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.
4.9 /5.0
107 Client Reviews
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
PRO
Dawn Marie Cutaia
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Dawn
Biography
If you are thinking about bankruptcy, you might be nervous, scared, or embarrassed. All of those are perfectly natural feelings, but please know that I truly care about all my clients and there will be no judgment with me. I fully understand that people file bankruptcy for all sorts of reasons, from job loss, medical bills, and divorce, to name just a few. Sometimes it is because someone just isn't great with money - and that is OK too! :)
I will be sure to go over all of your options with you, including non-bankruptcy options. I will take my time to explain everything to you so you feel comfortable with any decision you make. I have been told on more than a few occasions that I make filing for bankruptcy fun. So try not to stress and give me a call. The consultation is free and I promise you that you will feel so much better after we talk.
My firm is small, and the lawyers I work with all take pride in being extremely responsive to our clients. You won't be leaving messages, waiting days for someone to get back to you. We know that having a legal issue can be very stressful and when you have a question, you want an answer quickly.
Background: Dawn was born in Queens, New York, and admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1996. She received her associate's degree in 1991 from Westchester Community College in Valhalla, NY, her Bachelor of Science degree in 1993 from Barry University in Miami, Florida, graduating summa cum laude, and her law degree in 1996 from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Dawn has practiced a wide variety of law since being admitted to the bar in 1996, including criminal defense, family law, and bankruptcy. Dawn currently concentrates her practice in the areas of consumer bankruptcy. Dawn has been invovled with the Middle District Bankruptcy Bar Association for many years, including serving on the board.
Bankruptcy: Dawn handles both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, as well as assisting clients with negotiating with creditors when bankruptcy is not an option or not the option clients wish to pursue. Dawn assists clients with mortgage foreclosures, loan modifications, and the defense of lawsuits by credit card companies and other creditors. Dawn has been practicing bankruptcy law since she became an attorney in 1996.
Dawn is a regular speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Middle District Bankruptcy Bar Association, where she develops courses and teaches other lawyers about technology, bankruptcy, ethics, and criminal defense. Dawn is a former president of the Middle District Bankruptcy Bar Association and currently serves as a board member and co-chair of the Technology and Website Committee.
Dawn was awarded the York County Bar Foundation's Pro Bono Award several times throughout her career and is committed to assisting indigent clients whenever possible.
Dawn's hobbies include cycling, running, photography, quilting and sewing, and hanging out with her dog, Foxy.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
25%
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
25%
Debt Collection
25%
Debt Settlement
25%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Licenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 29 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Fresh Start Law, PLLC
(717) 297-7556
Mobile
1701 W Market Street, York, PA, 17404
freshstartyork.com/Gallery
Dawn Marie Cutaia's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 97 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Anthony | May 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The BEST Lawyer anyone can hire!
Testimonial for Dawn Marie Cutaia Over the past five years, Dawn Marie Cutaia has consistently proven herself to be a top-level legal counsel for me. Her communication style is calm, clear, and compassionate—instantly putting you at ease and giving you peace of mind. Dawn doesn't sugarcoat anythin...
Dawn Cutaia
Replied last May 28, 2025Anthony - Thank you so much for the trust you placed in me five years ago when you first hired me. I am glad we were able to get everything worked out and as you know - I am here for you if you need me in the future :) Good luck and enjoy your fresh start - you deserve it! - Dawn
Posted by diamond jones | November 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
THANK YOU!!
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding service I received from my bankruptcy lawyer, Ms.cutaia. From the very first consultation, it was clear that I was in capable hands, and her professionalism, empathy, and expertise made all the difference during a challengi...
Dawn Cutaia
Replied last December 18, 2024Diamond - it was truly my pleasure to help you with your case! Enjoy your fresh start - you deserve it. :) I'm excited for this next chapter in your life now that you have finished school. Thank you for taking time to write a review - I truly appreciate it. - Dawn
Posted by Anna | November 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highest recommendation
Dawn was amazing and easy to work with. I had so many questions but she never got frustrated or seemed agitated by them, even if it was something I had already asked. She spent countless hours revisit everything with me to see what my best options were. I’m so thankful for all she has done and highly...
Posted by Jermaine | October 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
You can't go wrong with the best!
There should be a ten star rating system. She would get all 10 from me. Very pleased with her services.
Dawn Cutaia
Replied last November 18, 2025Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! It means so much to me that I was able to help you through the process. Enjoy your fresh start and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. - Dawn
Posted by Tony | September 22, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Best Bankruptcy Lawyer there is!
Dawn and her team were absolutely wonderful! She answered all my questions and went above and beyond before, during and now after my bankruptcy discharge. She truly saved me a lot of grief and money!
Dawn Marie Cutaia's Lawyer Endorsements
"Dawn is an excellent, caring attorney who has been successfully helping clients for over 20 years. I strongly recommend her."
"Dawn is a sharp and caring advocate. She knows her stuff and cares about helping her clients."
"A caring attorney and strong advocate"
"I have known Dawn professionally for several years, and I have seen her work in trial several times. She fights for every client and has a real passion for her work."
"I regularly refer clients in need of criminal defense and bankruptcy help to Attorney Cutaia. She is highly knowledgeable and effective in both of these areas of the law. Moreover, she is wholly committed to her clients and passionately represents their interests. I strongly recommend her."
"Dawn Cutaia has handled some complex criminal cases, and she is always willing to fight tooth and nail to get the best result for her clients."
Carlo Sabatini
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Carolyn Pugh
Adoption lawyer
Gillian Woodward
Estate planning lawyer
Alexis Swope
Family lawyer
Penny Ayers
Family lawyer
Peter Vaughn
Litigation lawyer
Jason Schibinger
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Barbie Lieber
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Steven Carr
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Suzanne Smith
Criminal defense lawyer
Matthew McClenahen
Criminal defense lawyer
Craig Milsten
Car accident lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Attorney/Partner, Pugh & Cutaia, PLLC
2011 - 2018
Owner/Attorney, Cutaia Law, LLC
Associations
2008 - Present
Middle District Bankruptcy Bar AssociationMember
2018 - 2021
Middle District Bankruptcy Bar AssociationMember, Board of Directors
Education
1996
Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2021
MDBBA 2021 Annual Conference
When Debtors Move
2018
2018 Criminal Law Symposium
Opening Statements and Voir Dire in Criminal Trials
2018
2018 Criminal Law Symposium
Technology and Ethics in the Practice of law
2017
2017 MDDBA Conference
How Technology can Help your Practice of Law
2016
2016 Elder Law Symposium
Technology and the Practice of Law
2014
19th Annual Bankruptcy Institute
Ethics and Fun
2013
MDBBA Bankruptcy Conference
Intro to Bankruptcy for New Lawyers
2012
2012 Bankruptcy Symposium
Bankruptcy Update
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I need help on finding out on how to get my discovery packet and looking at it?
18 Dec 2024
Q&A
How would I go about taking legal action against a company for not paying out a refund even though I fit the criteria?
16 Dec 2024
Q&A
Rights for assets being held in Joint Tenancy
15 Dec 2024