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Diane L Drain
About Diane
Biography
Our firm was founded in 1990 by Diane L. Drain, counselor and attorney at law. Ms. Drain has received an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell as "exemplary reputation and well-established practice". This AV rating is the highest rating for an attorney and shows that Ms. Drain has reached the height of professional excellence. She is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity. Her clients have included commercial mortgage lenders, national banks and professionals such as lawyers and brokers. But her greatest rewards come from helping individuals who are experiencing financial difficulties. Since 1985 Ms. Drain has worked as a lawyer at a large firm and now her own firm. Prior to law school Ms. Drain worked for 15 years as a paralegal, legal secretary and law office administrator.
She appears regularly before the United States Bankruptcy Court. She is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, along with several other professional organizations. Diane is a retired law professor (teaching bankruptcy) and is a strong and practical advocate for her clients and well respected in the legal community. For almost 20 years Diane was a member of the Board of Governor's for the State Bar of Arizona. As such she has a responsibility to both the practicing lawyers and the citizens of our State. Diane took those duties very seriously; so much so that one friend referred to her as a "cowboy".
This firm is dedicated to a client-centered approach to the practice of law. Our mission is to explain the intricacies of law in plain, understandable English. We will never tell you what we think you want to hear, only what the realities are of your situation. Nor, do we look for reasons why we can't do something. Instead, we try to find appropriate ways to help. Our interpretation of the law is conservative. Therefore, our clients are usually prepared for most situations. More importantly, we try to help you plan for the future, not just address your current legal issues.
Your satisfaction is our goal. Legal proceedings are difficult enough, so we do our best to help you understand the process and keep you informed as to the status of your case.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
30%
40 years | 1,250 cases
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
30%
40 years | 50 cases
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
30%
40 years | 1,200 cases
Foreclosure
10%
40 years | 4,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 40 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office Of D.L. Drain, P.A.
2375 East Camelback Rd, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ, 85016
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Diane L Drain's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
113 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Bankruptcy & Debt (77)
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (10)
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (4)
Business (3)
Debt Settlement (3)
Foreclosure (3)
Real Estate (2)
Debt Collection (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Ethics & Professional Responsibility (1)
Landlord & Tenant (1)
Lawsuits & Disputes (1)
Social Security Disability (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Not ethical
It has been ten years and I still can remember how unfairly I felt I was being treated by Diane. I paid Diane a retainer fee to represent my husband and myself, after my husband did not show for our first appointment, Diane let me know that she would not represent us as he was unreliable. I asked f...
Diane Drain
Replied last April 01, 2019Unfortunately, you are referring to something that happened over a decade ago, I cannot respond to anything specific, so I will reply generically. As so many of my clients have commented- bankruptcy takes a significant commitment that not everyone is prepared to take on. After reading your comment about your husband's failure to be at our meeting, I agree with your analysis of why I was not comfortable helping with a bankruptcy (my guess is there was more going on). In 35+ years I have fired very few clients; each time it was due to difficulties in communication or feeling that a client was hiding something (again I have no idea the specifics of your situation). As to my fees - prior to and after meeting with my clients both my paralegal and I spend several hours working on that client's file. At the first meeting the client pays a fee, which is non-refundable. If the client later decides not to file bankruptcy or I am forced to fire them, then I voluntarily refund any unearned fees (which means calculating the amount of work already done and subtracting from the fees paid). If you did not receive a refund that means the amount of time we spent on your file exceeded the fees already paid. Obviously this was painful for you, but please understand it was also painful for me. When clients reach out to me they are at a very difficult time in their lives. My goal is to help them find some peace of mind and the fresh start promised by bankruptcy. I never want to add to their pain, but I take the sanctity of the bankruptcy process very seriously. Sorry, this now sounds like I am teaching my law students about the importance of professionalism. I sincerely hope that you have been able to find a fresh start and able to rebuild your life. My very best to you.
Diane L Drain's Lawyer Endorsements
"I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Drain as a bankruptcy practitioner. She is, at all times, a conscientious and caring professional. Diane is one of those attorneys to whom I refer clients with total confidence that their legal needs will be well handled, and that the client will receive the personal attention they deserve. I have worked with Diane over the last 20 years, and know her to be very well informed in law generally and specifically in Bankruptcy. She is on top of all current issues and technology. She lectures in law regularly, including as an adjunct professor at Phoenix School of Law. Diane serves on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Arizona, and has participated in numerous committees and sections of the State Bar and other professional organizations."
"Diane is a dedicated individual that to gives without measure to her community. It is has been my honor to know Diane for the past ten years. She is committed to the service of individuals in financial straights. To know Diane is to know a caring, committed professional. She has the abilities and the compassion to represent her Clients’ needs. I recommend Diane without reservation."
"I endorse Diane L. Drain, who I've known for over 45 years. She served as an elected members of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Arizona for more than 15 years. I have referred clients to her in the past and have always always received reports of her excellent reports on her legal advice and professional representation of the clients I have referred to her."
"Diane is a great bankruptcy attorney and I have no hesitation in referring potential clients to her. I know she will represent them with excellence and integrity."
"I endorse Diane without reservation or hesitation! She is as dedicated to her clients as she is to the local legal community and you will not find a more caring or committed professional. Her abilities and compassion are unmatched."
"I endorse this lawyer. Diane is incredibly knowledgeable about the bankruptcy process and very personable too."
"I endorse Diane without reservation. She is kind, caring and extremely knowledgeable. She combines years of experience, common sense and great customer service. I would not hesitate to recommend her for my own mother's bankruptcy!"
"I have known Diane Drain for many years. I definitely recommend Diane as a bankruptcy attorney. She is very experienced and knowledgeable of the law and she is devoted to helping her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Diane is not only very knowledgeable, but she cares about each of her clients individually, something many bankruptcy lawyers do not do."
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. I have know Diane for several decades, starting in the early 1990’s. We have presented CLE courses together, been opposing counsel, and mutual friends. She shows unequaled integrity, compassion for others, and passion for the law. She is respectful of others including opposing counsel."
"I had the chance to work under Diane through my law school's clinical program. Diane taught me a great deal about bankruptcy, but she also taught me a lot about how to run an ethical, respectable law practice. She really knows her stuff! Even though I am licensed and running my own practice, she is the first person I would think to call if I ran into a bankruptcy problem and did not know how to handle it myself. I cannot recommend her highly enough!"
"Dian Drain is a great bankruptcy lawyer and a pleasure to work with. The field of bankruptcy is lucky to have her as a lawyer practicing in this area."
"Ms. Drain is a very well-respected lawyer and a valuable asset to this community. Her continuing dedication to the law and her clients is admirable. If you are looking for a bankruptcy lawyer, giver her a call."
"I have known Diane for many years and she has always been a great attorney who cares about her clients. Diane is knowledgeable, diligent and accessible and I wholeheartedly endorse her as an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I first met Diane as one of my professors in law school. She was an excellent instructor. Her reputation and accomplishments speak for themselves, but I will reiterate that Diane is one of the preeminent bankruptcy attorneys in Arizona. As an attorney, I have seen Diane at pro bono events that offer free legal assistance to veterans. She gives so generously of her time to help those who normally could not afford an attorney. I wholeheartedly endorse her!"
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Diane is an excellent mentor for young bankruptcy lawyers and I have personally benefited greatly from the experience of being one of her mentees. She is a lawyer who cares deeply not only about her clients but about the legal community."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Highest Rating Possible for Legal Ability & Ethical Standard, Lawyers.com
2019
Judicial Edition - AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Client Gold Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Excellent in Client Solutions, USITC
2018
Client Choice Award, AVVO
2018
Top Contributor, AVVO
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Maricopa County AWLA Ruth V. McGregor Award, Arizona Women Lawyers Association
2016
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent - Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Lifetime Achievement Pro Bono Award, Judge Daniel Collins presents on behalf of the AZ Bankruptcy Section and the AZ Bankruptcy Court
2014
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top Attorneys in the Valley, North Valley Magazine
2012
Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent - Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
AV Preeminent - Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona for 2011, Arizona Foundation of Legal Services
2010
AV Preeminent - Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
AV Preeminent - Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteer, Governor of Arizona
2008
AV rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Arizona State Bar President’s Award, State Bar of Arizona
2000
Supreme Court's Commission on Technology, State Bar of Arizona
1999
Cover of the Arizona Attorney magazine, State Bar of Arizona
1996
Arizona State Bar Member of the Year Award, State Bar of Arizona
1996
Profile section of the Arizona Business Gazette, Arizona Business Gazette
Work Experience
1991 - Present
Owner, Law Office of D.L. Drain, P.A.
Associations
2006 - Present
Arizona Consumer Bankruptcy CounselFounding Co-Chair
1990 - Present
Arizona Women Lawyers AssociationPresident - Maricopa Chapter 1998
2008 - 2017
Arizona Summit Law School, fka Phoenix School of LawAdjunct law professor
2004 - 2018
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1998 - 2017
State Bar of ArizonaBoard of Governors
1989 - 2017
Bankruptcy Section of the State Bar of ArizonaMember and Board of Governor's liason
1988 - 2017
Arizona School of Real Estateinstructor
1986 - 2018
Arizona Trustee's Associationfounding chairperson
Education
1985
University of Arizona
Juris Doctorate - Law
1982
Arizona State University
BA/BS
Speaking Engagements
2014
State Bar of Arizona Convention
Big World, Small Firm: Future Challenges for Small Firm Lawyers to Embrace
2014
law school class
Law Office Administration
2014
law school class
Consumer Bankruptcy Practice
2014
CLE program
Bankruptcy and divorce or separation
2012
Phoenix School of Law
Consumer Bankruptcy
2012
Monthly classes
Bankruptcy
2012
fall session
Consumer Bankruptcy
2012
consumer chapter 7 and 13
Chapter 7 and 13 seminar
2012
Arizona State Bar CLE program
100 Things all Lawyers Should Know
2012
adjunct law professor
Consumer Bankrupty
2010
Nuts and Bolts of Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy
2010
Law Office Management for Solos and Small Firms
Office management for lawyers
2010
Bankruptcy 101 - series of classes for lawyers, realtors & title officers
Bankruptcy, short sales, trustee's sales, deficiency, tax issues
2010
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
Publications
2019
Helping You Get Your Life Back on Track
Numerous blogs on topics for every consumer
2012
contributing author, 2012 ed, Published by Aspatore Books, a Thomson Reuters business
Best Practices for Filing Chapter 13
2011
Contributing author, Commission on Women in the Profession, ABA publication
The Road to Independence
2010
Law Office of D.L. Drain, web site
Arizona Exemptions
2010
Law Office of D.L. Drain, web site
How to Handle Harassing Creditors & Collection Companies
2009
State Bar of Arizona
Trustee sales and bankruptcy
2009
Law Office of D.L. Drain, web site
What Can a Creditor Do When a Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy Is Filed?
2009
Law Office of D.L. Drain, web site
Bankruptcy Basics
2008
Law Office of D.L. Drain, web site
Bankruptcy Articles for Consumers and Debtors
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I get any legal help with repayment of my SBA loan, that was taken over by the Dept of Treasury?
21 Feb 2026
Q&A
What can I do if my Chapter 13 attorney is nonresponsive?
02 Feb 2026
Q&A
Bankruptcy Joint vs. Individual Filing
30 Jan 2026