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Donald R. Calaiaro

Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney at Pittsburgh, PA

4.7   13 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
(412) 515-3906
Message Website
  • Licensed for 44 years
    State PA
    Acquired 1978
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Highly knowledgeable. Honest. Kind.
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Professional. Tough. Honest. Kind.
Kathy
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Donald

Learn Donald’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Chapter 11 bankruptcy
    40%

    45 years, 900 cases

  2. Chapter 13 bankruptcy
    20%

    45 years, 6 cases

  3. Bankruptcy and debt
    10%

  4. Chapter 7 bankruptcy
    10%

    45 years, 4,000 cases

  5. Foreclosure
    10%

    45 years, 800 cases

  6. Litigation
    10%

    45 years, 550 cases

BOARD CERTIFIED BANKRUPTCY SPECIALIST FIGHTING FOR YOU - CALL TODAY

Donald R. Calaiaro has qualifications that are not equaled in Western Pennsylvania. He is a former Chapter 13 Trustee and a former Chapter 7 Trustee. He is one of only a few lawyers in the United States with a dual certification by the American Board of Certification as a Specialist in both Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Business Bankruptcy Law.

In practice since 1978, he focuses his practice on representing debtors in bankruptcy, mortgage foreclosure defenses, unfair debt collection litigation, and other debtor’s rights cases. He is known for his aggressive and dedicated representation of his clients, which include consumers, small businesses, contractors, retailers, restaurateurs, and professionals.

Donald R. Calaiaro is a frequent instructor and lecturer in the field of bankruptcy law through his association with the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Western Pennsylvania Debtors Bar. He has also appeared as a witness before the Pennsylvania Legislature to advocate for debtor protection laws, as well as an expert witness in bankruptcy litigation.

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Contact Donald

CALAIRO | VALENCIK
428 Forbes Avenue
Suite 900 Lawyers Building
Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
c-vlaw.com/
Message Get Directions

Reviews

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4.7 / 5.0
  13 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | March 19, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly knowledgeable. Honest. Kind.
Don Calaiaro is an excellent attorney. He listens and was easy to talk to. Explained everything that pertained to our case in an easy to understand manner. He was very thorough and exceptionally knowledgeable. He's truly an asset to those who need his services.
Posted by Kathy | April 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional. Tough. Honest. Kind.
Fantastic attorney. Fought for me and what was 'right'. Knowledgeable, helpful and a great all-around person. Kind and easy to talk with about my case. Explains issues well in easy to understand terms. On top of the case at all times. Exceptional service! Highly recommend Don Calaiaro!
Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Knowledgeable, and Personable
Donald Calaiaro was recommended to my business partner and I from another lawyer. At our initial consultation meeting, Don was able to calm the two of us and clearly lay out the entire bankruptcy process out, and what to expect. Our case had a special circumstance, in that some of our debt was owed to a local labor union. While the Union challenged that our debt was not dischargeable, Don assured us it was. The work on my partners end and I was minimal; we only supplied Don with the requested information. If we ever had a question, Don provided us with plenty of points of contact, and answered his phone when called. Don and his team were able to deliver the promised result, as we have just received notice from the Judge that all expected debt is deemed dischargeable! I would highly recommend Donald Calaiaro and his team to anybody, personal or business, that needs to explore the options behind bankruptcy. He will listen to your scenario, recommend the best course of action, and see it through!
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Posted by Juan | July 25, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best. Results. Period.
The most thorough and legally competent attorney, in the SWPA / Pittsburgh area. Honest. Upfront. Listens. The ONLY attorney I trust. Many people seem to "practice" playing a lawyer, as a way to earn an income. Donald Calaiaro actually performs, executes and fullfills his duties, as the best lawyer I've ever had represent me and my family. Well worth the upgraded premium service.
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Posted by Becky | December 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Our Super Hero
We are not sure where to begin but, we are going to start by letting you know that Don Calairo is our angel! My husband and I were going through a very difficult time, filling for chapter 7 was not something we wanted to do; however, we knew with my husband's health condition, there, was no other option. Don made the process so much easier and he did not make us feel beneath him or embarrassed in any way. He went above and beyond for our family when nobody else would, he fought for us for nobody else would! He defended the "underdogs", us, as if it was his own family! Because of you, Don, my husband was able to feel like he could contribute to his family again even though his earning capacity was taken from him. You gave us hope, you always kept fighting and we could never thank you enough for everything that you have done! You are a true blessing, our angel are super lawyer, our hero....and most of all, a valued friend! You simply are the very best! No words can Eexpress our gratitude.
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Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Chapter 11
Don tackled a complex Bk Chapter 11 case involving considerable debt, accrued over a period of ten plus years, against such heavyweight creditors as the SBA/U.S Treasury in addition to a host of smaller formidable lenders and collection agents. Don successfully navigated me through the process and achieved a reorganization plan that required minimal, if any, debt to be repaid. I can now breath much easier and get on with my life and career. Five stars are not sufficient to express my appreciation to Don and his superb staff. He deserves a 10 out of 10.
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Posted by David | May 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
My case was very complicated. I had consulted with two other attorneys who passed on my case. The second referred me to Don Calaiaro. Don agreed to meet with me for an hour which stretched into almost three hours. I went into that meeting with the weight of the world on my shoulders, I left with hope. His professional manner and obvious knowledge cut through the complicated process. Before I had left his office he had given me directions and contacts to start the process, and he filed the first of many motions. Throughout this entire process which is still ongoing, he has been able to answer my questions, and give me reassurance. His staff has been professional and extremely helpful. A lot of attorneys advertise and "talk the talk". Don walks it! He is an honest man in a profession that is confusing to those of us outside it.
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Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Chapter 11
From the initial phone call to discuss our situation Don focused on the facts of our chapter 11 case and guided us through a specific plan. His extensive background and knowledge of the Chapter 11 process immediately eased our overwhelming situation. Not only does Don bring experience he is helping us gain control, achieve our goals and live our life to the fullest. We highly recommend him.
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Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2015
Chapter 7
We highly recommend Donald Calaiaro. He has the experience and knowledge in bankruptcy law for positive resolution in the most difficult cases. After almost two decades in business, we were faced with tough decisions when we sought Don's legal consul. He exceeded our legal needs including challenges with federal audits. Don was the segue to a new beginning. We appreciated his guidance in such difficult times.
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Posted by Ruth | February 11, 2015
Great Attorney! Great Communication and fast work!
Donald R. Calaiaro is one of the best attorneys period. We were wrongly foreclosed on and it looked impossible we were actually gonna be able to have a fighting chance. Donald proved our case and won against the wrongful doing of the bank. He was super easy to contact and fast to reply throughout the process. Here is a real winner of a lawyer and one of the best P.A. has to offer!
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Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2014
Excellent Attorney
Our firm requires the expertise from many attorneys from contract negotiation to litigation. Don Calaiaro is one of the very few attorneys that has deep knowledge across a broad range of legal issues and does NOT rack up billable hours but racks up results. His success rate is first class.
Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2011
Business Bankruptcy
After years of declining sales at my business, thankfully another business owner recommended I contact Donald Calaiaro. I only wish I had found him several years earlier! After years of constantly dumping money into a failing business that was not sellable, he helped me get out all together. I NEVER thought this would happen. He helped every step of the way....we actually ended up being able to sell our buisness and we are completely out and free of the failing buisness. I would recommend that anyone going thru this type of situation contact him ASAP!!!
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Posted by Ju Juu | March 28, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Such a greedy Lawer
‘If u don’t pay I don’t do ‘ that’s what he said to me in person . How the greedy person . Not hesitate to ask the money from poor peoples who go bankrupt. He doesn’t deserve to work in the law fields. Such a shame.
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Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Senior Counsel
  • Calaiaro Valencik
  • 2014 - Present
  • Founding Partner
  • Calaiaro & Corbett, P.C.
  • 1989 - 2013
  • Standing Trustee for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • Chapter 13 Trustee
  • 1980 - 1987
  • Public Defender
  • Allegheny County Public Defenders Office
  • 1977 - 1980
  • Panel Trustee for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • Chapter 7 Trustee
  • 1975 - 1989
  • Attorney
  • Western District Of Pennsylvania
  • 1975 - 1989
View all work experience

