Top Bankruptcy Lawyers & Law Firms in California: A Deep Dive into Legal Excellence

Top Bankruptcy Lawyers & Law Firms in California: Facing bankruptcy—be it Chapter 7, 13, or Chapter 11—can feel overwhelming. California has many reputable law firms and attorneys specializing in debt relief, creditor protection, and financial restructuring. This guide covers top-rated lawyers across major California regions, highlights their experience and specialties, shares client feedback, and offers tips for choosing the right counsel.

1. RHM Law LLP (Los Angeles & Southern California)

Overview & Credentials

Operating in L.A. County and Southern California, RHM Law is known as the “Home Savers,” with strong consumer bankruptcy credentials and foreclosure defense services.
Founding partners Matt Resnik and Roksana Moradi‑Brovia are repeatedly recognized as Super Lawyers—Resnik for over 11 consecutive years and Moradi‑Brovia for 7 years.

Practice Areas

Consumer Chapter 7, Chapter 13
Business bankruptcy and debt relief
Foreclosure aid and mortgage issues

Why Clients Choose Them

Certified bankruptcy specialists offer personalized attention
Free consultations and transparent pricing
Strong track record in paperwork accuracy and timely filings.

2. Borowitz & Clark, LLP (Los Angeles & Greater Southern California)

Attorney Profiles

Barry Borowitz and Erik Clark are Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification and have over two decades of exclusive bankruptcy experience.

Regional Reach

Extensive presence across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties
Essential contributors to the redesign of Chapter 13 plan templates used state‑wide since December 2017.

Key Strengths

Deep technical knowledge of local bankruptcy rules
Emphasis on consumer debt relief and plan structure
Highly rated reputation on services, especially mortgage and foreclosure assistance

3. Wadhwani & Shanfeld (Los Angeles & Southern California)

Overview

A high‐volume firm that has assisted over 25,000 individuals and investors with bankruptcy, debt negotiation, foreclosure defense, and more.

Why They Are Notable

Board‑certified bankruptcy attorneys
Swift response for urgent debt crises—call now and often can speak with a lawyer immediately.
Handles cases entirely remotely for statewide California clients

Client Services

Support across consumer, student loan, IRS tax debt, credit card, and second mortgage cases
Emphasis on rapid relief using bankruptcy protections such as the automatic stay

4. Hale Andrew Antico (Los Angeles)

Professional Background

Focused exclusively on bankruptcy for over 20 years, Antico also leads educational webinars and has served as president of local bankruptcy attorney associations.

Why Choose Antico

One attorney handles all aspects—clients don’t get bounced between paralegals or staff
Known for compassion and affordability, with flexible payment plans available.

Special Offerings

Virtual Zoom consultations tailored for residents of Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ventura County
Clear guidance on homestead exemptions and credit rebuilding post‑bankruptcy

5. FLP Law Group LLP (Los Angeles – Business & Corporate Bankruptcy)

Firm Focus

Strong in both individual and business bankruptcy, including Chapter 11 and SBRA (Subchapter V) small business reorganizations.

Key Attorneys

Alan W. Forsley, Marc A. Lieberman, and Greg Yaris feature over 30 years each in bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, litigation, and commercial real estate law.

Strengths & Credentials

Averred “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell for professional quality and integrity
Demonstrated success representing debtors and creditors in complex Chapter 11 matters and adversary litigation

6. Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers Peer‑Rated Attorneys in Los Angeles

Legal Recognition Platforms

Super Lawyers selection includes attorneys like Marc Forsythe, Daniel Weintraub, James Selth, Steven Mayer, Leonard Gumport, Victor Yoo, and many more top-rated professionals.
Best Lawyers listed litigation‑bankruptcy specialists such as Anthony R. Bisconti, Bernard D. Bollinger, Gina F. Brandt, Gillian Brown, Andrew W. Caine, Linda F. Cantor, and Jeffrey W. Dulberg—many affiliated with Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP or Buchalter.

Service Insight

These attorneys handle large‑scale, corporate or creditor committee bankruptcy cases, often representing national clients, trustees, or large creditor groups.

7. Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP (JMBM) (San Francisco Bay Area)

Firm Profile

Recognized as U.S. News & World Report Metropolitan First‑Tier in bankruptcy litigation for San Francisco.

Practice Scope

Handles representation for debtors, creditors, trustees, committee members, and investors across complex reorganization filings.
Significant strength in high‑stakes restructuring, including cross‑border issues and corporate insolvencies.

8. Large National Law Firms With California Presence

Notable Firms

BakerHostetler: Led by Irving Picard, famous for recovering over $14 billion in the Madoff liquidation and representing wildfire claimants in the massive PG&E Chapter 11 case—the largest in California history.
Greenberg Traurig: With extensive practice in business reorganization and corporate insolvency, the firm has over 2,850 lawyers globally and key offices in California focusing on bankruptcy and financial restructuring.

