Bankruptcy is its own federal practice
Bankruptcy is not an area a lawyer can dabble in. Cases are filed in federal court, which runs on its own rules, its own procedures, and its own deadlines. Experience in state courtrooms does not prepare a lawyer for it. And within the bankruptcy courts, each judge and each trustee has their own way of reading the law and running a case.
Knowing those differences, and planning your filing around them, comes only from decades of representing clients in front of them.
A filing mistake can have serious and lasting consequences. Most people who file for bankruptcy do it once in their lives. You want it done once, only once, and done right.
We work both sides of the problem
Foreclosure defense and bankruptcy are usually practiced by different firms. We do both, and that changes the answer you get. We start with the best outcome available to you, not with whichever tool a firm happens to sell. A defense can proceed knowing a Chapter 13 filing stands ready if it needs more time.
And before you agree to repay the amount the servicer says you are behind, we check the servicer’s accounting. Where the number looks overstated, we can ask the court to decide what you actually owe.
About Attorney Richard E. Sexner
Richard Sexner graduated with honors from Northwestern University, then took an unusual path through the University of Illinois: a joint degree, earning his law degree and a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations at the same time. Before he ever practiced law, he studied how working people earn their living. That is a fitting background for a practice built on protecting paychecks from garnishment and homes from foreclosure. He later completed the Harvard Business School Negotiations Program, training that gets used every time a lender has to be brought to the table.
He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, an admission relatively few attorneys ever hold. He is also admitted before the Supreme Court of Illinois and five federal district courts across three states. He is a published author on Chapter 13 bankruptcy, writing other attorneys consult when their own cases raise the question. And when the bar association needed someone to lead its Bankruptcy Committee, the lawyers chose him as Chairman.
He has been representing clients in Illinois since 1994.
The Experience Behind Your Case
For more than 30 years, Illinois families and businesses have trusted him with their fresh start.
Recognized by His Peers
- Published author on Chapter 13 bankruptcy
- Former Chairman, Bankruptcy Committee, DuPage County Bar Association — chosen by fellow lawyers to lead.
Court Admissions
- Supreme Court of the United States — a qualification few attorneys hold
- Supreme Court of the State of Illinois
- Federal courts across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin (Northern and Central Districts of Illinois; Northern District of Indiana; Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin).
Education
- Northwestern University, with honors
- University of Illinois, Joint Degree: JD and Master of Labor and Industrial Relations
- Harvard Business School — Negotiations Program
How we work with you
The consultation is free
You find out which options are open, which deadlines matter, and what a fix would cost before you spend a dollar or commit to anything.
You will know your fee before you decide
There is no guessing about the cost while you weigh your options. In Chapter 13, much of the fee can often be paid through the plan itself, so less money is needed at the start than most people expect.
Evening and Sunday appointments
Financial problems do not keep business hours, and most of our clients are working people who cannot step out for a weekday meeting.
You get straight answers
If your case has a problem, you will hear it from us first. If bankruptcy is not the right tool for your situation, we will tell you that too, and we will tell you what is.
Ask us where you stand. Call, send a message, or email; the consultation is free.
What our clients say
“I have known Richard for a number of years. Mr. Sexner is an astute attorney with tremendous integrity in all of his work. We were on the wrong side of a very unfair and unreasonable company. Mr. Sexner was able to force them to agree to great terms.
I would highly recommend him.” — R. Kreisman
“You brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy that you have accomplished this for me. From the bottom of my heart — I say ‘Thank you very much.’ I had prayed to God that he would send someone to me that would ease the pain and suffering that I had gone thru.” — Ann L.
“Thank you so, so much for helping me through one of the scariest things ever. You were really good at handling my anxiety and doubts, and you were right when you assured me that everything would work out for the best. That really helped.” — Brooke B.
“Thank you so much for your caring counsel and assistance. It was absolutely invaluable and I wouldn’t hesitate to call on you again – though I hope I never have to!” — J. Nodar
“Mr. Sexner’s extensive knowledge of law advice has helped us on numerous occasions. We would recommend him in a heartbeat.” — Carolynn M.
One conversation, no charge, and you will know where you stand
Whether it is a foreclosure, a garnishment, or debt that never goes down, the options are real and the deadlines are too. The consultation costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Free consultation • Evening and Sunday appointments