The Firm handles all types of bankruptcy cases, from consumer Chapter 7 matters involving credit card debts, to complex business reorganizations under Chapter 11 and everything in between. To help consumer homeowners, we are actively pursuing mortgage modifications, Chapter 13 lien stripping, and violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"). For creditors, the Firm offers a unique perspective and level of experience on both the debtor and creditor sides of each transaction. Services range from filing a bankruptcy Proof of Claim, seeking relief from stay, monitoring the status of a case, to opposing Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 plan confirmation. In consumer cases, the firm is prepared to challenge either the dischargeability of a claim or the debtor's right to receive a discharge.

Employees of the Firm see themselves as counselors of the law, as well as advocates for our clients. In general terms, we believe we have three active responsibilities: assisting clients with goal setting; educating our clients about options, and pursuing client goals and objectives.

Goal Setting. Our first duty is to listen to you, our clients. What are your priorities? What are your goals? What risks are you willing to take? Can you afford to see this through?

Education. Our second duty is to educate. What are the options? What are the likely results? What are the risks? What are the costs?  What are the benefits?  Does this make sense given your priorities?

Execution. Our third duty is to pursue the goals and objectives selected by our clients while constantly re-evaluating all of the strategic alternatives. Is this cost effective? Should we start settlement discussions? Will a mediator help? Should we be more or less aggressive? Does this make sense, given your priorities?

These duties must be tempered at all times by ethical boundaries, practical considerations and common sense. For more about our philosophy, Press Here.

THE FIRM
The Firm's primary office is located at 206 N. Jackson St., #201, Glendale, CA approximately 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. That allows us to efficiently handle cases in Bankruptcy Courts located in downtown Los Angeles and Woodland Hills.  With a modest amount of travel time, we can also attend hearings in the Santa Ana and Riverside branches of the Bankruptcy Court.  We are pleased to announce the opening of a satellite office in Casper, Wyoming, serving all of the state of Wyoming.

David A. Tilem, Esq. is the founder of the firm and the true "Bankruptcy Pro". With over 25 years of bankruptcy practice, David personally manages all of the reorganization proceedings and supervises all of the attorneys. David is a dual certified specialist holding designations in both consumer bankruptcy (State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization) and business bankruptcy (American Board of Certification). Mr. Tilem is licensed and active in the State of California and licensed as inactive in the State of Massachusetts.  In appropriate cases, he is available to be admitted pro hac vice in Wyoming or in other jurisdictions around the Country.

Barry R. Wegman, Esq. has been with the Firm since 2005 and has over 20 years of experience as a litigation attorney. In addition to his own caseload, Barry manages the litigation department and mentors younger attorneys as they develop their skills. His areas of expertise include real estate and business disputes, alternative dispute resolution, and disputes involving uniquely bankruptcy issues. Mr. Wegman is admitted and practices only in California.

Sylvia S. Ho, Esq. has recently joined the firm to assume primary responsibility for its consumer bankruptcy cases. Sylvia also supervises the firm's bankruptcy paralegals. She is fluent in Mandarin (Chinese) and familiar with basic Japanese. Sylvia attends most consumer bankruptcy hearings. Ms. Ho is admitted and practices only in California.

Patrick M. Hunter, Esq. is the newest addition to our attorney staff, but comes with more than 25 years of experience. He has been practicing law in the State of Wyoming with a focus on bankruptcy and bankruptcy litigation and manages the Casper, Wyoming office. Patrick is presently only admitted to practice law in Wyoming but has taken the California Bar Exam and is awaiting results.

The Law Offices of David A. Tilem has two attorneys who are presently "of counsel" to the firm.  John O. Adams has more than 25 years of bankruptcy expertise and served as an Adjunct Professor of Law on bankruptcy law for over 10 years.  John is presently retired, but consults with members of the Firm on an "as needed" basis. Henry M. Toles also has more than 25 years under his belt as a consumer bankruptcy attorney. Henry maintains his own office, but consults with Mr. Tilem and others in the Firm on a frequent basis.

The Law Offices of David A. Tilem has also reached out to affiliate with professionals who can provide technical expertise in other related fields. One such affiliation is with Bo Kennelly of Kennelly & Associates.  Bo is an Enrolled Agent who specializes in helping people file missing returns, arrange payment plans, submit offers in compromise and resolve seemingly impossible tax problems. The firm is constantly seeking out other professionals in related fields who can provide expert and responsive guidance for its clients.