Richard Croak

Richard Croak

4.4
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 50 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Albany, NY
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Foreclosure

314 Great Oaks Blvd., Albany, NY

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2017
See Details

About Richard

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 80%

I first practiced bankruptcy with legal services and then I worked for the department of Justice. I have run a bankruptcy law fim since 1994 specializing in consumer and small business work.

39 years | 4,500 cases

80%
Foreclosure 20%

Currently one of every six home owners are having trouble. I have been building a defense to foreclosure over the last several years. I am very interested in helping those who find themselves in need of counsel.

24 years | 300 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 50 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1976

Disbarred

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2017

Location

Richard Croak & Associates

314 Great Oaks Blvd., Albany, NY, 12203

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Richard Croak's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

13 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (13) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by FL | August 02, 2012 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Small Business Owner in Kinderhook, New York

A few years ago, I found myself in the unfortunate situation to have to seek bankruptcy protection, first for my business and not long after that followed by personal bankruptcy. After having spoken with two or three bankruptcy lawyers, whose approach was one that made me even more uncomfortable than... I already was, I picked an ad from the Yellow Pages that stated "There is life after debt". The first thing that struck me about Mr. Croak during our initial meeting was his ability to make his client comfortable in an extremely uncomfortable situation. His approach was exceptionally professional but personable at the same time. Mr. Croak made the process clear for a lay person. After I decided to hire Mr. Croak the process was, though agonizing, executed in a way that deserves my utmost respect. The major creditor in the business bankruptcy was the same creditor in the personal bankruptcy and in both case they brought in hostile attorneys. To this day, I am in awe of Mr. Croak's ability to counter several unjust occurrences with extreme poise. His knowledge of the bankruptcy laws and procedures are apparent in his approach. Both cases were discharged after which I was able to reconstruct both my business as well as personal life. I highly recommend Mr. Croak

Posted by Tony | April 25, 2012 | Debt & Lending Agreements

Like a great teacher, Guides you on path to figure things out

Richard Croak has a way of leading you to the right answer by asking you the right questions. He is intelligent, caring, and knowledgeable. He helped me realize what my options were on an old negative amortization mortgage loan, and led me to how to figure out expected reset payments amounts which op...ened and corrected my mind on teh subject. Thank you Richard!

Posted by Bill | September 09, 2009 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Great attorney very knowledgeable.

Great attorney very knowledgeable. Had seen several lawyers before him was told I could not file for bankruptcy. But he was able to overcome all the problems I had in just two weeks. Would never use anyone else.

See All Client Reviews

Richard Croak's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Lawrence Ganje headshot
David Ganje

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"With more than 25 years of experience, Richard is a very knowledgeable attorney specializing in bankruptcy law in Upstate New York. Richard studies the law and cares about the welfare of his clients and guides them through the bankruptcy process from start to finish. He maintains a current knowledge base in the ever changing bankruptcy laws. I have referred clients to him."

Theodore Lyons Araujo headshot
Theodore Araujo

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard is one of the most experienced, resolute and able Bankruptcy attorneys in New York State. A Dean of the Bar, Richard and I practice in the same Northern District of New York, but in different Courts. I refer cases to him often when they are outside my geographic area and would send family and friends to him without hesitation. A true student of the law. A Professional. Look no further in the Alabany area."

View All Endorsements
Thomas E. Lamb headshot
Thomas Lamb

General practice lawyer

David Lawrence Ganje headshot
David Ganje

Commercial real estate lawyer

Stephen Talbot Rodriguez headshot
Stephen Rodriguez

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

James Everett Doern headshot
James Doern

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Guy J. Criscione headshot
Guy Criscione

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2017.

Disbarment issued in NY, 2017

updated on 06/19/2018

Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court to understand the reasons for disbarment.

Suspension issued in NY, 2017

updated on 09/08/2021

Suspended means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Stayed Suspension issued in NY, 2000

updated on 07/22/2016

Stayed suspension means the attorney has been suspended, but that the suspension is placed on hold (and ultimately removed) if the attorney complies with certain requirements.

Honors

2014

Business Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification

2014

Consumer Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification

2006

President's Pro Bono Service Award, New York State Bar Association

2005

Private Attorney Involvement Program, Legal Aid Society

1995

Consumer Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification

1994

Business Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification

Work Experience

1994 - Present

Managing Partner, Richard Croak And Associates NY

1988 - 1994

Office Head, United States Dept. of Justice

Associations

2011 - Present

Capital District Bankruptcy Bar Association

Board of Directors

2000 - Present

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member

2000 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

American Bankruptcy Institute

Member

Education

1976

Brooklyn Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2011

Dealing With Residential Foreclosure

Foreclosure

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2017
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution