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Richard Earl West
also known as Rick West, Richard West
About Richard
Biography
Rick West is not your typical lawyer. He knows what it’s like to be in debt, hounded by his creditors and sued for bills he could not pay. Although he always helped consumers with difficult debt problems since he started practice in 1986, he had a horrible accident in 1993 and broke his back after falling off of his rooftop. He could not work for months, and had to close his law practice while, literally, he “got back on his feet.”
As a result, he had to live on credit cards, pay his mortgage and feed his family with borrowed money. He was unable to pay his bills and – eventually – got sued by attorneys he knew. They would not work with him. They did not care about him, or his family. They wanted money he could not pay. It was devastating.
In time, Rick did get back on his feet, and was able to pay the creditors. But the experience changed him forever and he vowed to devote the rest of his professional life to helping good, hard-working people who, through no fault of theirs, could not pay their bills.
He closed his general practice, and began to specialize in debt relief. He became one of only a handful of attorneys in Ohio who are board certified in consumer bankruptcy, and he is also a certified consumer credit counselor as well as an accredited debt arbitrator and debt workout specialist, certified by the IAPDA. He is the only attorney in Ohio to hold all of these certifications. He has lectured widely to attorneys across Ohio on bankruptcy law, and has appeared on numerous television programs as a bankruptcy specialist.
Rick understands the importance of credit. His firm is the only firm in Ohio to offer – to all clients – a unique 3-Step Plan for total financial recovery. He combines his expertise as a consumer credit counselor with his extensive bankruptcy experience to help his clients get out of debt, rebuild their credit, and – after the bankruptcy is over – Rick’s firm continues to help his clients to ensure that their credit report is accurate.
Because he is also licensed to practice before the United States Tax Court, Rick can also help with consumer tax debt problems, including the “pennies on the dollar” offer-in-compromise program.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
20%
40 years | 13,000 cases
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
20%
40 years | 5,000 cases
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
20%
40 years | 8,000 cases
Debt Settlement
20%
40 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Ohio for 39 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1986
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 1994
Location
Richard West Law Office
120 W. Second St. #1501, Dayton, OH, 45402
Richard West Law Office
195 E. Central Ave, Springboro, OH, 45066
Richard West Law Office
4756 Fishburg Rd., #D, Huber Heights, OH, 45424
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Richard Earl West's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
78 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Recommendation (27)
Case Results (21)
Communication Style (18)
Practice Area Knowledge (17)
General Knowledge (15)
Professionalism (14)
Staff & Support (14)
Character & Conduct (10)
Compassion (10)
Advocacy (9)
Responsiveness (9)
Trustworthiness (8)
Cost of Services (3)
Punctuality (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Debt Settlement
Posted by Amanda | July 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Debt Settlement
The best around
Richard West helped me after my divorce. I was overwhelmed with debt from marriage/divorce. Richard helped walk me through the process ever step of the way. He was very reassuring and there if any hurdles were ran into. I finally feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I have a fr...
Richard West
Replied last July 23, 2020Thank you, Amanda. I'm glad you are doing better now, and please keep me posted on your success!
Posted by April | February 17, 2018 | Debt Settlement
Disappointed
On July 3, 2017, I contacted Mr. West’s office in regards to possible debt consolidation or bankruptcy. I truly felt and still feel at the end of my rope, barely meeting minimums. After filling out the evaluation and emailing info, I received a return email stating that he hoped to be chatting with m...
Richard West
Replied last February 17, 2018I am disappointed as well, April, that you never called my office to see if we received your emails, which I checked, and don't see. The website automated system sends out an automatic reply that states we hope to be chatting with you soon. In your case, I see no record of the email and am puzzled . . . you apparently never called the office, and then waited over seven months to post this "review" but never had any contact with me or my staff. Automated processes, websites and emails do, sometimes, get lost, misdirected, or overlooked. A phone call to our office would have put you in contact with me promptly, and I would have then had an opportunity to try to see why your communication was not addressed. If, after 7 months, you're at the end of your rope, then by all means do call the office and I'll be happy to review your situation with you, at no charge, to explain your options to you, as I have for over twenty thousand clients over the last 30 years. I'd like to help you. A simple phone call would be all it takes.
Posted by Greg | July 13, 2015 | Debt Settlement
time to exhale!!
went in expecting I was going to have to spend a zillion dollars to get a creditor off of my back. One FREE consultation resolved my problem!!
Posted by Michelle | December 09, 2014 | Debt Settlement
Excellent help when you need it most!
My family had an unexpected job loss and we found ourselves unable to handle all of our bills on a single income. We had always prided ourselves on paying bills on time and having great credit. We spoke to a couple of Attorney's but it was not until I found myself in Richard Wests office, in tears,...
Posted by Joyce | November 16, 2014 | Debt Settlement
the best financial decision I ever made.
Filing for relief of financial burdens has relieved a tremendous amount of stress and also allowed me to pay my debts at a rate that I could comfortably manage. I have managed to even have a decent savings account. which is essential for a budget that works I was able to take a wonderful vacation al...
Richard Earl West's Lawyer Endorsements
"I worked with and continue to work with Rick on many issues regarding bankruptcy. He is a great attorney to run ideas by to make sure my advise to my clients is solid. I know Rick to be extremely knowledgeable regarding chapter 7 and chapter 13 issues. I highly recommend him to anybody considering bankruptcy representation."
"Rick West is an amazing attorney. He pays attention to every detail and has a thorough knowledge of the law he practices. I would recommend Rick to anyone considering his services."
"Rick West is the man for the job. For one, Rick has been in the bankruptcy field for such a long time there is really no scenario that he has not dealt with. Second, Rick is the one attorney that I know who will spend every hour of every day for his clients. Rick strives to make sure that every case is perfect before submitted to the Courts. Rick is an excellent attorney and even better man. And I am proud to endorse Rick West. Chris Lee"
"Rick has my utmost endorsement. There are very few true 'experts' out there; Rick is part of the elite who can truly call themselves an expert. I learned everything I know about bankruptcy and debt relief from Rick. I have never witnessed, in any other attorney, the level of comfort and ease with which Rick handles his clients and his cases. Give him an easy case or the most complex set of facts, and he breezes through all issues to find the solution to any client's needs. Rick has a wide range of experience that he incorporates into his law practice. Along with Rick's many years as a general practitioner - prior to focusing on debt resolution - he also acts as a part time judge at the Franklin Municipal Court when the presiding judge has a conflict. Rick manages every consequence to every decision made with his clients. Rick is very kind and brilliant. He is a true professional. The practice of law and the community at large is very lucky to have him."
"I fully endorse Rick. When it comes to bankruptcy and debt relief, not only is Rick very experienced, but he genuinely wants to help those who are facing a difficult point in their lives. Rick has been great to work with and I highly recommend his services."
"The Right choice! Rick has a huge heart and truly cares for his clients. If I were filing bankruptcy or had a debt issue in Ohio, I would be beating down his door. Rick has an enormous amount of experience and is dedicated to being the best. He constantly strives to find the best solutions for people struggling with debt. I considered it a blessing to have Rick as a peer and a friend."
"Simply put, Rick likely has more experience in bankruptcy and debt relief than any other attorney in the region. No matter what circumstances a person may be facing, Rick has probably dealt with the same issue 1,000 or more times before. It is no wonder why his clients are willing to come from hours away to be represented by the best."
"Rick is a conscientious, caring attorney whom I am glad to endorse. He pays attention to detail and is well prepared at Bankruptcy Court meetings of creditors conducted by trustees. He is always a pleasure to deal with as a colleague."
"I gladly endorse this lawyer. I have known Rick for his entire legal career. No one knows Bankruptcy Law as well as he does. He also cares deeply about helping people solve financial troubles. He can tell if there are better ways to deal with a problem than just rushing to bankruptcy, but if that is the best answer then he knows exactly how to handle it for you. I admire his dedication to helping people and his tremendous knowledge of Bankruptcy Law. He is as good as it gets. I highly recommend him to you."
"Rick West is a fine lawyer, and a solid legal mind. He takes excellent care of his clients and provides the highest level of consumer bankruptcy services to his community."
Robert Hoglund
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Jeffrey Bursell
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Laurence Davidson
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Michael Brock
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Brett Pfeifer
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Richard Feinberg
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Rickey Hodge
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David Lozano
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Theron Morrison
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Lawrence Pew
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Christopher Lee
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Dianne Marx
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John Rieser
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Kelly Williams
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William Tinch
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Richard Snell
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Dustin Hurley
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1994.
Felony Suspension issued in OH, 1994
updated on 05/20/2022Felony suspension means an attorney was convicted of a crime and lost his or her license to practice law.
Richard’s comment:
“Unrelated to legal practice. An unfortunate personal circumstance which I am happy to discuss with clients if they have any concerns. This involved carrying a concealed weapon, not legal practice. The Court has now expunged my record and I have restored my concealed carry license.”
Honors
2014
Certified Specialist- Consumer Bankruptcy, Ohio State Bar Association
2014
Certified Specialist- Consumer Credit Counselor, Ohio State Bar Association
2014
Certified Specialist- Student Loan Counselor, Ohio State Bar Association
Work Experience
1986 - Present
Founder, Manager, West Law Office
Associations
2006 - 2022
National Association of Consumer Advocatesmember
2000 - 2022
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1997 - 2014
Ohio Lawyer's Assistance ProgramPast Officer
Sample of Legal Cases
In Re Dayton Title Agency, Inc., 304 B.R. 323 (2004)
Obtained favorable result for client
Education
1986
Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1982
St Joseph's College
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2010
Ohio Lawyer's Assistance Committee
Professionalism
2007
American Bankruptcy Law Forum
Bankruptcy
2006
National Business Institute
Fundamentals of Bankruptcy Law
2005
National Business Institute
Managing debt with chapter 13
2005
National Business Institute
Aligning your practice with the reform act of 2005
2004
National Business Institute
Ohio Foreclosure and Related Bankruptcy and Title Issues
2004
National Business Institute
Fundamentals of Bankruptcy law in Ohio
Publications
2012
King's Press
Stripping Liens
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers