Scott M. Hutchinson

I remember Mark V. Cunningham and that specific bankruptcy consultation. It is disappointing that Mark Cunningham feels this way. Sometimes there is nothing a professional can do to satisfy a person. Mark took things too personally likely because I chose not to take him on as a client. Mark was clearly stressed out and acknowledged to me that he had been recently diagnosed with disorder that affects his thinking. Mr. Cunningham told me he had been fired from his previous job because he determined to be insubordinate by his direct manager. Mark scheduled a 30-minute free bankruptcy consultation with me. He wanted the consultation for me to analyze his situation, give him advice, and answer some of his questions. As can be seen from his comment above, he thought I should be able to answer all his questions in just 5 minutes, even though it was a 30-minute consultation. How does he know how long my answers to his questions will be? Can he tell the future or read my mind? Mr. Cunningham clearly had unrealistic expectations about what the consultation should be about. Additionally, Mark only had to wait about 7 minutes before his consultation began. He came in early, yet expected me to interrupt my previous appointment prior to his appointment time. Mark Cunningham didn't want to answer my questions so I could learn about his situation in order for me to help him out. When he asked me questions, he would interrupt me while I was trying to answer his questions. This was odd and erratic behavior. When I delicately and diplomatically addressed the interruptions with him he got upset. I realized that Mark V. Cunningham would be difficult person to work with. It like having to "walk on egg shells" with him. He acted as if he knew it all. I told him in the nicest way I could that I would not be taking his case. I was able to provide him fundamental bankruptcy information and answer several of his questions. I spent my time trying to help Mr. Cunningham out and at no cost to him, but instead of seeking out a different lawyer like I encouraged him to do he seemed to be negatively fixated on me. I think Mr. Cunningham does not understand that any business interaction is a two way street, where listening and respect need to go both ways. He wanted me to act and talk like he wanted me to. We do not file people’s bankruptcies the same day they come in unless we agree to take the case and it is an emergency filing. We never reject a case based on the reason that a person does not want to file the same day. That is absurd. Mark, unfortunately, has chosen to lie in his comment above rather than just express his opinion. This reflects poorly on his integrity. If my business was "cookie cutter" as Mark alleges, I would have taken his case. Me declining to take his case, is evidence that my office is not "cookie cutter." We focus on quality not quantity. I’ve successfully helped people get a fresh start through bankruptcy for over 22 years. I focus exclusively in bankruptcy law. I’ve been in practice for over 25 years. I only decline cases where I do not think I can help the person or the person will be too difficult to work with. I hope Mr. Cunningham can get past this stressful financial time in his life, move on to finding solutions instead of ruminating, take responsibility for his own behaviors, stop dumping negativity on other people, and begin to adopt a more peaceful and positive manner with other people.