This week I met up with bankruptcy attorney Alisa Admiral to catch up, drink some coffee at Ubuntu Cafe in Long Beach and talk about her work as a bankruptcy attorney in Long Beach and surrounding cities.
Preparation of Questions for Bankruptcy Attorney Interview
I prepped some questions and asked her what a fun place for the interview would be. Alisa suggested Ubuntu. I’d never been there before so that was a big YES for me! More on this fun neighborhood cafe later.
What is Bankruptcy?
After some chit-chat and catching up I fired off my first question, “What is bankruptcy?”
Alisa: “What do you think bankruptcy is?”
I had to think for a moment. Hmmm, well, see all these koffie cups, napkins and cute flowers on the table, let me whip them off the table and start over fresh I said.
Alisa replied that I was close, yet not quite, although for people who have been under a lot of stress and financial burden, this is often the feeling they have.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
There’s chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Most people want Chapter 7 and end up using that for their bankruptcy. People walk away after Chapter 7 free of debt.
There is also a great exemption under Chapter 7, you can have assets left over at the end of the day like your home with up to $600,000 in equity.
Now in that case, let’s say you have a Tesla, that Tesla will most likely be gone but you will still have a roof over your head. If you do not own a home, you can have assets left in your bank account of about $30,000 and still do the Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are some stipulations of course. One of which is the amount of money you make at your job.
Using Chapter 13 however you will have to pay back most of your debts.
Ever since I have known Alisa I have always been impressed by the number of Yelp reviews and her five-star rating.
Obvious question, I think, “How do you do it?”
Alisa shares that she is really hands-on with her clients and with most of them the process takes about four to five months (sometimes quite a bit longer) and that creates a bond.
Before Covid, Alisa would go to the courts together with her clients, (nowadays she mostly goes by herself) and her ability to create trust and take away stress really helps them.
She really invests a lot of time into the case and her clients. Of course, a key component is to ask her clients if they could kindly leave her a review.
Robin: “Sounds like an intense career, what do you do for fun?”
Alisa loves to exercise, paddle board and hang out with her son.
Robin: “What is the perfect client for you?”
Someone with too much debt than they can handle. Is the very short and to the point answer.
Alisa: ”I will always give people a lot information without the pressure of making a decision right away. I like to keep things simple and clear so that my client and I know exactly what we are working on.”
Alisa’s first 30-minute consultation is free of charge, and she files bankruptcy in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Alisa adds that she likes to help people and help take away any stress they are under. If your particular issue is something that she doesn’t handle, Alisa will guide you to the professionals that can.
Summary
To learn more about Ms. Alisa Admiral, visit her website for legal matters and Bankruptcy Attorney.
Now about Ubuntu Cafe…
My first time here and happy that Alisa picked this spot. The vibe is great, even when you are sitting inside you feel very much connected with the outside patios. Sky lights and open walls give this restaurant a special summer feel.
The coffee was delicious and the pastries on par. Check out their website at https://www.ubuntucafelb.com/.
I hope you enjoyed this “Chat with Alisa.” Feel free to share it with friends.
Until next time,
Robin
Disclaimer: “This content is general information and is not meant to be legal advice. Alisa Admiral does not represent you without a signed and paid retainer. Please contact an attorney if you have questions or need legal advice.”