities in mutually compatible areas. We share the services of a knowledgeable and poised paralegal who is self-directed and brilliant in working with clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I believe that I am empathetic and non-judgmental in dealing with clients' problems. I am analytical in examining the details of their case, and I believe that tough negotiating doesn't require one to be belligerent or caustic. Ultimately, lawyers are professionals hired to advocate for their clients, and as such, I always treat opposing counsel with respect while pressing hard for my client's benefit.
Personal Interests:
Music is a central focus of my life -- both listening and performance. I love being outdoors both kayaking and gardening, and I enjoy building and construction projects. I prefer reading, I watch television rarely, but I always enjoy a good movie. Of course, I enjoy the company of my wife and my children.
Office Manager/Assistant
Ms. Joey-Lynn Darius.
Fax
(860) 218-9659
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Also by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish, French, and Creole.
Additional Offices
Philadelphia, PA
1515 Market Street
Suite 1410
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 665-0842
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We generally figure chapter 7 cases in the range of $2,500 to $3,000 dollars and chapter 13 cases in the range of $3,000 to $4,000. Chapter 11 cases are invoiced hourly because of their complexity and the diversity of circumstances. We will extend a discounted rate to clients who mention Nolo.
Hourly Rates
Our hourly rate for these kinds of engagements is between $285 and $350, depending upon the length and complexity of the engagement and its demands upon our time.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer a free half-hour initial consultation and charge $100 for consultations lasting longer than that up to a maximum of one-hour.
Typical Retainer
We generally request a retainer, the amount of which is based on the facts and circumstances of each case.
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.
