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Although I started in Security Law, I found my passion practicing bankruptcy. My interest was heightened after 9/11 and I wanted to help businesses filling for bankruptcy that were effected by this tragedy. I like being a boutique firm in order to focus more on litigation recently including discharging student loan debt. I volunteered at the Wounded Warrior Project, Legal Aid Society, and Rutgers Pro-Bono. I enjoy travel and hiking as well and have a goal of climbing every major mountain range in the world.
3
Practice Areas
23 years | 2,000 cases
23 years | 75 cases
16 years | 20 cases
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$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: New Jersey
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, NY, 10174
24 Commerce Street, Suite 530, Newark, NJ, 07102
23 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Recommendation
Posted by Michele | February 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Michele DeGroot
I am so grateful I was referred to Michelle and her staff. Guided me through the process of Bankruptcy, with knowledge, patience and understanding. The steps of guidance gave me confidence. I recommend her firm to anyone who needs to go through this process.
Posted by Kenisha Rose | August 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Good job
It was a great pleasure working with Michelle I can recommend her at any time .she works very hard to help you get through with all your Bankruptcy needs.
Posted by Lisa | January 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Became my worst enemy, didn't do anything promised
1) Very condescending and arrogant 2) Lies 3) Clients are faced with overwhelming family discussions and claims clients are “victims” when they aren’t satisfied with outcomes 4) Doesn’t return calls timely 5) Forgetful about details of case 6) Makes promises and then doesn’t keep them 7) Full...
Posted by Ms. D | September 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Education
A Damsel in Distress
Before Michelle, I could not see my way out of receiving my degree. After all the school put me through I felt so helpless. I explained to Michelle my situation and I was scared that she wouldn't take my case or either assist me with my problem on receiving my bachelor's degree. Time went by and I r...
Posted by anonymous | March 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney
A Blessing
Michelle was honestly a blessing. She was consistent throughout my entire experience with her and laid out several different options that would be possible for my personal situation. Being young, I was confused by a few things and she was more than willing to take the extra time to really break thing...
"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle and I sparred on several bankruptcy matters (I represented the banks at that time) and I always found her to be an extremely well-prepared and knowledgable and persistent opponent. She is respected throughout the bankruptcy community."
"Michelle is truly a lawyer who goes the extra mile for her clients. Not only does she expertly perform the essential service of representing someone in a bankruptcy case, she is the rare lawyer who follows-up to be sure the credit report has been properly updated and that creditors are not continuing to attempt collection after the discharge as some are known to do. She relates well to her clients and is well respected by other lawyers in her field."
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
2010 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Michelle Labayen
2008 - 2010
Partner, Lutzky & Labayen, LLP
2005 - 2008
Managing Attorney of NYC, Law Office of Macey and Aleman NYC
2003 - 2005
Bankruptcy Associate, Law Office of Charles Juntikka NYC
2004 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
2004 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
New Jersey Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
Settlement
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Settlement
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
English
Spanish