Scott P. Zochowski

Scott P. Zochowski

4.5
Rating: 4.3

Licensed for 27 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Troy, MI
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Foreclosure, Criminal Defense, Debt Collection

100 E Big Beaver Rd Ste 900, Troy, MI

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016
See Details

About Scott

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 75%

Scott Zochowski has represented clients in over 600 bankruptcy cases at Zochowski Law alone. In his total years of practice, he has represented hundreds more bankruptcy clients during prior employment at other law firms. Cases include Chapter 7's, Chapter 13's, Chapter 11's, adversary proceedings, and bankruptcy appeals.

26 years | 610 cases

75%
Criminal Defense 10%

Scott Zochowski began his legal career in 1990, as an intern for the St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office. In law school, he worked for Misdemeanor Defenders as a student attorney in inner-city Detroit. He continues to handle a select number of criminal defense cases as part of his practice at Zochowski Law, PLLC.

28 years

10%
Foreclosure 10%

Scott Zochowski represents homeowners in mortgage foreclosure by advertisement, judicial foreclosure, property tax foreclosure, land contract forfeiture and foreclosure, and condo association matters. This includes foreclosure defense, reinstatement, redemption, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, and short sales.

26 years

10%
Debt Collection 5%

Scott Zochowski represents consumer debtors in debt collection matters ranging from Fair Debt Collection Practices Act matters, to credit report disputes, to collection lawsuit defense, to repossessions, garnishment and levies against property.

26 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 27 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1998

Suspended For Non-Payment of Disciplinary Costs

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016

Location

Zochowski Law, PLLC

100 E Big Beaver Rd Ste 900, Troy, MI, 48083

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Scott P. Zochowski's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Paula Cope | March 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Attention to Detail was non existant

I hired Scott going by the reviews he received, now I know those were all lies. He was hired to do a bankruptcy and failed to file the final paperwork and my bankruptcy was denied because of it. I asked specific questions regarding not filing bankruptcy on my home, and now I find out that he was wr...ong, my house shows that bankruptcy was filed on the mortgage and no re affirmation papers were filed by Scott. Scott never returned any of my phone calls and still does not return my calls regarding my home.

Scott Zochowski

Replied last March 30, 2016

This client review is not factually accurate. The case successfully ended with a Discharge Order on 12/03/2013. (US Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Michigan Case No. 13-55855). All clients receive a copy of their final order from my office and from the Court. You must include everyone you owe money, including your mortgage. This is something both my office and the Court remind all debtors about at several stages of the case. Reaffirmation agreements are typically are not offered or required for first mortgages. From numerous phone conversations with this former client in the past, I believe she is upset that her credit did not improve as fast as she wanted after bankruptcy and may have forgotten the details of our consultations from 3 years ago concerning how long you must wait to qualify for a new mortgage or refi after a bankruptcy. All mortgage companies have guidelines that limit eligibility for a few years after a bankruptcy or foreclosure. But they also typically reject applicants with large amounts of delinquent debt. For all my clients, I try to weigh out the best legal option from what may not be desirable choices given their financial hardship.

Posted by anonymous | June 13, 2013 | Bankruptcy & Debt

The Best Bankruptcy Attorney

Scott Zochowski is by far the best attorney we have ever had to hire. My husband is very sick and unfortunately, we do and did not have health insurance, so after months and months of struggling to pay these bills we succumbed to bankruptcy. Honestly, he made this terrible situation in our lives so ...much easier to handle. Scott is an amazing attorney, he is thorough, competent, extremely knowledgeable and best of all, takes the TIME to answer every single one of your questions, no matter how small or irrelevant. He makes you feel like you are his only client. A True Blessing, not to mention his office staff is also amazing. Thank you again Scott and team!!! It will be our honor to refer you!!!

Posted by Keith | January 17, 2013 | Bankruptcy & Debt

A recommendation without reservation

Once we decided it was time we contacted Scott to handle our Bankruptcy. He educated us, warned us, and directed us as he showed us a way through our financial issues. He has a very calming demeanor, allowing us to finally relax. The case went just as he had described it. We could not be happie...r or recommend Scott Zochowski more strongly

Posted by Vanessa | May 15, 2012 | Bankruptcy & Debt

I recommend Scott for bankruptcy matters

I was scared and unsure about what to do. Scott walked me through everything. He answered all my questions (even the stupid ones). He was very knowledgeable and always responded promptly to my phone calls and emails. Everyone in the office was extremely nice and very helpful. Even though the process ...of filing bankruptcy was uncomfortable, Scott made sure I had all the information and all the tools to proceed smoothly. As a future lawyer myself, I know what good representation looks like and I gladly recommend Scott.

Posted by anonymous | January 05, 2012 | Real Estate

See Scott!

