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
48 Client Reviews
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PRO
Marcus Hayes Herbert
also known as Marcus H. Herbert
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About Marcus
Biography
LITIGATION AND APPEALS The practice areas listed on this site include a pretty good explanation of what each area of practice means. However, those descriptions do not really explain that most cases do not involve trial work. Most cases are not disputed. But when a case does involve a dispute over a legal issue with the case trustee or between a creditor and the debtor, there is often a lot at stake, such as whether the debtor keeps or loses an asset, or whether a particular debt can or cannot be wiped out. Sometimes these are significant such as taxes, or student loans, or a lien on a house or automobile. When these situations arise, it is important to have an experienced bankruptcy litigator. There are a lot of lawyers that prepare bankruptcies that have little if any experience with bankruptcy trials and contested motions in court, let alone in defending a decision on appeal or taking an appeal of an adverse ruling up to the next higher court. Contested matters (litigation) and appeals involve a different skill set and the outcome often depends on whether one has an effective attorney or not.
When issues become complicated by legal challenges during a bankruptcy, most clients just continue with the original attorney. Sometimes it is that attorney that created or added to the underlying problem by not spotting an issue in advance, or by sloppy work in preparing the bankruptcy petition and supporting documents. If your case becomes a contested mess it might be a good idea to consult another attorney or bring in an outside attorney with a fresh perspective to consult with you or with you and your existing attorney for ideas about how to proceed. I have been litigating and working on bankruptcy appeals for almost all of my 28 year legal career. My most honest self asessment is that litigation and appeals are areas that I do very well in. Feel free to have your lawyer give me a call.
Helping People Throughout Western KY & Southern IL To Obtain A Fresh Financial Start! 855-812-3390
Marcus Herbert & Associates offers chapter 13 to stop foreclosures and lower total monthly payments
Marcus Herbert & Associates offers chapter 7 to stop suits, garnishments & eliminate debt
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
40%
34 years
Bankruptcy and Debt
25%
34 years
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
25%
34 years
Foreclosure
5%
34 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-350 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Licenses
Licensed in Kentucky for 26 years
State: Kentucky
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 33 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Licensed in Indiana for 33 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Marcus Herbert & Associates
(270) 443-6345
Fax
416 South Fifth St., Paducah, KY, 42002-2693
marcusherbertbankruptcy.com/Bankruptcy Advocates
(618) 549-9805
Fax
308 West Walnut, Carbondale, IL, 62901
marcusherbertbankruptcy.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Marcus online.
Marcus Hayes Herbert's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 45 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Pamela | February 4, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Honest, fair and caring
Mr. Herbert is very knowledgeable in his law expertise. He is easy to talk to, he listens and provides sound advice. His paralegal staff are just as helpful and knowledgeable. I always felt that Mr. Herbert looked out for my best interests. I gladly recommend him if you find yourself needing counsel...
Posted by Mike | September 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great experience
Mr. Herbert and his staff were very friendly and helpful with my case. They kept me informed the whole time and did an excellent job. Would recommend them for your case.
Posted by TJW | September 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Compassionate Attorney and Staff
I could not have asked for a better experience going through something so embarrassing as financial issues. Mr. Herbert and his staff are kind, caring, informative and great at keeping you up to date through the entire bankruptcy process.
Posted by Shirley | August 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Good communication and always kept u up to date
They were absolutely wonderful! I would highly recommend them. Everything was always explained to me to the fullest. Because of Covid mostly was dealt with over the phone. Most of the time I spoke with Karmelin Arant and I 'm going to miss talking to her. U couldn't ask for a nicer person to deal wit...
Posted by Michael | May 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Respected Lawyer!
The lawyer and staff was very knowledgeable and professional! Every time I interacted with them: had a question, or when they represented me they were very helpful! Great people!
Marcus Hayes Herbert's Lawyer Endorsements
"For 35 years, first as a law student in one of my classes and then in the practice of law, I have known Marcus to be an excellent Attorney. I am familiar with his appellate work and with many of his cases where he has helped small businesses and consumers. I have known him to be effective and reliable and I would trust my own legal matters with him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Herbert is a very knowledgable and effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known and practiced around Marcus for years. He has a sterling reputation and my highest respect."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I fully endorse Marcus Herbert as an excellent attorney in the area of consumer and small business bankruptcy and commercial litigation. I have known him for over four years. During this time, we have consulted on numerous legal issues ranging from the finer points of civil practice rules to discovery to trial strategy. I have also brought in my own clients to meet with Mr. Herbert to help devise joint strategies to deal with multiple legal issues the clients were having such as inheritance, divorce, personal injury, and bankruptcy. Mr. Herbert's input was invaluable. On numerous occasions I have worked with him to cover hearings in Federal Court. I can attest that Mr. Herbert is honest, hard working, has expert knowledge in his area, and is excellent at explaining things to clients in a way they can understand. I would recommend Marcuis Herbert to any of my close friends or relatives that need the types of services that he provides."
