David Leibowitz

PRO

David Leibowitz

5.0
25 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 51 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

3352 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About David

Biography

Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Bankruptcy for both individuals and businesses.

Helping people and business resolve debt - there are answers other than bankruptcy too!

Lakelaw helps small businesses in Subchapter V of Chapter 11

Not all chapter 13 cases are the same. We can help in the most complex cases.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 60%

Consumer and Business Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11 including Subchapter V, Student Loans, Adversary Proceedings, Discharge and Dischargeability litigation, Bankuptcy-Divorce matters, Real Estate Bankruptcy and Reorganization, Out of court worko

52 years | 10,000 cases

60%
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy 20%

Chapter 11 for small to midsized businesses especially in Subchapter V. We have significant experience with SBA and EIDL loans as well as "merchant cash advances". We have significant experience in trucking and transportation cases

52 years | 200 cases

20%
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 20%

Chapter 13 cases for higher income earners, those with real estate issues, and those with particularly complex cases.

26 years | 200 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 500-650 per hour

Contingency

25%-40%

Pro bono

5 %

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2012
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012
Gold Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 19 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2006

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 51 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1974

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Arizona for 13 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2012

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Lakelaw

3352 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60657

lakelaw.com/

David Leibowitz's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (16) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 16 reviews

Posted by anonymous | May 22, 2009

ok

He was really helpful

Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2009

I was right to choose him!

I am myself an attorney. He provided invaluable advice to me which resulted in a recommendation to an attorney in another state. He could have decided to hold on to my business which would have gone against my financial interests. As he put it: "I want to be able to sleep at night". If you've ever... not truseted a lawyer, here is the exception to the rule.

Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2008 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Simply The Best

David and his associates took on my case in the middle of it and turned my whole bankruptcy experience around. From the first time I walked into the office I felt like a person instead of a number. I felt like someone cared about my situation for the first time and was willing to help me resolve it. ...I was never left in the dark about what was going on and always got a response to any of my questions and concerns. David and his associates are so knowledgeable about every aspect of the bankruptcy law. I do not know what I would have done if I had not found him. I ca n not thank he and his staff for all that they have done.

Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2008

An Exceptional Lawyer

I had never had a good experience with a lawyer until I met David Leibowitz. He treated me with dignity and respect from the minute I walked in his door. He never made me feel embarrassed by my circumstances. He was the most informed and knowledgeable attorney. He knew every law that pertained to me ...and gave me many options He actually listened to me!!! He actually returned my calls to him on the same day I called! He really cared about me. He always told me what was going on, what would happen next. I trusted David Leibowitz with my life and my future and he gave both back to me. I'll never be able to thank or repay him enough. He is THE BEST!!!!

Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2008 | Tax

Good Outcome

I found Mr. Leibowitz to be an excellent and intelligent listener to my concern. He quickly recognized my dilemma, and moved into it with professional regard and consideration. He counseled me on how to address my accountant for a rather staggering amount of money I apparently owed, due to years of i...nappropriately filed income taxes. Further, and perhaps more importantly, he listened to my preference about how to first approach this situation, and assisted me toward the best possible outcome. While this ultimately did succeed, I also knew that he would be ready to assist further if it did not. I highly recommend Mr. Leibowitz.

See All Client Reviews

David Leibowitz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Michael Alan Goldberg headshot
Michael Goldberg

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel J Conidi headshot
Daniel Conidi

Foreclosure lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Have had the pleasure of working with David and I can say he was very helpful and I learned a lot from him. He is a great professional. I highly recommend him...."

Peter Vlantis headshot
Peter Vlantis

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Hilton Ridings Jr headshot
William Ridings

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rick Lee Rogers headshot
Rick Rogers

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is one of the top bankruptcy attorneys in the country, according to Time Magazine. He's also a Bankruptcy Trustee. He practices in IL, WI, and AZ. For Chapter 11 and complex bankruptcy matters, we often consult with David, or simply refer difficult cases to him. I know no better bankruptcy attorney, and highly recommend David for any complex business or personal bankruptcy matters."

Kevin Benjamin headshot
Kevin Benjamin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Dec 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David Leibowitz is not just one of the best and most knowledgeable attorneys in the Chicago area but in my opinion the country. I have over 23 years of experience in bankruptcy and feel I have a lot of knowledge but when I have a question or issue I go to David Leibowitz, one of only two lawyers I mainly turn to for advice. David also seems to have the answer or game plan, is always responsive and genuine, since he cares. I also have seem him speak at conventions and other venues and there is a reason David is asked to do so by national and other organizations over and over. The reason is he simply knows what he is doing and that is an understatement!"

Timothy James Deets headshot
Timothy Deets

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeffrey Anton Collins headshot
Jeffrey Collins

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David has a very large presence in the Chicago-area legal community, and has trained so many excellent attorneys who are my peers. Also, he is a regular contributor to this online community. I know him from the NACBA, to which we both belong. I give him my highest endorsement."