Fee Considerations

At top national firms, partner billing now often ranges from $2,500–$3,000/hour for bankruptcy work, reflecting broader industry trends.

9. Client‑Recommended Local Practitioners

San Diego Area

Yelp identifies The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss, The Larkin Law Firm, New Chapter Law Group, and Law Offices of Ronald E. Stadtmueller among the top five in San Diego, each praised for expertise, accessibility, and service in consumer bankruptcy filings.

Orange County

1st California Law Inc. – Kevin Kunde has earned high praise for calm, clear communication and compassionate representation. Yelp reviews highlight phrases such as “amazing… very knowledgeable & very kind,” “made us feel at ease,” and “one of the best bankruptcy attorneys”.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a California Bankruptcy Attorney

Factor	What to Look For
Specialization	Consumer vs. business bankruptcies. Some attorneys focus on Chapter 7/13 (individual) while others handle Chapter 11 reorganizations and corporate cases.
Certifications & Peer Ratings	Board certifications (e.g., American Board of Certification), ranking in Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers, and recognition by U.S. News & World Report.
Experience Level	Number of years dedicated to bankruptcy, court familiarity, track record of filings and hearings.
Client Reviews	Real user reviews from Yelp, Avvo, Justia—highlighting communication, outcome, and cost transparency.
Billing Transparency	Whether flat fees, payment plans, or hourly rates are clearly presented. Be wary of firms billing over $2,500/hour for standard consumer cases—common only in large corporate matters.
Accessibility	Remote capabilities, speed of contact, whether attorney handles case personally (not delegated to paralegals), multilingual support, and availability across regions.
Free Consultation	Initial consultation at no charge helps assess comfort level and fit before committing.

Regional Highlights : Top Bankruptcy Lawyers & Law Firms

Los Angeles / Southern California

Counties benefit from access to both local boutique consumer firms (RHM, Borowitz & Clark, Wadhwani & Shanfeld, Hale Antico) and larger business litigation firms like FLP, Pachulski, Buchalter, and national-heavyweights like JMBM, BakerHostetler, and Greenberg Traurig.

San Francisco & Bay Area

Primarily served by JMBM, national firms (e.g., BakerHostetler), and regional law firms with sophisticated restructuring practice groups, especially for business insolvency matters.

San Diego & Orange County

Strong local presence with boutique firms like Steven F. Bliss, Larkin Law, New Chapter Law, Ronald E. Stadtmueller, and Kevin Kunde’s 1st California Law Inc., offering consumer-focused bankruptcy relief with high-client satisfaction.

Illustrative Profiles

Barry Borowitz & Erik Clark – Borowitz & Clark, LLP

Both attorneys are Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy.
Few firms in Southern California specialize so heavily in consumer bankruptcy, and Borowitz & Clark have served on statewide reform committees.
Excellent client feedback and intimate firm size enable tailored support through complex Chapter 13 plans.

Mike Resnik & Roksana Moradi‑Brovia – RHM Law LLP

Resnik: Super Lawyer for over a decade. Moradi‑Brovia: 7 years running.
Firm recognized for Board certification, careful paperwork, and foreclosure defense. A consumer’s top-tier local resource.

Hale Andrew Antico (Solo Practitioner)

Over two decades specializing in consumer bankruptcy in Los Angeles region.
Known for compassionate handling, client education (via webinars), and personally managing cases from start to finish—no outsourcing to staff.

Alan W. Forsley & Marc Lieberman – FLP Law Group LLP

Focused on business Chapter 11, SBRA, and complex creditor litigation.
Known for courtroom experience, high-stakes adversary proceedings, and good reputation with tort creditors or business debtors.

Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP

Holds San Francisco’s top metro-tier ranking for bankruptcy litigation from U.S. News & World Report.
Advises on high-stakes restructuring matters including corporate insolvency, creditor committees, and trustee defense, top Bankruptcy Lawyers & Law Firms.

How to Vet & Select the Best Bankruptcy Attorney

Initial Research & Shortlist
- Start with peer rating platforms (Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, U.S. News).
- Check fee structure and whether attorney offers flat fee, Chapter 7 vs. sliding scale.
Consultations
- Call or book free consultations early. Confirm who will handle your case directly.
- Ask about experience with your type of debt: student loans, tax liens, foreclosure issues.
Compare Fees
- Consumer Chapter 7: flat fees typically $1,500–$3,500.
- Chapter 13: may involve trustee and court costs plus payment plan fees.
- Business or Chapter 11: expect higher rates—some partners at large firms charge $2,500–$3,000/hr.
- Get everything in writing before proceeding.
Ask About Expected Timeline
- Chapter 7 discharge usually around 90–120 days.
- Chapter 13 can be 3–5 years depending on payment plan.
Verify Credentials & Litigation Experience
- Look for board certification, published decisions, and successful track record.
Evaluate Communication Style
- Did the attorney explain things clearly, top Bankruptcy Lawyers & Law Firms? Did they express understanding of your circumstances?

Final Recommendations: Choosing Based on Your Situation

For individuals or households facing debt, foreclosure, or credit issues:
- Strong choices include RHM Law LLP, Borowitz & Clark, Wadhwani & Shanfeld, or Hale Andrew Antico, depending on affordability and region.
For small businesses or high‑net‑worth individuals pursuing Chapter 11 or SBRA reorganizations:
- FLP Law Group LLP, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, or larger firms like BakerHostetler and Greenberg Traurig may offer the depth and resources required.
For major corporate restructuring or creditor committee representation:
- Peer-rated attorneys within Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Buchalter, and select Best Lawyers/Super Lawyers‑listed practitioners like Bisconti, Bollinger, Brandt, Dulberg, or Caine are in the national league.
For San Diego or Orange County clients seeking local consumer help:
- Steven F. Bliss, The Larkin Law Firm, Ronald E. Stadtmueller, or Kevin Kunde’s 1st California Law are top-rated based on reviews and local reputation.

Conclusion: Empowered Support for Financial Renewal

California offers a broad spectrum of top Bankruptcy Lawyers & Law Firms —from empathetic local specialists to national firms handling billion‑dollar restructurings. Identifying the right fit means balancing your personal or business needs, budget, and the complexity of your case with a lawyer’s expertise, credentials, and communication style.

Take the time to investigate peer reviews, ask concrete questions in initial consultations, and compare fee structures. Whether you’re aiming for a fresh consumer start or navigating corporate financial upheaval, this guide delivers insight into some of California’s most reputable top Bankruptcy Lawyers & Law Firms .

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bankruptcy Lawyers in California

1. What type of bankruptcy should I file—Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11?

Chapter 7: Best for individuals with limited income who need quick debt relief. It discharges most unsecured debts (like credit cards or medical bills).
Chapter 13: For those who can repay part of their debts through a 3- to 5-year plan. Good for homeowners wanting to stop foreclosure.
Chapter 11: Typically for businesses or high-income individuals needing to reorganize debts without liquidation.

Your attorney will advise on the best option based on your income, assets, and debt structure.

2. How much does it cost to hire a Top bankruptcy lawyer in California?

Chapter 7: Attorney fees usually range from $1,500 to $3,500.
Chapter 13: Generally $3,000 to $5,000, but often included in the payment plan.
Chapter 11: Business cases can cost $10,000+ due to complexity.

Other costs include court filing fees (about $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13) and credit counseling fees.

3. Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?

Yes, it’s called pro se filing. However, bankruptcy law is complex, and mistakes can cause your case to be dismissed or result in loss of assets. Most people benefit from having an experienced attorney handle paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances.

4. Will bankruptcy wipe out all my debts?

Not all debts are dischargeable. Bankruptcy usually eliminates:

Credit card debt
Medical bills
Personal loans

But it won’t eliminate:

Student loans (in most cases)
Child/spousal support
Recent tax debts
Court fines or criminal restitution

An attorney can help evaluate which debts will be discharged in your case.

5. Will bankruptcy stop foreclosure or repossession?

Yes. As soon as you file, an automatic stay goes into effect that:

Stops foreclosure or eviction
Prevents wage garnishments
Halts creditor calls or lawsuits

Chapter 13 is especially useful if you want to keep your home or car and catch up on missed payments over time.

6. Will I lose everything I own in bankruptcy?

No. California bankruptcy law includes exemptions to protect your assets, like:

Home equity (up to a certain amount depending on your location and age)
Vehicles
Personal belongings
Retirement accounts

Attorneys are experts in maximizing exemptions to help you keep most or all of your property.

7. How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7: Up to 10 years
Chapter 13: Up to 7 years

However, many people start rebuilding credit within 12–18 months by responsibly using secured credit cards, paying bills on time, and monitoring credit.

8. Do I have to go to court?

You typically attend only one brief hearing called a 341 Meeting of Creditors, where you answer questions under oath. It’s not in a courtroom and creditors rarely attend. Your lawyer will be with you.

9. Can I file for bankruptcy more than once?

Yes, but there are time limits:

After Chapter 7, you must wait 8 years before filing Chapter 7 again.
After Chapter 13, wait 2 years to file another Chapter 13.
You may file Chapter 13 after a Chapter 7 in 4 years (this is known as a “Chapter 20”).

10. How do I choose the right bankruptcy attorney in California?

Look for:

Specialization in bankruptcy law
Board certification or peer-reviewed ratings (e.g., Super Lawyers)
Free consultation offers
Clear pricing and payment plans
Positive client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Yelp, or Google