Collection attorneys are responsible for taking care of consumers, who are owed by the companies that defaulted on their loans. This usually involves a lawsuit against the company and filing for a judgment to recover the funds owed. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of owing money to a collection agency, it may be helpful to know more about what collection attorneys do before choosing one. 

When choosing a New York collection attorney, select one with great experience and good reviews from other customers in New York City so as not to waste your time and ultimately waste your money on getting these professionals involved in your case.

Here are some tips that may help you decide which attorney is best for you.

• Do your research

One of the best ways to make sure you have a good collection attorney is by doing research beforehand. It is highly recommended to make several phone calls and get referrals from family, friends, and colleagues so that you can find the best attorney for your case.

Make sure you ask for referrals from business owners in your industry that have gone through a similar circumstance in the past.  Ask them about their experience with the collections attorney they hired, what was most helpful, and also what they wish they had done differently.

• Understand the fee structure

Fees for collection attorneys are typically pretty straightforward. According to a recent study from Lawyerist, the average rate for an initial consultation starts at $200, with a full case taking about $750.

However, you may be charged more depending on how complicated the case and how many creditors are involved in your case. Some collection lawyers have additional fees if you agree to a settlement and begin to default on payments or fail to appear in court, among other factors.

• Get references

While it’s a good idea to do your research and get references from previous clients, you still need to meet with the attorney in person. Ask them if they have worked on a similar case before and ask them to give you examples of their work. Interviewing several potential attorneys may help you narrow down the field before choosing one.

• Look for experience

Experience is very important when it comes to hiring a collection attorney. A good collection attorney will have plenty of experience in his field, which will ultimately make him more qualified to handle your case and succeed in court too.  Highly experienced attorneys tend to charge higher fees as well.