Joseph Haddad

Let's face it, you're only looking for a lawyer because something went wrong in your personal life or your business. You're not here on your best day. I'll be the first to admit how intimidating it can be to hire a lawyer. I try to minimize your anxiety, stress, and fears by being transparent about the process.

While deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Army, I had a commander that was fond of a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt: "speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." I strive to embody the essence of that phrase in my practice. Unlike other attorneys, my first instinct is to reach out to the adverse party and try to negotiate a resolution. I believe a collaborative approach will usually produce the most favorable outcome for my clients, with the added perks of saving you time, stress, and money. When the situation calls for a more aggressive approach, I am confident that I carry the skills, knowledge, and tools to fight for you.

Before I discuss my qualifications, I first wanted to share my philosphy on practicing law because not every client wants a collegial lawyer. Some people want an attorney that is hostile from day one, which isn't me. I can be a fierce advocate without resorting to petty antics. My job as your attorney is to understand your goals, assess your situation, research the law, and develop strategies to help you navigate the challenges you are facing. I am here to advocate for you in a way that best accomplishes your goals while minimizing the impact your legal troubles have on your daily life.

I am a senior associate at Seiller Waterman LLC with a multi-faceted practice that is primarily focused on: :

• Financial Restructuring and Insolvency
• Bankruptcy (primarily representing debtors in Chapters 7, 11, and 12)
• Veterans Rights (primarily VA disability denials)
• Business Litigation
• Business Formation and Structure 

My experience includes representing both business and individual debtors, trustees, and financial institutions in out-of-court workouts, bankruptcy proceedings and other types of legal proceedings.  Past and current clients  come from a variety of industries ranging from health care supply and hemp/CBD oil production to tile manufacturing and dairy farming.

I have significant experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in all types of bankruptcy and insolvency contested matters and adversary proceedings, including avoidance litigation, fraud, discharge proceedings, automatic stay relief, preferences, collection proceedings, and other insolvency actions. I strive to provide strategic guidance and creative solutions in all types of bankruptcy and insolvency matters.

I am also experienced outside of bankruptcy with all phases of civil litigation from inception through resolution, handling matters in  federal court at the trial and appellate levels. 

Lastly, I am a Deptartment of Veterans Affairs Accredited Attorney that assists Veterans appeal unfavorable decisions or denials of the claims for disability compensation. I  help Veterans obtain the compensation to which they are entitled: I will represent you during a Higher Level Review, advocating for you at the Board of Veterans Appeal, or even appealing to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Prior to joining Seiller Waterman, I was a staff attorney for the Honorable Thomas H. Fulton, Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Kentucly. I graduated cum laude from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.  I am a U.S. Army combat veteran that served in Iraq.