I found Scott Zochowski without a referral, which is unlike me, and I'm so glad I did! I probably did 100 hours of research on getting out of my underwater 80/20 mortgage, and after speaking with him on the phone, I could tell right away how knowledgable he was. Other attorneys wanted a big retainer ...to do (potentially harmful!) paper work that I could do myself or they made a complex problem seem like it was easy to get out of, which I know it is not. No one really had the thoughtfulness to understood all of my concerns. Scott, however, spent a ton of time answering all of my questions and providing me with excellent advice based on his experience and expertise on my options and risks. He really understands real estate law and didn't sugarcoat the reality. He also helped me put a lot of the risks I am facing in perspective and it was great to brainstorm solutions with him. He brought up points that I hadn't considered (which is hard to do after over 100 hours of researching and lots of advice from my out of state sibling who is an attorney), even on family dynamics of borrowing money. I recommend Scott and I will be using his services in the future.

See All Client Reviews

Scott P. Zochowski's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Scott
Ryan French Beach headshot
Ryan Beach

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is an excellent bankruptcy attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and is always a passionate advocate for his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Scott. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Charles J. Schneider headshot
Charles Schneider

Appeals lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott has persevered through a challenging pro bono appeal benefiting the bankruptcy community and assisting Debtors in retaining their homes through the bankruptcy process. His work was outstanding."

Bryce A. Fetter headshot
Bryce Fetter

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Patricia F. Smith headshot
Patricia Smith

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Scott. I have known him since 2003, when we worked together in a legal aid agency. Since then, I have trusted him referrals of my friends and family members. If I ever needed a bankruptcy attorney myself, he is the first person I would contact."

Dina Tasevska headshot
Dina Tasevska

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this attorney. Scott is very knowledgeable about bankruptcy law. He has been a trusted bankruptcy expert referral."

Jeffery D. Maynard headshot
Jeffery Maynard

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Scott is highly professional and is my go to attorney for bankruptcy issues. Jeffery D. Maynard"

William John Trudgeon headshot
William Trudgeon

Unknown lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Zochowski possesses an exceptional knowledge of the law and maintains a high degree of integrity and moral character in his law practice."

Sarah R. Prout headshot
Sarah Prout

Constitutional lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Scott has great integrity and is thorough in his advocacy for clients"

View All Endorsements
Ryan French Beach headshot
Ryan Beach

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Charles J. Schneider headshot
Charles Schneider

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Liisa R. Speaker headshot
Liisa Speaker

Appeals lawyer

Dina Tasevska headshot
Dina Tasevska

Unknown lawyer

Jeffery D. Maynard headshot
Jeffery Maynard

Unknown lawyer

William John Trudgeon headshot
William Trudgeon

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  4.3 (Concern)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.

Suspension issued in MI, 2016

updated on 01/26/2017

Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Suspension issued in MI, 2016

updated on 08/17/2016

Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Honors

2014

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Member of the Year, Consumer Bankruptcy Association

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

1997

Jurisprudence Acheivement Award, Michigan State University College of Law

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Owner, Zochowski Law, PLLC

2003 - 2004

Associate Attorney, Gold, Lange & Majoros, PC

2002 - 2003

Associate Attorney, Beeding & Hacker

2000 - 2001

Staff Attorney, UAW Legal Service Plan

1998 - 2000

Staff Attorney, Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service

1998 - 1998

Student Attorney, Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services

1997 - 1997

Student Attorney, Misdemeanor Defenders

Associations

2012 - Present

Consumer Bankruptcy Association

Member

2012 - Present

Polish American Legal Society

Member

2010 - Present

Michigan Association for Justice

Member

2009 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Northern District of Ohio chapter)

Member

2004 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Eastern District of Wisconsin chapter)

Member

2004 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Northern District of Indiana chapter)

Member

2001 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan chapter)

Member

2001 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Northern District of Illinois chapter)

Member

2000 - Present

Federal Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section

Member

2000 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Eastern District of Michigan chapter)

Member

2000 - Present

Oakland County Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

MSU College of Law Alumni Association

Member

University of Michigan-Flint Alumni Association

Member

St. Clair County Community College Alumni Association

Member

2009 - 2010

American Bankruptcy Institute

Member

2000 - 2001

Macomb County Bar Association

Member

1999 - 2000

Michigan Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1996 - 1998

National Lawyers Guild

MSU College of Law Chapter President

Sample of Legal Cases

Jane Doe v Vidal Borromeo and Beaumont Hospital

Reversed & remanded.

State of Michigan v. Schafer et al

Michigan bankruptcy-specific exemption statute found constitutional

In re Schafer

Appealed from Bankruptcy Appeals Panel to 6th Circuit

In re Dorothy Jones; In re Steven Schafer

Appealed from Bankr. W.D. Mich. to 6th Circuit Bankruptcy Appeals Panel

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

Michigan State University College of Law

Juris Doctor

1994

University of Michigan, Flint

Bachelor of Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2011

MFPP Foreclosure Prevention Training Foreclosure Issues in Divorce

2010

2009

2008

MPLP Roadshow

Bankruptcy and Family Law

2005

MPLP Roadshow

Client Intake: Weeding Through Potential Client Phone Calls

2004

MPLP Roadshow

Bankruptcy and Family Law

2003

MPLP Roadshow

Bankruptcy Intersection With Family Law

2002

CPA Continuing Education

Bankruptcy Overview for Accountants

Publications

1999

Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service Advocating for Access: A Consumer's Guide

1996

Journal of International Law and Practice Will Labour Keep Its Promise?

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution