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Steven M. Palmer
also known as Steve Palmer
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About Steven
Biography
As a member of the CH& Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights practice, Steven M. Palmer brings extensive experience to assisting small and mid-sized businesses with Chapter 11 Subchapter V cases, receiverships, contract and lease negotiations, and business wind-down strategies. His legal background includes representing a diverse clientele—banks, businesses, and individuals—through more than a thousand bankruptcy cases, as well as engaging in debt settlement, mediation, foreclosure litigation, and immigration matters. Steve is adept at navigating both sides of the bankruptcy process and guiding clients through strategic planning to secure favorable results. His professional accolades include being named to the Washington Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers® Magazine and receiving the Cali Excellence in Law award twice. Beyond client work, he is active in legal education as a speaker and published author, having presented at national conferences and contributed to respected bankruptcy journals. Steve is affiliated with several legal organizations, including the King County Bar Association and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling with his family and fishing with his boys.
I help people get the relief that is available under the bankruptcy code and I actually enjoy it!
I have filed hundreds of Ch.13 cases, helping people stay in their homes, and keep what they want
I help people and small businesses with bankruptcy, immigration and real estate matters and I actually enjoy it!
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
40%
Bankruptcy and Debt
30%
17 years | 2,000 cases
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
30%
17 years | 400 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2019 2018
...
+
3
2014
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 11 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Licensed in Ohio for 16 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.
(206) 224-8012
Fax
(206) 682-7100
Fax
524 Second Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98104
cairncross.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Steven online.
Steven M. Palmer's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
55 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (55)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (20)
Recommendation (20)
Responsiveness (17)
Professionalism (16)
Communication Style (14)
Practice Area Knowledge (14)
Character & Conduct (11)
Compassion (11)
Trustworthiness (10)
Advocacy (8)
Cost of Services (7)
Staff & Support (7)
General Knowledge (6)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Kelly | October 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Caring, Smart & Friendly
When we first met Steve and his team, we had our then, 13-month-old son with us and he made us feel right at home. He was very understanding and had a desire to help. We started our process of pre-bankruptcy paperwork and made our retainer payment and life hit us hard. We contacted Steve and he was w...
Steven Palmer
Replied last October 28, 2019Thank you so much for the generous review and for the opportunity to represent you. I wish you the best of luck in the future. Let us know if you every need any other sort of help. Steve
Posted by Ali | August 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
This Guy is Legit!
I went in for an initial consultation with Steven regarding filing a BK vs a settlement. He is very knowledgeable and well seasoned. He answered all my questions and I hired him in the first meeting. He helped me with my settlement process within 48 hours and got a settlement amount way less than wha...
Steven Palmer
Replied last August 15, 2017I really appreciate the review! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the future and let me know if any creditors try contacting you. Best of luck!
Posted by Janet | September 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Excellent representation!
In February my husband suffered a life threatening injury in a fall. He was immediately disabled and unable to work. I had to quit my job in order to care for him. We suddenly had only my social security to live on. We first consulted Mr. Palmer to find out what our options were. He was very inf...
Steven Palmer
Replied last September 19, 2016Thank you or the kind review Janet. You two were a pleasure to work with. I wish you the best.
Posted by Jack Mowrer | August 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Debt Settlement
Friendly and knowledgable
Steven was great. He informed me of the upside and downside to debt settlement. He was upfront and honest and I'd recommend to anyone in a similar financial situation.
Steven Palmer
Replied last August 18, 2016Thanks for the kind review Jack. Please keep us in mind if you or anyone you know needs help with bankruptcy, debt settlement, real estate, probate, estate planning, or escrow. Take care, Steve
Posted by Denny | August 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Great experience
Mr. Palmer was really great to work with. My wife and were filling for bankruptcy and had very little knowledge on the subject. Steven walked us through the process step by step, took time to explain, and always was available for any questions or issues that came up. Overall, he made a not so pleasan...
Steven Palmer
Replied last August 18, 2016Thank you for the kind review. Please keep us in mind if you or anyone you know needs help with bankruptcy, debt settlement, real estate, probate, estate planning, or escrow. Take care, Steve
Steven M. Palmer's Lawyer Endorsements
"Steve approaches his cases with a genuine concern for his client’s best interests. We are fortunate to have him as a member of the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steven is an extremely knowledgeable and a hard working lawyer. He truly cares about his clients and the outcome they receive."
"I endorse Steven Palmer. He has an impressive knowledge of chapter 13 bankruptcy and a commitment to finding the best solutions for his clients."
"From our time working together, I know Steve to be a creative problem solver and a strong advocate for his clients. He is well-respected in the bankruptcy community. I would highly recommend Steve to anyone seeking bankruptcy counsel."
"Mr. Palmer is a highly professional and diligent attorney. He has an solid understanding of bankruptcy law and procedure, and has an excellent reputation in the community for providing high quality representation. I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is interested in helping clients through complex and difficult life situations. He's a friend and I'm happy to refer any clients, both family and friends, to him for counsel."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"Steven is an extremely professional, intelligent and thorough practitioner. I highly respect him, both as a lawyer and as a person. Highly recommended."
"I have known Steve for several years. He is a knowledgeable and skilled bankruptcy and Social Security attorney who provides zealous representation for his clients. I highly recommend him."
"Steven is a competent and diligent attorney with a high level of professionalism. He is well respected in the industry."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steve is a bright and diligent attorney. I enjoy bouncing new ideas off of him as he always seems to have his his hand on the pulse of new developments in the law. I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney."
"Steven Palmer is a zealous advocate for his clients. He aggressively seeks to achieve favorable legal outcomes in the cases he handles. His knowledge base in bankruptcy law is especially extensive."
"Steve Palmer is an excellent attorney with years of experience in the bankruptcy field. He is exceedingly detail-oriented and conscientious, and always looking for ways to do better and better at his job. You can't go wrong with Steve as your attorney."
"The respect of the debtor and creditor's bar, as well as the local judiciary has been well-earned by Mr. Palmer. He brings an intellectual approach to handling the myriad issues that crop up in Chapter 13 bankruptcy practice. Steve is an excellent problem-solver, and has honed his skills in the courtroom, office, and as a legal writer to the ultimate benefit of his clientele. I am proud to know Steve, and recommend him to anyone seeking effective and experienced counsel."
"I fully endorse this lawyer. He's an intelligent, hard-working attorney and a truly nice person."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Brad Puffpaff
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Stephen Smith
Real estate lawyer
Rachel Edmiston
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Kenneth Schneider
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Dennis Burman
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Latife Neu
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Sean Moore
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Lawrence Blue
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Robert Casteel
Real estate lawyer
Joshua Curtis
Real estate lawyer
Brian Autero
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Kristin Bryant
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Walter Landow
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Keith Borders
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Richard Nemeth
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Joseph Romano
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Paul Vincent
Trusts lawyer
Brian Dodez
Personal injury lawyer
Megan Molitoris
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Patrick Miller
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2018
2018 Washington Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2008
Excellence in Law Award Environmental Law, CALI
2008
Excellence in Law Award for International Law, CALI
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Attorney, Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.
2015 - 2025
Attorney, Curtis, Casteel & Palmer, PLLC
2011 - 2012
Associate Attorney, Shapiro, Van Ess, Phillips & Barragate
2010 - 2015
Associate Attorney, Rauser & Associates
2009 - 2010
Document Review Attorney, Orrick, Herrington, Suitcliffe, LLP
2008 - 2009
Research Assistant, University of Akron School of Law
2007 - 2008
Law Clerk, Curtin and Associates
Associations
2015 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAssociate Member
2015 - Present
King County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2015 - Present
Snohomish County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2015 - Present
King County Bar Referral Service (Bankruptcy)Attorney
2015 - Present
Snohomish County Bar Referral Service (Bankruptcy)Attorney
2014 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysAssociate Member
2013 - Present
Cleveland Bar AssociationAssociate Member
2009 - 2011
Ohio Bar AssociationAssociate Member
2009 - 2009
University of Akron School of Law - Environmental Law SocietyPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
In re: Sadler US Dist. N.D. OH Eastern Division
Won on Appeal
In re Weaver;
Win
PHH Mortgage Corp
Won Appeal
Education
2009
University of Akron School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
Kent State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys 2019 Annual Conference
Automating Lead Follow up and Review Generation While Helping your Clients Succeed Post-Bankruptcy
2016
Bankruptcy Primer for Real Estate Professionals
Bankruptcy Primer for Real Estate Professionals
2015
William J. O'Neill Great Lakes Regional Bankruptcy Institute
Panel Introductions: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:Key Regulations, Compliance Issues,
Publications
2016
Law Blog
Tax Refunds and Bankruptcy
2016
2016
2016
Consumer Bankruptcy Journal
Property Tax Certificate Claims: Handling Claims Pre-Confirmation
2015
Law Blog
Credit Unions
2015
Ezinearticles
Bankruptcy and Your Vehicle
2015
2015
Ezinearticles
The Effects of Bankruptcy on Your Credit
2015
Ezinearticles
The History of Student Loans in Bankruptcy
2014
2014 Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Bankruptcy & Commercial Law Section Newsletter
Property Tax Certificate Claims: Do You Need to Object
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Steven earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Am I eligible for bankruptcy?
17 Jul 2022
Q&A
What action can credit union take if I don’t pay loan?
18 Jul 2022
Q&A
Is my attorney failed to object correctly? Is he wrong or incompetent or trying to fleece me? He is suggesting to refile BK13?
10 Jun 2017