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32 years
22 years
32 years
22 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
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Chat withState: New York
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
State: Florida
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
9 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | August 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Disappointed,discusted
I went to Mr.Bruckman for information. He told me chapter 7 was the way to go for me. I retained him and at that point I was informed to stop paying my debtors. Before this time I was never late nor did I ever miss a payment. After 3-6 months of getting information gathered for chapter 7 I was told I...
I believe I may know who this client is. I'll be happy to summarize what happened. My initial consultation with the client involved a good review of her financial situation. At that time (late March) she indicated her gross income for the past six months had been under the median level of income for the state of Florida. Her information to me at that time was that she grossed "about $1500 every two weeks" from County employment, and that the other income coming into the household had "just started" and that the amounts were "much less" than the main job. At that time, I made the recommendation for chapter 7. I always tell my clients before I advise them that my advice is based on the facts in front of me. The client came back in April to pay an initial retainer, and I gave her the paperwork to fill out at that time, with a list of documentation to bring to us. She brought back the remaining balance with the required backup documentation in May. I reviewed that documentation at a third meeting, also in May , where I did notice the amounts of the deposits from the second job were slightly larger than I was led to believe, and was over a slightly longer time period. The "means test" (the test that determines eligibility to file) indicated the case was now an "above-median case" rather than below, as the initial interview showed. I then proceeded to enter all of the information it takes to analyze an "above the median" debtor. Just because my clients exceed the median level of income for the state does not mean chapter 7 is unavailable to them, it just means that more work is needed to get them the relief they deserve. Unfortunately, I did not create the test, Congress did in 2005, without very much participation of anyone in the bankruptcy system (debtor or creditor, actually), and the test is not "intuitive" - meaning that I cannot just look at numbers and tell right away the case is a problem - I actually have to enter the numbers into my software. Once i saw that her income from both jobs took her above the median, I made two recommendations. One, the easiest, was to start tithing. Congress allowed for people in this situation to actually "find religion" and start making charitable contributions, regardless of their current debt situation. It then acts as a deduction on the means test and allows them to qualify to file. I find this particular part of the statute ridiculous, but I will use whatever tools Congress decided to give me. Currently, in this jurisdiction it is IRRELEVANT that these contributions started 2 or 3 months before filing - because the statute mentions nothing about it. However, I generally recommend my clients make one more contribution after filing to show the belief in the cause was "validly held" (even though, that is not a requirement, either), and I stated the client should do at least 4 months worth of tithes, for a total of about $1700-$2000 . Might the client be able to "get away with" three months of contributions - yes - but I err on the side of caution. I also recommend my clients consider the purchase of a vehicle ( if they can afford one) because it also adds a deduction under the means test. You cannot just "buy a vehicle to qualify for bankruptcy" of course. There must be a specific, non-bankruptcy reason that must be documented before you undertake the purchase to avoid any problems with the case. As I recall, as usual for clients in this position, the preferential course of action is tithing or charitable contributions. The client seemed frustrated at the length of time and further cost it would take to get bankruptcy relief, and left. Charitable contributions of approximately 5-10% of the monthly income for 4-5 months (possibly less) would result in chapter 7 relief. The client elected not to do so. I do not believe I provided inadequate service - I still believe ch.7 is possible and the best course of action for the case.
Posted by Kitty | November 18, 2015 | Foreclosure
Please do your own due diligence before retaining any lawyer!
I went very prepared for a consultation with Mr. Bruckman. I had planned on retaining him if I felt good about our interaction and his knowledge regarding mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures. I was extremely dissatisfied with both our interaction and his knowledge. I certainly did my due dilig...
I remember this person relatively well. I never represented her. I offered a free consultation as I do for most of my clients in these situations. This part of her review seems correct: "At the beginning of our session, I went over several significant facts and factors that I was not aware of before researching. I specifically asked him if he knew of each of these items and he said yes." This potential client started to quote the law back to me, before I had the chance to analyze her situation and then apply the law to the facts. I never want any client who thinks they know the law better than me, so I politely, but tersely, answered her remaining questions, knowing that I did not want to represent her, ever. If she mistook this for ignorance, I apologize. I will have to be more direct with these types of potential clients in the future.
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bruckman has the highest ethical standards and is tenacious and fearless. He will provide excellent representation for his clients."
"I have known Mr. Bruckman for over 10 years and think that he is the most knowledgeable and hardest working bankruptcy attorney in the area."
Litigation lawyer
2007
service award, Temple Shir Shalom
1993
student scholarship award, Court Review Magazine
1999 - Present
Managing Partner, Michael D. Bruckman, PA
1998 - 1999
Partner, Frier, Frier, & Bruckman, PA
1996 - 1998
Associate, Bond & Botes, PA
1994 - 1996
Judicial Law Clerk, Northern District of Florida Bankruptcy Court
2007 - 2008
Federal Bar Association (Gainesville chapter)Board Member
2005 - 2007
Temple Shir ShalomBoard Member
2004 - 2005
Northern District of Florida Bankruptcy Bar AssociationPresident
2003 - 2008
Northern District of Florida Bankruptcy Bar AssociationBoard Member
Settlement - terms cannot be disclosed
1994
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2015
2007
Case Law Update - Bankruptcy
1998
Panel Discussion on Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
1997
Panel Discussion on Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
1998
1994
1993
English
Legal Answers
CAN MY LANDLORD CHARGE ME A PET DEPOSIT IF MY DOG IS AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (ESA) AND I HAVE DOCUMENTAION FROM A LMHC?
14 Apr 2016
Does my HOA have the legal right to force me to take my political sign down?
14 Apr 2016
Objection to subpoena for deposition duces mecum? Rules please?
08 Feb 2016