Michelle Carmody Kaplan

Michelle Carmody Kaplan

5.0
Rating: 8.7

Licensed for 28 years

Chapter 7 bankruptcy Lawyer Practice Areas: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Collection

About Michelle

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 28 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1997

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Michelle Carmody Kaplan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

71 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 18 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Kathy | February 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Excellent Representation & Caring Too

She is very organized, knows just what to do, and totally helping you. She has so much knowledge and expertise that you will know all is going to work out. Always there to answer any questions and offer any help you need. Working with Michelle has been a wonderful experience. I will always highly re...commend her to anyone.

Posted by Mark | September 24, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Absolutely excellent at providing info and guiding through a very difficult process

I simply do not know how I would have gotten through my bankruptcy without Michelle. She both empathetic and professional. She provided options, explained the laws clearly, prepared me for the creditor's meeting, and constantly reminded me that having to take this path was not the ultimate and only m...easure of who I am as a human being. I never had a feeling that I was one of many clients, her responses were always timely, and she kept me on track to ensure I provided all information that was necessary, without going overboard. I strongly recommend her for anyone facing a similar challenge and decision.

Posted by Jeff | December 02, 2014 | Debt Collection

Very effective statrt to finish

Michelle helped us relax and find out all our options in a very stressful time. We were dealing with a very aggressive unresponsive loan servicer and finally needed to find a lawyer to clarify how to approach our difficulty. Michelle was always quick to answer our many questions in a way we could cl...early under stand. She was professional and friendly and helped us to come to a successful conclusion in our case.

Posted by Heather | November 25, 2014 | Bankruptcy & Debt

A gift from above.... Thank you is not enough Michelle.

Michelle was literally a gift from above... I had been in a toxic relationship for 7 years. I was afraid to leave for more then one reason, but the biggest was I had a ton of credit card debt in my name and my boyfriend at the time was the one who made the money in the relationship while I stayed h...ome and took care of our two young girls... I had finally reached a point where I knew I had to do something. I had seen Michelle's ad on AVVO and made the decision to contact her through her website. I was contacted by Michelle personally via email that same day.. I met with Michelle the following week. Michelle was so personable; friendly, and knowledgeable. I just knew, you know that gut feeling you get where you go; "This is right." I knew I didn't need to go see anyone else, I knew that with Michelle's help I was going to be okay... So I took the jump and I trusted her to be my lifesaver, and she was. Michelle was always quick to answer any questions or concerns. She made sure everything was done correctly so that there would be no hiccups or anything for the courts to question. I had tried to repair my broken relationship. When I finally decided that it was non-repairable, I no longer had the debt holding me hostage... I am now debt free, and it's the best feeling. I only have a small income right now since I just began working part time a few months ago, and it's so nice to know that I am able to actually save money! I have more money saved then I ever have my whole life. It's great to feel like a FREE, responsible adult and mother. Thank you Michelle, you literally are one of the key players of people who helped save my life, in helping me find happiness. I recommend her to ANYONE! (And now I'm crying :) )

Posted by anonymous | June 02, 2014 | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Exceptional Lawyer!

We never thought bankruptcy would be a reality for us and it was a very difficult time in our lives. While exploring what bankruptcy would mean for us, my husband and I spoke to several bankruptcy lawyers and were told Chapter 13 was our only option. Then we met Michelle...she took the time to look ...at the details of our situation and determined that we qualified for Chapter 7. We truly felt that Michelle had compassion for what we were going through. She was always responsive to any questions we had and consistently gave us clear answers. We highly recommend Michelle Carmody Kaplan to anyone that is faced with bankruptcy.

See All Client Reviews

Michelle Carmody Kaplan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michelle
Erin Lane headshot
Erin Lane

Unknown lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I cannot say enough about Michelle! She is compassionate, knowledgeable and has a fantastic personality. She is well respected in the legal community and I would recommend her any day!"

Mary Conception Anderson headshot
Mary Anderson

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle is a dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney. I would refer her services without reservation."

Latife Helen Neu headshot
Latife Neu

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michelle Kaplan as a bankruptcy lawyer. Her confident and caring demeanor is backed up by a high level of professionalism and knowledge of her field."

Sheri L Nevlin headshot
Sheri Nevlin

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle has the unique perspective of having worked both for creditors and now for consumer and business debtors. This experience has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to handle your debt issues aggressively. I do not hesitate to refer clients to Michelle."

Merrilee Ann MacLean headshot
Merrilee MacLean

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred several people to Michelle for debtor representation, and gotten good feedback. She is a thoughtful, caring attorney who works hard to take care of her clients."

Shashi Vijay headshot
Shashi Vijay

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michelle is a dilligent attorney with excellent negotiation and writing skills. She is extremely intelligent, hard-working, and in addition, has a friendly, caring demeanor. I highly recommend Michelle."

Antoinette M Davis headshot
Antoinette Davis

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle is an attorney that possesses a rare blend of passion for the practice of law and doing right on behalf of her clients. She is not only a hard worker and a true advocate, but a very bright and creative mind. Without reservation, I endorse Michelle Carmody Kaplan!"

Adria Vondra headshot
Adria Vondra

Unknown lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Michelle on cases before and she is a dynamic attorney with a heart for her clients. She truly goes to bat for her clients and wants what is best for them. I would definitely recommend Michelle to anyone needing legal services."

William John Carlson headshot
William Carlson

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Kaplan for several years. I have consulted with her on several complicated bankruptcy matters which arose during the litigation of my own cases. Her advice was always accurate, well-reasoned, and prompt, I have seen the same results with the clients I have referred to her. She is my first choice when I want sound legal advice."

Michael K. DuBeau headshot
Michael DuBeau

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Michelle in the past and have referred her to several of my clients. Her work ethic is second to none. She is very knowledgable and an incredible advocate for her clients. I recommend her highly."

David B. Richardson headshot
David Richardson

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michelle Kaplan. She is smart, accessible, experienced and knows what she is doing in all matters relating to bankruptcy and debt. She is also an absolute pleasure to work with. Dave Richardson"

Darcel Andrel Lobo headshot
Darcel Lobo

Unknown lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is a wonderful colleague and does a great job for her clients. I'd highly recommend her as an attorney and am certain that any client would be more than happy with her services."

Michele K McNeill headshot
Michele McNeill

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of using Michelle to assist my distressed property clients who are considering or in need of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. She is the ultimate professional, and a great person. I give her my highest recommendation."

View All Endorsements
Erin Lane headshot
Erin Lane

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Mary Conception Anderson headshot
Mary Anderson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Latife Helen Neu headshot
Latife Neu

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Sheri L Nevlin headshot
Sheri Nevlin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Shashi Vijay headshot
Shashi Vijay

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Renee Sharon Diaz headshot
Renee Diaz

Litigation lawyer

Adria Vondra headshot
Adria Vondra

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Antoinette M Davis headshot
Antoinette Davis

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

William John Carlson headshot
William Carlson

Personal injury lawyer

Michael K. DuBeau headshot
Michael DuBeau

Business lawyer

David B. Richardson headshot
David Richardson

Car accident lawyer

Darcel Andrel Lobo headshot
Darcel Lobo

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.7 (Excellent)

Honors

2016

Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel

2014

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2001

Rising Star, Law & Politics Magazine

Work Experience

2011 - 2022

Owner, Kaplan Law PLLC

2009 - 2011

Contract Attorney, Perkins Coie LLP

2004 - 2009

General Counsel, Silvaris Corporation

2000 - 2003

Associate, Foster Pepper PLLC

1999 - 2000

Associate, Brown Law Firm

1998 - 1999

Associate, Schwed & Gordon

1997 - 1998

Contract Attorney, Preston Gates & Ellis

Associations

2015 - Present

Women Bankruptcy Association for West. WA

Board Member

2015 - Present

Consumer Education and Training Services ("CENTS")

Board Member

2012 - 2023

National Association of Consumer Attorneys

Member

2012 - 2022

Eastside Legal Assistance Program

Volunteer Attorney

2011 - 2022

King County Bar Association, Bankruptcy Law Section

Member

2011 - 2023

Mother Attorney Mentoring Association

Member

2000 - 2023

Women Bankruptcy Lawyers

Member

2000 - 2023

Association of Women Bankruptcy Attorneys, Western District of Washington

Member

2000 - 2023

Bankruptcy Bar Asociation for the Eastern District of Washington

Member

2000 - 2023

Western District Bankruptcy Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Wade Cook Financial Corp.

Many years down the road, distributions were made to creditors

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD/MBA - Juris Doctorate and MBA

1993

Washington State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

WA Men's Prison in Monroe

Bankruptcy Basics and Dealing with Creditors

2012

King County Bar Association

Consumer Bankruptcy Basics

2011

Helping Clients in Troubled imes

Into to Consumer Bankruptcy

1999

Quarterly seminars

Estate Planning 101

Publications

2017

Money Steps Video Contributing Editor

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution