Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
71 Client Reviews
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Richard N. Gottlieb
also known as Law Offices of Richard N. Gottlieb
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About Richard
Biography
I've been a practicing attorney for more than 36 years now. I graduated from the New England School of Law in Boston with my Juris Doctor cum laude and went on to receive my Master of Laws and Letters in American banking Law Studies from Boston University School of Law. I worked for the FDIC as thier primary bankruptcy counsel in the New England area for about 6-1/2 years from 1990 to 1996. In 1995 I received dual Board Certification from the American Bankruptcy Board of Certification (now the American Board of Certification) in both Consumer and Business Bankruptcy Law as separate disciplines. I have been re-certified by the ABC in 2000, 2005 and 2010 since my original certification. I have operated my own boutique law practice since June of 1996 in the Metro-Boston Area representing, Debtors, Creditors and Trustees in Bankruptcy. I have also served as adjunct factulty in courses on Bankruptcy law at Bently University, New England School of Law and Northeastern University Law School, as well as giving seminars on bankruptcy law to Massachusetts District Court Judges and Massachusetts Probate and family Court Judges. Very rencently, I was voted one of the 2023 Lawyers of the Year by the Editorial Board of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, for my work in obtaining a direct appeal to the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals and successfully overturning an adverse bankruptcy court decision that an Internet Payday Lender sponsored by an Indian Tribe was not entitled to claim sovereign immunity from liability arising from a violation of the Automatic Stay and then successully defended that First Circuit decision before the United States Supreme Court in an 8-1 decision.
One of the nicest things that my colleagues and clients have repeatedly told me (and others) is that my approach to bankruptcy practice is very "creative" and that I am able to look at problems using a very much "outside the box" approach, so that even where a client has "dug themselves a hole", I am able to salvage their situation so as to protect their practical interests, not just their technical legal rights. I take great pride in coming up with practical solutions to difficult issues that push the envelope of what is possible, even using something as complex as the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Specializing in Bankruptcy and Related Litigation
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is the most powerful of consumer protections, but not a field for amateurs.
Not all problems require bankruptcy solutions alone; sometimes remedies call for creativity
Chapter 11 is the most complex form of bankruptcy protection available to businesses and consumers. Now, Congress has made changes that further help the Small Business owner!
Chapter 7 may be the most utilized form of bankruptcy, but it's not appropriate for everyone's needs
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
25%
38 years | 2,500 cases
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
25%
38 years | 500 cases
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
25%
38 years | 750 cases
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
25%
38 years | 1,200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 175-450 per hour
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Awards
2022 2021 2017
...
+
1
2020 2019 2018
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 39 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 37 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Licensed in Colorado for 38 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Richard N. Gottlieb
(617) 742-5188
Fax
(617) 485-0535
Mobile
Ten Tremont Street, Suite 11, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02108
rngbankruptcy.com/Gallery
Richard N. Gottlieb's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Bankruptcy & Debt (38)
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (8)
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (7)
Foreclosure (5)
Debt Settlement (4)
Lawsuits & Disputes (4)
Business (2)
Real Estate (2)
Consumer Protection (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Criminal Defense (1)
Debt & Lending Agreements (1)
Elder Law (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Litigation (1)
Tax (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Kathleen | August 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Best Bankruptcy Attorney in Mass
When I found myself in debt for over $30,000 I did not know where to turn. A friend recommended that I contact Bankruptcy Attorney Richard Gotlieb which I did. I met with him, explained my situation, and he took me on as a client. We walked me thru every step of the process and explained everythi...
Posted by Larissa | September 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Eloquent Jewel
I was drowning in debt and was searching for the best attorney to help me. When I came in for my initial consultation, I knew right then and there that I have found one and that I need to look no further. My initial feeling did not fail. Richard did, in fact, turn out to be best of the best. He t...
Posted by Nick | December 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Extremely easy to work with!
Richard made this entire process extremely easy to understand. He was very patient and understanding regarding any questions, making this very stressful time in my life that much easier. I would highly recommend anyone considering such an avenue to speak to him as he will help you understand if it wo...
Posted by Brian | December 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Best decision I could have made!
Rick was an absolute godsend to me. Not only did he walk me through the ABC’s of how a Ch.13 case works, he genuinely cared that I understood everything each step of the way. I had a lot of questions and some doubts about even going through with the case, and Rick was honest about everything that I w...
Posted by Allen | August 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
A+ Rating Bankruptcy Attorney
Atty. Gottlieb came highly recommended by a close friend of mine and he did not disappoint. My case was not an easy one as dealing with student loans in a bankruptcy situation most say is a no win situation, however Atty. Gottlieb is verse on the bankruptcy laws and especially with regard to the laws...
Richard N. Gottlieb's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Richard for almost 30 years and consider an outstanding bankruptcy attorney. He is amongst one of the most creative attorneys in the bankruptcy bar. When I have an issue and I want a fresh and creative perspective, Richard is someone I turn to."
"I endorse this lawyer. Long career; great experience; none better. I have sent matters to Rick and used his advice with great success."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and generously shares excellent Legal advice on this Forum Further he has provided a wealth of valuable insight and practical consul. I would not hesitate to refer a client to him and trust in his Legal instincts"
"Attorney Gottlieb is hard-working and always dedicated to his clients' success. I endorse him without hesitation."
"I have had the pleasure of working opposite Attorney Gottlieb on several bankruptcy matters, and I always know I can count on him to advocate strongly for his clients, diligently fighting for their rights, while remaining respectful and pleasant to his opposition. I highly recommend Attorney Gottlieb to anyone in need of representation in bankruptcy or debt-related matters."
"Richard is currently representing and defending clients of mine in a commercial suit commenced in Massachusetts in connection with the purchase and sale of accounts receivable. It is my pleasure to endorse Richard. He is extremely thorough, intelligent and responsive and has great experience in both commercial and personal debt matters and litigations. I am enjoying working with him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Richard."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Christopher Earley
Personal injury lawyer
Kenneth DeMoura
Litigation lawyer
Danielle Callahan Gill
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Alex Hess
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Top 3 Bankruptcy Lawyers in Boston, Three Best Rated®
2016
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Business Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification
2010
Consumer Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification
2005
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1986
Amercian Jurisprudence Prize in Family Law,, New England School of Law
Work Experience
1996 - Present
Principal Attorney, Law Offices of Richard N. Gottlieb
1990 - 1996
Senior Attorney, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
1988 - 1990
Associate, Schreiber & Associates
1986 - 1986
Legal Intern, Massachusetts Superior Court
Associations
1995 - Present
American Bankruptcy Board of CertificationBoard-Certified Specialist
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Coughlin (sub nom Coughlin v. Niiwin, LLC, et al.), 33 F.4th 600 (1st Cir., 2022)
Successfully obtained reversal of adverse Bankruptcy Court decision by Direct Appeal to U.S. Court of Appeals for First Circuit
In re John S. Ng, Chapter 7, Case No.20-12273-FJB, Adv. Pro. No. 21-01013 (11/3/2021 and 3/25/2022)
Successfully prevented creditor from obtaining exception or revocation of discharge twice.
In re Daisymae Deleveaux, ______ B.R. _______, Chapter 13, Case No. 16-13966-MSH (February 1, 2019)
Bank forced to pay legal fees of $16, 200.00, Debtor's Objection to Bank's mortgage claim sustained, Court finds prior Loan Modification is in full force and effect.
In re Muller Victor, ____________B.R. ____________, Chapter 7, Case No. 17-11060-MSH (November 21, 2017)
Creditor's Motion to Dismiss Denied
In re Mark Reinhold, Chapter 7, Case No. 15-10976-FJB
Motion to Dismiss Denied; Holding in Debtor's favor
In re Christian Nealon, Nealon v. Mathews (In re Christian Nealon), BAP NO. MW 15-035, ____BR____, (1st. Cir. BAP, 2016)
Successfully defended homestead exemption; Client retain interest in entirety of home
Lawrence v. Osula (In re Osula), 519 B.R. 361 (Bankr. D. Mass., 2014)
Client obtained non-dischargeability Judgment for $62,000
Bellas Pavers, LLC v. Stewart, (In re Stewart), _____B.R._____, Slip Copy 2012 WL 292440 (1st Cir. BAP, 2012)
Decision for Client; Affirmed on Appeal
In re Ladevereaux, Slip Copy, 2006 WL 549239 (Bkrtcy.D.Mass., March 6, 2006)
Decision for Client
Education
1990
Boston University School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1986
New England School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2010
Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights
Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights
2009
Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights
Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights
2008
Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights
Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights
2006
Corporate Reorganizations in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Corporate Reorganizations in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Publications
1999
Banker & Tradesman
Profile in Commerce: Richard N. Gottlieb; Attorney Lobbies Congress on Bankruptcy Reform
1997
American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) Journal
Considering "Balloon Payment" Plan in Chapter 13 Cases
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Richard earned significant contribution points in 2022.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Anybody have handled a case against Payday lenders like withu.com operating under tribal laws ?
05 Dec 2022
Q&A
Can I go on a vacation before filing ch 13 bankruptcy ?
14 Oct 2022
Q&A
What court handles state bankruptcy in WA?
13 Oct 2022