"I endorse this lawyer as Debtors' attorney for either chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy. I have practiced in the same court with him for a number of years and have found him to be conscientious, knowledgeable, and always prepared - a diligent advocate for his client."
"I heartily endorse this lawyer. Marcus is an outstanding consumer bankruptcy lawyer with excellent legal skills. He is compassionate and dedicated in representing the best interests of his clients. He is passionate about his work and sometimes cares more about the rights of his clients than they do."
Jeffery Alford
Divorce and separation lawyer
William Mueller
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Larry Lauterjung
DUI and DWI lawyer
Joe Johnson
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Darrell Dunham
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Timothy Daniels
General practice lawyer
Robert Lathram
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Leslie Peters
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
America's Most Honored Lawyers, The American Registry
2022
Top Rated Lawyer, Avvo
2022
America's Most Honored Professionals Top 10%, The American Registry
2021
America's Most Honored Lawyers, The American Registry
2021
Top Rated Lawyer, Avvo
2020
2020 Best of Paducah Award in Bankruptcy Law Practice category, Paducah Awards Program
2020
Silver Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
America's Most Honored Lawyers Top 5%, The American Registry
2018
Top-Rated Lawyer 2018 Recognized by the Legal Community, Avvo
2017
Top Rated Lawyer 2017 Recognized by the Legal Community, Avvo
2015
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
American Jurisprudence Awards for Highest Achievement in, Southern Illinois University School of Law, Carbondale
1988
Torts I, Property II, UCC II, Statutory Interpretation, & Ethics, -Southern Illinois University School of Law
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Founding partner, Bankruptcy Advocates LLP
1992 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Marcus H. Herbert
1996 - 2007
Founding Partner, Bankruptcy Clinic
1990 - 1991
Law Clerk, Honorable Judge Kenneth Meyers
Associations
2008 - Present
Bankruptcy Association of Southern Illinois
2002 - Present
NACBA National Assoc. of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
1999 - Present
Kentucky Bar Association
1992 - Present
Illinois State Bar Association
2006 - 2016
Shawnee Alliance for SeniorsM Team Advisory Board Legal Advisor
Sample of Legal Cases
ROSEBERRY v. RUSSELL SIMON, Trustee Case No. 18-01039-DRH. (Dist. S.D. Ill. 2018).
Debtors won. The District Court reversed the bankruptcy court and stated that it exceeded its authority to create such a rule.
Robinson v. Hagan, 811 F.3d 267 (7th Cir. 2016)
Debtor gets to keep her bible
In re Clark, 393 B.R. 508 (Bankr. W.D. KY 2008)
Challenge to bankruptcy failed. Debtor received discharge of this debt despite claim of fraud.
Knights Prairie Hunting Club Inc. v. Holmes, 263 Ill.App.3d 455, 636 N.E.2d 29 (Ill.App. 5 Dist. 1994)
Appellant obtained reversal from trial court ruling that had transferred possession of property used as a hunting club to one party based on a lease being deemed invalid. Appellate court ruled the lease to be valid.
Deason v. Gutzler, 251 Ill.App.3d 630, 622 N.E.2d 1276 (Ill.App. 5 Dist. 1993)
Farm Credit Bank of St. Louis v. Dorr, 250 Ill.App.3d 1, 620 N.E.2d 549 (Ill.App. 5 Dist. 1993)
Education
1992
Southern Illinois University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Harrah's Casino Employees Seminar on Getting & Improving Good Credit
Credit Scores - How to Protect and Improve them
Publications
2019
Bankruptcy advocates blog.com
A Financial Plan Explained in Less Than 140 Characters
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
We have a balance on hand of over 3k and it appears we paid off all the balances from our creditors. What happens next?
16 Nov 2023
Q&A
I have a vehicle and a credit card with navy federal but I want to keep my vehicle when filling a chapter 7 is that possible ?
17 Nov 2023
Q&A
My bank bought my home as it forclosed. I filed objection and hearing is soon. What should I do to stay in the home?
17 Nov 2023