Education

  • Duquesne University School of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1978
  • St Francis College
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • 1974

Associations

  • American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Western Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Co-chair
  • 1991 - Present
  • Allegheny County Bar Association
  • Former Chair- Bankruptcy & Commercial Law Section
  • 1979 - Present
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1978 - Present
  • Allegheny County Bar Association, Finance Committee
  • Member
  • 1978 - Present
  • American Board of Certification
  • Trustee
  • 2013 - 2013
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • Member
  • 1998 - 1998
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1978 - 1995
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2013
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2012
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2011
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2010
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2009
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2008
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2007
  • Specialist in Business Bankruptcy Law
  • American Board of Certification
  • 1999
  • Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law
  • American Board of Certification
  • 1999
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Annual Bankruptcy Institute
  • Bankruptcy
  • 2014
  • Annual Bankruptcy Symposium
  • Bankruptcy
  • 2014
  • Bench Bar Conference
  • Bankruptcy
  • 2014

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (0)
Endorse Donald
Crystal H. Thornton-Illar headshot
Crystal Thornton-Illar
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Dai Rosenblum headshot
Dai Rosenblum
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Don has an encyclopedic knowledge of bankruptcy law, but he is no ivory tower academic. He understands the practicalities and nuances of business. There is no lawyer more tenacious than Don in a legal battle. I recommend him to anyone contemplating filing bankruptcy without reservation."
Scott M. Hare headshot
Scott Hare
Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney | Oct 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Don is an extremely knowledgeable and capable bankruptcy attorney, and is very diligent, energetic and creative. I have had cases both with and against Don, and I have referred many clients to him, always to good result. He is particularly gifted at finding solutions to very difficult problems and getting good results in difficult cases. Most highly recommended."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Pittsburgh Chapter 11 bankruptcy Lawyer Donald R. Calaiaro
Donald R. Calaiaro
Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney
Pittsburgh, PA
Licensed for 44 years
Virtual consultation available
(412) 515-3906 Message Website