About Brett
Who Am I? I am an honors graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law, and I've been helping people and businesses with financial problems for over 30 years. In that time I’ve represented thousands of people, helping them get back on the road to financial success.
I speak all over the country about bankruptcy, to judges, trustees and attorneys, am Maryland State Chair for the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and on the Board of Directors of the Maryland State Bar Consumer Bankruptcy Council. I have testified twice before the U.S. Congress, once on the problems credit cards cause consumers, and once about student loan issues. My friend and colleague, Daniel Press, and I recently finished a book, Chapter 11 for Individual Debtors, which has been published by LexisNexis. We teach other attorneys around the country how to handle individual Chapter 11 cases through our Chapter 11 Boot Camps. We have also recorded a 13-hour Basic Bankruptcy Training video series. n 2011, I was awarded the prestigious National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Distinguished Service Award, for my work over the past 30 years.
My Philosophy of Helping. My clients are my top priority, and I work hard to make them as comfortable as possible. I’m available many evenings, and return phone calls and e-mail messages as quickly as possible. I’ll explain the details of the law in plain terms, never complex “legalese.”Your satisfaction is my goal. It’s hard enough to go through tough financial times; I try to make it easier for you.
America’s News Media Turns to Me for My Opinion. I have received international media attention in connection with bankruptcy issues. I was interviewed by Barbara Walters on The View, appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC News with Peter Jennings, the Montel Williams Show, BBC World Service, National Public Radio, German state television, and numerous local radio and television programs, and been quoted in Money magazine, The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun, among others.
I am a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia federal and state bars, the United States Tax Court bar, the Fourth Circuit and District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals bars and the United States Supreme Court bar.
Practice areas
- Bankruptcy and debt: 40%
My practice is limited to bankruptcy and insolvency. For over 30 years, I've been helping people with debt problems get a fresh start.
36 years
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: 20%
Chapter 7 lets you wipe out your credit cards, medical bills, and other debts. Most people keep everything they own--their home, car and household goods.
36 years
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy: 20%
Representation of individuals and small businesses in Chapter 11 reorganization. Co-author of "Chapter 11 for Individual Debtors," published by LexisNexis. National lecturer on the new Small Business Reorganization Act.
36 years
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: 20%
Chapter 13 offers the ability to catch up on mortgage arrearages, taxes, and domestic support obligations over 3 - 5 years, as well as reorganize your finances, while keeping all your assets.
36 years
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
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Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC | Active | 1986 | 10/14/2017 |
| MD | Active | 1983 | 11/30/2015 |
| Legal answers | 3571 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Service Award | National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys | 2011 |
| Lewis F. Powell Medal for Excellence in Advocacy | National Moot Court Competition | 1982 |
| Morris B. Myerowitz Moot Court Award | University of Maryland School of Law | 1982 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Member | The Weiss Law Group, LLC | 2018 - Present |
| Partner | Chung & Press, LLC | 2010 - 2018 |
| Attorney | Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA | 2008 - 2010 |
| President and Managing Partner | Brett Weiss, P.C. | 1991 - 2008 |
| Associate Attorney | Adelman & Haldeman, P.A. | 1987 - 1991 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bankruptcy Law Network | Founding Member and Director | 2007 - Present |
| Maryland State Bar Association Consumer Bankruptcy Council | Board of Directors | 2006 - Present |
| Civil Justice Network | Attorney | 2005 - Present |
| National Association of Consumer Advocates | Member | 2006 - 2008 |
| Bankruptcy Bar Association of Maryland | Member and Greenbelt Assistant Chair | 2006 - 2008 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys | Maryland State Chair | 2005 - 2018 |
|---|
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) Journal | Who Gets The Money? The DIP Account, Liquidation Test and Conversion in Individual Chapter 11 Cases | 2014 |
| Lexis Nexis Publishing | Chapter 11 for Individual Debtors | 2012 |
| Maryland Bar Journal | Bankruptcy After BAPCPA | 2007 |
| Bankruptcy Law Network | 100+ Blogs on Bankruptcy Issues | N/A |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland School of Law | Juris Doctor (with honors) | 1983 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| American Bankruptcy Institute Annual Convention | The 18th Annual American Bankruptcy Institute Great Debate | 2014 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Annual Convention | Cross-Border Insolvency Issues in Consumer Bankruptcy | 2014 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Annual Convention | Estate Planning Issues in Consumer Bankruptcy | 2014 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Annual Convention | Current Issues in Chapter 11 | 2014 |
| Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute | When a Chapter 13 Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda Been a Better Chapter 11 | 2013 |
| Bankruptcy Bar Association of Maryland Annual Convention | Same-Sex Marriage Issues in Bankruptcy Cases | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Workshop | Attorney's Fees in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 | 2013 |
| American Bankruptcy Institute Webinar | You Can't Discharge Student Loans in Bankruptcy--Or Can You? | 2013 |
| 36th Annual Bankruptcy Institute | Individual Chapter 11 Cases Under Maharaj--Making Sense of the Senseless | 2013 |
| Maryland State Bar Association Annual Convention | Establishment of Purchase Money Security Interests in Personal Property | 2012 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Fall Convention | Testing the Chapter 11 and Business 13 Waters (2-day Workshop) | 2012 |
| Pro Bono Resource Center | Consumer Bankruptcy for New Practitioners | 2011 |
| Maryland State Bar Association Consumer Bankruptcy Section | Ford Motor Credit Corp. v. Roberson--Groundbreaking or Irrelevant | 2011 |
| Civil Justice Roundtable | Stern v. Marshall and Its Impact | 2011 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Fall Workshop | Brief Writing for the Busy Practitioner | 2011 |
| National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges 2010 Convention | Decisions and Dicta: The Impact of Recent Supreme Court Decisions | 2010 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys 2010 Fall Workshop | Advanced Topics in Chapter 13 Cases | 2010 |
| Trial Practice for Bankruptcy Attorneys | Trial Practice for Bankruptcy Attorneys | 2008 |
| Best Practices for Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys | Best Practices for Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys | 2008 |
| National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys 2008 Annual Convention | Individual Chapter 11 | 2008 |
| Bankruptcy Bar Association of Maryland 2008 Convention | Ethical Issues in Bankruptcy Cases | 2008 |
| Advanced Consumer Bankruptcy Institute | Chapter 11 for Individuals | 2007 |
| Advanced Consumer Bankruptcy Institute | Securitization | 2007 |
| 22nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Institute on Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice | What Lies Beneath the Surface: Frightening Issues in Chapters 7 and 13 Cases | 2007 |
| National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees 2007 Convention | Plan Modifications: Do the Trustee and Creditors Get Another Bite at the Income Apple? | 2007 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| In Re Baker, 38 B.R. 705 (Bankr.Md.1983) | A foreign debtor can file for bankruptcy in the United States |
| Hernandez v. Suburban Hospital, 319 Md. 226, 572 A.2d 144 (1990) | Assignments not dischargeable in bankruptcy |
| Bunch v. Hopkins Savings Bank, 249 B.R. 667 (Md. 2000) | A Chapter 13 filing by an heir stops a foreclosure |
| In re Tubman, 364 B.R. 574 (Md.2007) | The Court held that the automatic stay continued |
| In re Bellamy, 379 B.R. 86 (Md.2007) | Counsel fees must be paid before other creditors |
| Branigan v. Bateman, 515 F.3d. 272 (2006) | Chapter 13 Debtors were eligible to file |
|---|
The Best Attorney
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Fri Oct 23 2020
Excellent service and very down to earth attorney!
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Thu May 21 2020
Outstanding
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Sun May 17 2020
Very studious Legal mind !!
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Thu May 02 2019
Excellent Response.
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Tue Mar 13 2018
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Attorney endorsements
(21)An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.
Craig Andresen, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Feb 20, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brett has a nationwide reputation as a bankruptcy and business reorganization lawyer. I am impressed by his understanding of complex chapter 11 issues. Brett has been very kind in helping me in some projects we have worked on together. I endorse him heartily.
Chip Parker, Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney on Feb 19, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Well, Brett literally wrote the book on Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and I am fortunate to be able to seek his counsel on complex bankruptcy issues. He is always willing to share his knowledge and innovative ideas.
Jenifer Robinson, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Mar 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I enthusiastically endorse this competent, ethical and hardworking attorney.
I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.I endorse this lawyer.
Adam Ross, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on Aug 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
John O'Brien, Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney on Aug 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.
The time a lawyer spends giving back through sites like this show passion for the law and compassion for people. Kudos to you for helping others with sage advice.
Hovanes Margarian, Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney on Jul 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Misty Fields, Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney on Jun 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney.
I endorse this lawyer.
Eugene Melchionne, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jan 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brett Weiss is the consummate professional. Not only does he know what he is doing, but he is not afraid to think outside the box and try new approaches to help his clients. I endorse him heartily.
Rachel Foley, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jan 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brett is one of those guys you know from the first moment you meet him that you want him in your corner. Never underestimate Brett's common courtesy and soothing voice as being meek or timid. He is a gladiator you definitely want in your arena when battling your creditors!
Kurt O'Keefe, Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney on Jan 27, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Brett gave me the honor of reviewing his Chapter 11 bankruptcy book before publication, and I was dismayed to find nothing to correct. We have lectured together on bankruptcy panels. He is ethical, hard working, and no one is more knowledgeable.
Christine Adams, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jan 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Weiss spends time answering questions of Avvo to people in need of help. Attorney Weiss is a very skilled in bankruptcy. I often read his answers on Avvo and they are smart and compassionate. I would recommend that attorney to anyone in need of a bankruptcy.
Carolyn Krohn, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Dec 23, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brett is an excellent attorney and works very hard for his clients.
Jon Dowat, Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney on Sep 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Brett was instrumental invaluable in my Chapter 11 Bankruptcies successes. There is no practitioner more knowledgeable about the finer points of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy that Brett.
Richard Lurye, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Oct 26, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Brett Weiss. The word "endorse" seems woefully insufficient. I've known Brett for 25 years. He has helped his clients keep their homes and their dignity in the face of overwhelming financial hardship and the emotional crises that accompany such hardship. He has treated them with kindness and respect every step of the way. He is fully prepared at all times. He is a man of tremendous dignity and enormous legal knowledge. He is the model honest lawyer. If you are in financial trouble, or if you have a client in financial trouble, put Brett on the case and you will be well served.
Robert Grossbart, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jun 21, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Rustin Polk, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Oct 20, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Weiss is a member of a national bankruptcy attorney organization to which I belong. His contributions to the list are always well thought-out. He's clearly a smart guy with a lot of relevant experience. I endorse this lawyer's work and would not hesitate to recommend him.
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