Gilbert Rodriguez Dizon headshot
Gilbert Dizon

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known David since 1996. David is a highly experienced Bankruptcy Attorney and I have referred clients to him over the years. As a Bankruptcy Trustee, David was aggressive but fair. His attention to detail, professionalism and candor is much appreciated by others in our legal community."

Kurt Gerald Larsen headshot
Kurt Larsen

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is one of the better Bankruptcy attorney's in the Chicago suburbs. His experience and skill would be helpful to any client."

Richard Fredrick Kohn headshot
Richard Kohn

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I heartily endorse this lawyer. David was a pleasure to work for. He is brilliant, tenacious and caring -- and he hates to lose!"

Karen Jackson Porter headshot
Karen Porter

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Jeffrey Gunderson headshot
Michael Gunderson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Other

"Coming to David with a complex Bankruptcy scenario was one of the wisest decisions I made. His ability to cut through the various fact patterns and reach the heart of the issue was nothing short of amazing. I would not hesitate to consult with him again, his depth of knowledge on Bankruptcy intricacies is second to none."

Ronald Lee Burdge headshot
Ronald Burdge

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"There are few attorneys who understand bankruptcy law like attorney Leibowitz does. He has a remarkable and considerable understanding of bankruptcy that makes him obviously one of the best in the country. I have known of his great reputation for care and attention to detail, and his excellent books on and related to bankruptcy issues, for probably more than a decade. If you have a complex bankruptcy problem - he probably knows the answers. And if his office is near you, then he is the one to see. I highly recommend him to you."

Howard Hamilton Ankin headshot
Howard Ankin

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is an extremely bright, very hard working bankruptcy lawyer. If you are burdened with too many debts and don't know where to turn, go see David. He will educate you and give you options, including filing for bankruptcy."

Danya Shakfeh headshot
Danya Shakfeh

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An attorney of the best caliber. He truly cares for his clients and is honest and upright. Very knowledgeable about his field and always willing to lend a helping hand."

Kent Anderson headshot
Kent Anderson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is smart, creative, energetic and helpful. Frankly, I do not know how David is able to keep up with all of his many projects and activities. He represents consumers in bankruptcy cases, writes extensively on bankruptcy topics and acts as a trustee before the bankruptcy court."

Christopher Matthew Kennedy headshot
Christopher Kennedy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David Leibowitz is one of the premier bankruptcy practitioners in Illinois. I have referred cases to him and will continue to do so, as his clients are always satisfied with his service, communication and dedication to getting positive results."

Ahmad Tayseer Sulaiman headshot
Ahmad Sulaiman

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Other

"I am an Attorney. We have a duty to every client, big or small. Mr. Leibowitz is a special kind of Attorney. He fights for his Clients on many fronts. He will do all that he can to ensure that the Client is making informed decisions. He gives his 110% on every file. He brings out the best in the professionals he works with and for that reason I would advise any and every client that I have to look to David to for advice and counsel in the complicated fields of law that his exceptional practice handles. I have had to call on David on many occasions and found him kind and generous with his knowledge and good nature. He truly inspires and brings results that I truly believe no other Attorney in his field can bring. He is humble, and the true measure of David cannot be understood until you are in a situation that no one else has an answer to. In my professional opinion he is the best in his field, not only in Illinois but nationwide."

Sean M. Sweeney headshot
Sean Sweeney

Litigation lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am currently working with David on a Federal TILA Rescission and Fraud case. He has been very helpful in guiding me through the process of Federal Court and is extremely knowledgeable about an area of law that the 7th Circuit has deemed "hyper-technical"."

View All Endorsements
John Leonard Grazian headshot
John Grazian

Slip and fall accident lawyer

Daniel J Conidi headshot
Daniel Conidi

Immigration lawyer

Kevin W. Chern headshot
Kevin Chern

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Jason Royce Allen headshot
Jason Allen

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Caralyce M. Lassner headshot
Caralyce Lassner

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Richard Fredrick Kohn headshot
Richard Kohn

Real estate lawyer

James M. Quigley headshot
James Quigley

Divorce and separation lawyer

Andrew Joseph Miofsky headshot
Andrew Miofsky

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Carrie Ann Zuniga headshot
Carrie Zuniga

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

John Paul Eggum headshot
John Eggum

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Christopher Matthew Kennedy headshot
Christopher Kennedy

Litigation lawyer

David S Yen headshot
David Yen

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

James W. McNeilly Jr. headshot
James McNeilly

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Sean M. Sweeney headshot
Sean Sweeney

Litigation lawyer

Jay S. Fleischman headshot
Jay Fleischman

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Nathan Frank Coco headshot
Nathan Coco

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer

Jonathan Paul Friedland headshot
Jonathan Friedland

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2010

Liberty Bell Award, Circuit Court of Lake County Illinois

2007

Pro Bono Service Award, Lake County Bar Association

2006

Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award, Northern District of Illinois

2006

Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award,

Work Experience

2006 - Present

, Wisconsin Bar - Admitted to Practice

1996 - 2001

Adjunct Professor, John Marshall Law School

1992 - 1999

Partner, Freeborn & Peters

1976 - 1991

Partner, Schwartz Cooper

1975 - 1976

, Illinois Appellate Court (judicial clerk)

Associations

2008 - Present

United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Admitted to Practice

2006 - Present

Wisconsin Bar

Member

2002 - Present

National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees

Member

1999 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Lake County Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Lake County (Illinois) Bar Association

Member

1992 - Present

American Bankruptcy Institute

Member

1975 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

1974 - Present

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Admitted to Practice

1974 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2008

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Slayton v. White

States' motion to dismiss denied - case settled

In re Image Worldwide: Leibowitz v. Parkway Bank

Affirmed judgment of $500,000 in favor of trustee

Federal TILA Rescission and Fraud Case

Pending

Leibowitz v. Great American Group

Judgment for Great American Group

In re Image Worldwide: Leibowitz v. Parkway Bank

Affirmed judgment of $500,000 in favor of trustee

Kramer v. Exchange National Bank

Illinois Supreme Court affirmed Appellate Court

See More Legal Cases

Education

1974

Loyola University Chicago School of Law

JD (cum laude)

1970

Northwestern University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2010

Annual Spring Meeting Responding to Fraud in Bankruptcy

2010

2010 Annual Meeting Defending Trustee Issues

2009

NACBA 2009 Members-Only Workshop Objecting to Mortgage Proofs of Claims

2009

NABT 2009 Annual Meeting

Mortgage issues in Bankruptcy

2009

Mortgage Foreclosure Defense Training

Foreclosure Defense

2009

Milwaukee Bar Assoication February Meeting

Ross-Tousey - Seventh Circuit decision

2009

Milwaukee Bar Association Bankruptcy Section

Mortgage Foreclosure - Practice and Ethics

2009

Milwaukee Bar Association - January Meeting

Who has standing - Servicer or Trustee?

2009

Midwest Bankruptcy Instutue

Small Business Bankruptcy and Alternatives

2009

Chicago Consumer Bankruptcy Conference Individual Chapter 11 cases

2009

BASIL Annual Bankruptcy Seminar

Residential Mortgage issues in Bankruptcy

2009

Annual United States Trustee Seminar

Mortgage Servicing Abuses

2008

Mortgage Litigation Conference

Working with Bankruptcy Trustees on Consumer Claims

2008

Annual Meeting - National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees

Mortgage Litigation in Bankruptcy

2008

Annual Meeting - Commercial Law League of America

Bankruptcy Boot Camp

2008

Annual Convention - Wisconsin Bar Bankruptcy Insolvency Creditors Rights Section

Mortgage Litigaiton

2008

Annual Convention - State Bar of Arizona

Mortgage Litigation in Bankruptcy

2007

National Assocation of Bankruptcy Trustees 2007 Annual Meeting

Administration of Asset Cases from A to Z

2007

lllinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Advanced Asset Protection Planning

Advanced Asset Protection Planning and Bankruptcy

2007

American Bankruptcy Institute - Commercial Fraud Task Force

Mortgage Fraud from Trustee's Perspective

2006

National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees 2006 Annual Meeting

Finding Assets - Thinking Outside the Box

2006

Mortgage Litigation Conference

Bankruptcy Trustee Perspective to Consumer Mortgage Litigation

2006

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Divorce Law Annual Update

Bankruptcy Law Amendments Affecting Divorce

2006

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Advanced Asset Protection Planning and BAPCPA

Asset Protection and BAPCPA

2006

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education - BAPCPA and Elder Law

Bankruptcy Law Amendments affecting Seniors

Publications

2010

American Bankruptcy Institute American Bankruptcy Institute Fraud Manual

2009

Norton's Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law 2008 Survey of Residential Mortgage Cases in Consumer Bankruptcy

2009

Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books) Best Practices for Filing Chapter 13

2008

American Bankruptcy Institute Journal Withdrawals from Tax-deferred Retirement Accounts: Included in Monthly Income

2008

American Bankruptcy Institute Journal Vehicle Ownership Expense Deduction:

2008

Norton's Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law Residential Mortgage Issues in Consumer Bankruptcy Cases

2007

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education - 2007 Consumer Bankruptcy Course Materials Claims and Exemptions

2007

2006

ABA Family Advocate The New Bankruptcy Act

Languages

English

Spanish

French

Activity

Top Contributor

David earned significant contribution points in 2012.

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