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Jonathan Mace Bent

Jonathan Mace Bent

Jonathan M. Bent, Attorney at Law
8 Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Third Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Phone: (617) 532-0797  |  Fax: (617) 322-9879

Contact Jonathan Mace Bent

Affordable Bankruptcy Attorney Who Understands

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

Consumer bankruptcies under Chapter 7 and 13 of the bankruptcy code.

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

MA, Dec 2004
Bar Number: 661349

Other Court Admissions

Massachusetts, U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, and U.S. Tax Court.

Association Memberships

Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Bar Association, Norfolk County Bar Association, Essex County Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Continuing Education

I teach paralegal students as an adjunct professor of legal studies. I teach courses in many different areas of law. I am a sponsor member of MCLE, which provides continuing legal education to members of the Massachusetts bar.

Example Cases

I obtained a $215,000 judgment for an 80 year old tenant in a civil action in Massachusetts Housing Court. The matter involved violations of the state sanitary code, conversion, infliction of emotional distress and retaliation. Obtained bankruptcy discharges for consumer debtors in Chapter 7 proceedings.

Education

Degree:

Master of Science

School:

Simmons, Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS)

City:

Boston

State:

MA

Year:

1998

Honors:

Dean's List

 

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

University of Massachusetts

City:

Boston

State:

MA

Year:

1996

Honors:

Dean's List

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Suffolk University Law School

City:

Boston

State:

MA

Year:

2004

Honors:

Dean's List

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Massachusetts

Firm Focus and History

I started my own practice in April of 2009. I am focused on bankruptcy within the context of domestic relations and real estate matters. I have a focus on divorce and child support matters. My professional background includes civil litigation in state, federal and administrative courts. I also undertake consumer protection, landlord/tenant, personal injury, information privacy and other cases.

Previous Employment Summary

I have over 13 years of professional experience as a paralegal, law librarian, archivist and records manager. I also have taught legal studies courses to undergraduate students since 2005. Over the past three years I worked at an insurance defense firm where I worked on state court matters involving vehicular liability and premises liability. I also worked on a complex commercial litigation matter in federal district court involving a failed real estate development. Over the past several years I have also prepared hundreds of state and federal income tax returns.

Activities and Awards

Since October of 2008 I have represented numerous clients through the Boston Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyers Project. I have represented debtors in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings, have assisted disabled clients with child support modification and have worked on several cases involving landlord/tenant matters.

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

I strongly believe that a well-educated client is better able to understand the process. I try to educate and explain everything that I am doing procedurally in order to avoid confusion. Communication between attorney and client is very important to me.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I encourage clients to assist me in preparing drafts and reviewing work prior to my submission to the court. In the context of consumer bankruptcy, I expect clients to complete detailed questionnaires and review petitions and schedules, in detail, prior to filing.

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

I am happy to explain the law and discuss procedure. However, I do not like to coach clients to go pro se. In the context of a consumer bankruptcy, I expect to be present at the 341 meeting, and any other proceedings.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I enjoy law as an intellectual pursuit. Law is one of the few professions where I am constantly presented with new problems to solve. I also enjoy the satisfaction of helping people achieve their goals.

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

My broad experience as an attorney, paralegal, law librarian, archivist, records manager, and legal studies professor has given me significantly more professional experience than many other attorneys. Through my exposure to many areas of law and teaching outside of my areas of practice I have developed an understanding of the inter relatedness of law.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I have an interest in tax and domestic relations and see bankruptcy as an effective tool for people experiencing financial difficulty arising from divorce and tax problems.

What do you like best about your career?

I enjoy meeting new clients and helping them achieve their goals.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner, so all the work on your case will be handled by me.

What are your strengths and style?

My attention to detail and determination are my biggest strengths. I am also very honest, but am sensitive to people's feelings.  However, sometimes, it is important for a client to hear things and confront truths that they might not want to acknowledge.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy sea kayaking, ice hockey, target shooting, history, travel, antiques, dogs and cats.

Fax

(617) 322-9879

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Weekend and evening appointments.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Additional Offices

Needham, MA
175 Highland Avenue
c/o Law Office of Alan Segal
Needham, MA 02492
(617) 532-0797

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I undertake Chapter 7 cases on a flat fee basis and require payment in full before filing the petition. I am flexible, and am willing to accept installments. I generally charge between $1,000 and $1,750 for a Chapter 7 case. In Chapter 13 cases, I typically charge $2,000 and require a $1,000 nonrefundable retainer prior to preparation and filing of the petition. The remaining fee is paid through the Chapter 13 plan.

Hourly Rates

For adversarial proceedings and appeals, I charge $150 per hour.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I do free consults.

Typical Retainer

It varies, but for a Chapter 13 it is $1,000.

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.

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