What Does a Bankruptcy Attorney Do?
A bankruptcy attorney is a legal professional who advises and represents clients navigating financial insolvency. They help individuals or businesses determine the most appropriate course of action, whether it’s liquidation under Chapter 7, debt reorganization under Chapter 13, or corporate restructuring under Chapter 11. Their role involves protecting clients’ interests while ensuring compliance with federal bankruptcy laws.
Bankruptcy attorneys handle case filings, represent clients in court proceedings, negotiate with creditors, and develop financial plans that align with bankruptcy code requirements. They often work in private firms, corporate legal departments, or with government trustees and must have a deep understanding of complex financial documentation, legal statutes, and procedural rules.
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Bankruptcy Attorney Core Responsibilities
- Advise clients on bankruptcy options and eligibility under Chapters 7, 11, or 13
- Prepare and file bankruptcy petitions, schedules, and financial disclosures
- Represent clients in bankruptcy court, creditor meetings, and hearings
- Negotiate settlements or repayment plans with creditors and trustees
- Conduct legal research and stay current on changes in bankruptcy law
- Manage case timelines, documentation, and court deadlines
- Protect client assets through exemptions and legal strategies
- Guide clients on post-bankruptcy financial and legal compliance
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of U.S. Bankruptcy Code and federal court procedures
- Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills
- Proficiency in bankruptcy filing software and court electronic systems (e.g., PACER, CM/ECF)
Soft skills
- Empathy and discretion when dealing with sensitive financial matters
- Excellent negotiation and advocacy abilities
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills
- Clear, client-focused communication
Educational requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Active license to practice law in the state of employment
- Admission to federal bankruptcy court required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in bankruptcy law or financial litigation
- Clerkship experience with a bankruptcy judge or trustee
- Familiarity with corporate insolvency, restructuring, or foreclosure defense
- Membership in the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) or local bar committees
- Dual experience in creditor and debtor representation
National Average Salary
Bankruptcy attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Bankruptcy Attorney is:
$103,566
Sample Job Description Templates for Bankruptcy Attorneys
Associate Bankruptcy Attorney
Position Overview
An associate bankruptcy attorney supports senior counsel by managing case files, conducting legal research, and preparing filings for clients seeking relief under Chapters 7, 11, or 13. This junior-level position provides critical assistance in managing deadlines and supporting court appearances.
Associate Bankruptcy Attorney Responsibilities
- Draft petitions, schedules, and financial disclosures for bankruptcy filings
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on bankruptcy code and case law
- Communicate with clients to gather documentation and provide updates
- Prepare motions, adversary proceeding pleadings, and court filings
- Attend creditor meetings and assist in court proceedings under supervision
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with U.S. Bankruptcy Code and federal court filing procedures
- Strong legal writing and research abilities
- Proficiency with PACER, CM/ECF, and bankruptcy software platforms
Soft skills
- Client-focused and detail-oriented
- Eager to learn and take feedback from senior attorneys
- Strong organizational and deadline-management skills
Educational requirements
- JD from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Licensed to practice law in the relevant state
- Federal court admission preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of bankruptcy or general litigation experience
- Exposure to Chapter 7, 11, or 13 filings in a clerkship or internship
Senior Bankruptcy Attorney
Position Overview
A senior bankruptcy attorney leads complex bankruptcy cases and oversees legal strategy for clients. This role includes direct client representation, team supervision, and court appearances for hearings, adversary matters, and plan confirmations.
Senior Bankruptcy Attorney Responsibilities
- Manage and strategize bankruptcy cases for individual and corporate clients
- Represent clients in court, including confirmation hearings and contested matters
- Oversee drafting of petitions, motions, and litigation documents
- Negotiate with creditors, trustees, and opposing counsel
- Supervise associates and paralegals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of bankruptcy litigation, plan confirmation, and trustee negotiations
- Skilled in legal strategy, courtroom advocacy, and complex filings
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentorship capabilities
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure
Educational requirements
- JD from an accredited institution
Certifications
- Active bar license; federal bankruptcy court admission required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience handling Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases
- Experience managing multi-attorney case teams or bankruptcy portfolios
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
Position Overview
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney represents debtors in liquidation cases, ensuring proper exemption application and compliance with filing standards. They guide clients through financial disclosures and trustee interactions.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Responsibilities
- Prepare and file Chapter 7 petitions and asset disclosures
- Identify applicable exemptions and maximize asset protection
- Represent clients in 341 meetings and court hearings
- Communicate with trustees, creditors, and clients throughout the process
- Advise clients on post-discharge compliance and credit rebuilding
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in Chapter 7 filing requirements and asset exemption laws
- Proficiency in PACER and bankruptcy form preparation
Soft skills
- Compassionate communication with distressed clients
- Attention to accuracy and legal compliance
Educational requirements
- JD degree from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Bar admission and federal court certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Familiarity with both consumer and small business bankruptcies
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Attorney
Position Overview
A Chapter 11 bankruptcy attorney represents businesses or high-net-worth individuals in complex debt reorganizations. This role involves financial analysis, creditor negotiations, and plan structuring.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Attorney Responsibilities
- Develop reorganization plans for corporate clients and oversee confirmation process
- Draft motions, disclosure statements, and restructuring agreements
- Represent clients in court proceedings and negotiations with creditors
- Coordinate with accountants and financial advisors for plan modeling
- Advise on DIP financing, automatic stays, and operational restructuring
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of Chapter 11 procedure and business reorganization strategy
- Skilled in commercial litigation and financial restructuring law
Soft skills
- High-level client and stakeholder communication
- Analytical and creative legal problem-solving
Educational requirements
- JD from an accredited institution
Certifications
- State bar license; federal court admission required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of Chapter 11-specific experience
- Background in business or finance law
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney
Position Overview
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney represents individual debtors in wage-earner repayment plans. This role involves court representation, trustee negotiations, and financial plan development.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Responsibilities
- Assess eligibility and draft Chapter 13 repayment plans
- Submit petitions and supporting financial schedules
- Represent clients at 341 meetings and confirmation hearings
- Negotiate with creditors and trustees to resolve objections
- Modify plans as needed due to client financial changes
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth understanding of Chapter 13 rules and plan modeling
- Familiarity with bankruptcy form software and court procedures
Soft skills
- Empathy and discretion in client interactions
- Diligence in financial detail review
Educational requirements
- JD degree
Certifications
- Bar admission in applicable jurisdiction
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of Chapter 13 representation experience
- Familiarity with local court trustees and procedures
Contract Bankruptcy Attorney
Position Overview
A contract bankruptcy attorney provides temporary or project-based legal support for firms handling high-volume bankruptcy filings or litigation. This attorney may work remotely or on-site, contributing to filings and hearings as needed.
Contract Bankruptcy Attorney Responsibilities
- Draft and file petitions, motions, and case documents
- Assist with hearings, depositions, and creditor correspondence
- Support discovery and trial prep in adversary proceedings
- Conduct legal research on evolving bankruptcy standards
- Coordinate with internal teams on short-term legal tasks
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong filing, research, and case analysis skills
- Competent in remote systems and bankruptcy software
Soft skills
- Adaptable and deadline-oriented
- Professional communication and responsiveness
Educational requirements
- JD degree
Certifications
- Bar admission in relevant state; federal court access preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience as a contract or remote attorney
- Availability for high-volume or expedited filings
Bankruptcy Litigation Attorney
Position Overview
A bankruptcy litigation attorney handles contested matters such as creditor objections, fraud allegations, and adversary proceedings within bankruptcy court. This role requires advanced litigation skills and bankruptcy code expertise.
Bankruptcy Litigation Attorney Responsibilities
- Represent clients in adversary proceedings, trials, and appeals
- Draft motions to dismiss, relief from stay requests, and objections
- Litigate claims of fraud, preference, or dischargeability
- Conduct discovery, depositions, and courtroom examinations
- Advise on litigation strategy within bankruptcy proceedings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of bankruptcy litigation and procedural rules
- Trial experience in bankruptcy or federal court
Soft skills
- Persuasive legal advocacy and case strategy development
- Resilient under high-stakes legal pressure
Educational requirements
- JD from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Licensed attorney in good standing; federal court admission required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of bankruptcy litigation experience
- Experience with creditor representation or trustee litigation