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Steven Robert Lehr

Steven Robert Lehr

Steven Robert Lehr, P.C.
33 Clinton Rd
Suite 100
West Caldwell, NJ 07006

Phone: (973) 575-8002  |  Fax: (973) 575-8002
http://www.lehrlaw.com

Contact Steven Robert Lehr

Big Firm Work & Small Firm Fees

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

We handle all aspects of Bankruptcies, Trusts and Estates.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Garnishments
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Legal Topic

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Preferred New Clients

We handle all aspects of Bankruptcies, Trusts and Estates.

Sub-Categories

Wills, Trusts & Estates
  • Nolo Document Review
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Banking & Loans
  • Credit Unions
  • Savings & Thrifts
Insurance
  • Annuities
  • Auto Accident & Property Claims
  • Bad Faith
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Property & Casualty
Taxes
  • Audit Defense
  • Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
  • Income Taxes
  • IRS Disputes
  • IRS Filing & Compliance
  • Negotiating IRS Payments & Settlements
  • Payroll Taxes
  • Power of Attorney
  • Property Taxes
  • Sales Taxes & Use Taxes
  • Tax Evasion Defense
  • Tax Planning
Estate Planning
  • Charitable Giving
  • Charitable Trusts
  • Drafting Trusts
  • Drafting Wills
  • Estate Administration
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trusts
  • Living Wills
  • Probate
  • Asset Protection
  • Guardianship
  • Power of Attorney
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Special Needs Trust
  • Supplemental Needs Trust
  • Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust

Bar Admissions

FL, May 1990
Bar Number: 0848530

NJ, Dec 1988
Bar Number: 38389

NY, Aug 1989
Bar Number: 2291425

DC, Aug 1990

Other Court Admissions

New Jersey, New York and Florida State Courts, U.S. Tax Court, and U.S. District Court.

Association Memberships

New Jersey, New York and Florida Bar Associations and North Jersey Estate Planning Council.

Continuing Education

I attend continuing legal education seminars in many areas of law, including a week long course at the Heckerling Institute on Estate Taxation, Miami University School of Law, and the Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys continuing education seminars.

Example Cases

We handle many personal and business bankruptcy matters. Some recent cases have included home remodeling contractors and apparel manufacturers. Personal cases have included high net worth individuals adversely affected by unemployment and a depressed economy.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Washington College of Law, American University

City:

Washington

State:

DC

Year:

1988

 

Degree:

LL.M.

School:

New York University, School of Law

City:

New York

State:

NY

Year:

1992

Focus and Accomplishments:

Taxation

 

Degree:

B.S.

School:

Fairleigh Dickinson University

City:

Madison

State:

NJ

Year:

1985

Honors:

Dean's List

Focus and Accomplishments:

Finance

Number of Attorneys

3

State Licensed In

New Jersey, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and District of Columbia.

Firm Focus and History

We are a boutique law firm that specializes in business law, commercial law, bankruptcy and trust and estate matters (planning, administration, litigation). Two attorneys (including myself) have advanced legal degrees from NYU School of Law in Taxation (LL.M, Taxation). We conduct a general practice of law and assist clients in numerous areas of law.

I founded this law firm 18+ years ago, after working for one of the largest law firms in New Jersey for a number of years. I also worked at Skadden Arps, one of the world's largest law firms, while in law school. Working at large firms allowed me to learn how they operate and be exposed to sophisticated work. Those experiences carry forward into this law firm where we provide "large firm services for small firm prices."

Previous Employment Summary

I clerked for a United States Bankruptcy Judge in Washington D.C., worked for the Small Business Administration, Office of Litigation, Securities and Exchange Commission and Skadden Arps as a law clerk.

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

I prefer working with clients who have some knowledge of the work we are embarking upon together. Most cases are interactive and I need the client to have an understanding of what we are doing for their benefit. We do not work in a vacuum and the cases are about the clients, not me.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am willing to review documents prepared by clients but do prefer discussing the matters in advance to avoid duplication of efforts (and overlapping billing).

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

There are rules of ethics regarding rendering legal advice to clients who represent themselves. This is a dangerous area and we are very careful not to violate rules of ethics.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I decided to practice law because (1) I like solving problems, and (2) I like helping people. While lawyers fight reputation issues, we practice in such a way that I can and do tell my children, when they ask what I do in the office, that "Daddy helps people all day long."

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

I am a very good listener and a compassionate person. In order to properly represent anyone, you must hear what they say and know what they are thinking. I cannot achieve their objectives if I do not know what they are. I take the time to listen to clients so that I can do my job thoroughly, which makes for satisfied clients.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

My background and interests are in business and finance. My practice focuses in these areas and is of great interest to me.

What do you like best about your career?

We handle a variety of matters and numerous issues arise in each case. This makes for an eclectic practice and we are never bored with the work on our desks.

Tell us about your law firm:

We are three attorneys, all licensed in New Jersey, New York and other jurisdictions. Two attorneys have advanced legal degrees from NYU School of Law. All attorneys have worked at large firms and understand the importance of providing exemplary service to clients. We also have one part-time and two fulltime paralegals who assist in all client matters and are extremely attentive to our clients. One of the bankruptcy paralegals is the daughter of a U.S. Trustee who handled bankruptcy matters for 35+ years. She has more knowledge of bankruptcy procedures than most lawyers and is very efficient.

What are your strengths and style?

We excel at providing exemplary service to our clients. There are so many lawyers in the world. We have distinguished ourselves by service, attention to detail and follow up. Clients are very pleased with the way we handle their matters, keep them informed and complete our job thoroughly. This has lead to many referrals from existing clients through the years and continuing to today.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy travel and golf. Young children keep me from my interests, except when they can travel or play golf with me. As my children are young, I make their interests mine at this time in life. I recently started to learn to ski as that is an activity the kids enjoy.

Office Manager/Assistant

Debra Castiglione, Bankruptcy Paralegal/Office Manager.

Fax

(973) 575-8002

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Evenings and weekends by appointment. For emergency after hours, we see people as needed.

Office arrangement exists for New York and Florida as needed.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Our fees are competitive. For Chapter 7 cases, the fees vary depending on the complexity of issues presented, amount of work, etc. Most cases warrant legal fees of approximately $3,000. Chapter 13 cases are handled on an hourly basis; our quoted fee for retainers in a Chapter 13 is $3,500.

Hourly Rates

Myself: $325 per hour
Associates: $295 per hour
Paralegals: $125 per hour

Free Initial Consultation?

We do offer a free initial consultation. That usually does not exceed one hour.

Typical Retainer

$3,000 to $3,500.

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.