SIMON FITZGERALD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- BANKRUPTCY - NO ATTORNEY FEES UPFRONT
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Alexandria, contact an experienced attorney at Simon Fitzgerald LLC. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help people keep their homes even if they're behind on payments. Before people can start considering filing for bankruptcy, they must ensure they have a regular and stable income. If people have a stable and regular income, they should consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In most Chapter 13 cases, we do not require you to pay the attorney fees in advance because the fees can be included in the monthly payments made to the Chapter 13 trustee. Court costs are typically paid before filing. See our fees and costs page for more information.
Meet Danielle Goodwin, our compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistant at Simon Fitzgerald LLC. Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from the University of Louisiana in 2017. As a legal assistant, she works alongside our experienced attorneys to provide our clients with the best possible outcome for their bankruptcy cases.
Danielle is passionate about helping those in need, evident in her work at our firm. She believes everyone deserves a fresh financial start and takes pride in participating in that process for our clients. Her dedication to helping others makes her a valuable asset to our team.
She advocates for fairness and justice and enjoys arguing her point of view while considering all sides. Danielle's passion for the legal profession is inspired by the movie Legally Blonde, where she learned that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Her ability to see things from both points of view allows her to give an unbiased opinion and provide clients with the best possible options.
Danielle spends most of her time with her family outside the office, traveling for her son's soccer games, going on walks, and enjoying the outdoors. She is also joining the Junior League of Lafayette and hopes to give back to the community meaningfully.
Danielle's favorite sports team is her son's soccer team, the Cajun Rush Premier Soccer team. She enjoys dining at local restaurants such as Uncle T's and Deano's and anywhere with boiled crawfish. Her favorite book is Where the Red Fern Grows, and she also enjoys reading Where the Crawdads Sing and Ender's Game. If you're looking for something light, she recommends any book by Colleen Hoover.
At our law firm, we understand that filing for bankruptcy can be a difficult and stressful process. However, with Danielle as your legal assistant, you can trust that you are in good hands. She is committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients.
Danielle Goodwin is a passionate and dedicated legal assistant committed to helping those in need. She is an essential part of our team; we are fortunate to have her. If you need assistance filing for bankruptcy, don't hesitate to contact Danielle at 337-984-1584 or via email at Dgoodwin@SimonFitzgerald.com.
Introducing Elizabeth Wilson, a Legal Assistant whose journey at Simon Fitzgerald LLC is marked by her deep empathy, strong dedication, and a personal understanding of life's financial challenges. As a proud member of our team, Elizabeth's role is pivotal in guiding clients through the daunting world of bankruptcy, offering not just legal assistance but a compassionate hand to those in need.
Elizabeth's affinity for learning from our seasoned attorneys coupled with her heart for helping people in financial distress makes her stand out. Her role goes beyond administrative tasks; she is a pillar of support for clients seeking a fresh financial start. This dedication stems from her own experiences as a single mother, navigating the complexities of life and finances, making her relatable and genuinely empathetic to our clients' situations.
Her commitment is mirrored in her passion for helping clients struggling with debt, a reflection of her enormous heart and understanding nature. Elizabeth finds profound fulfillment in seeing clients relieved from the burdens of financial strain, knowing she played a part in their journey toward financial freedom.
Outside the legal realm, Elizabeth's life is rich with passions that reflect her vibrant personality. As an ardent LSU football fan, her spirit and energy are contagious. She enjoys the simple pleasures of life, often found enjoying a meal at Torchy's Tacos, a testament to her love for community and authenticity.
As a single mother, Elizabeth's narrative is one of strength, love, and perseverance, making her relatable to many of our clients. She embodies the struggles and triumphs of those we serve, offering not just legal advice but a shared understanding and genuine care.
Elizabeth wants prospective clients to know that Simon Fitzgerald LLC is more than a law firm - it's a team deeply invested in each client's well-being. Her message is clear: "We all care about our clients and future clients and are committed to helping anyone who walks through our doors."
Elizabeth Wilson is not just a Legal Assistant; she's a beacon of hope for those seeking a fresh start. Her journey, both personal and professional, resonates deeply with our clients, making her an invaluable asset to our firm and to every individual seeking our guidance.
Joe Bailey, an Alexandria resident, has suffered some serious financial setbacks. His company downsized, leaving him solely with unemployment income while looking for a new job. During this time, Joe could not pay what he owed in back taxes, so by the time he found another job; the IRS decided to garnish his wages. Joe found himself slipping deeper and deeper into debt. He was paying regular monthly and medical bills with high-interest credit cards because so much of his wages were being taken by the IRS. Joe was at the end of his rope when he decided to speak to an Alexandria, LA bankruptcy lawyer from Simon Fitzgerald.
While Joe had never seen himself as the "kind of person" who would file for bankruptcy, after speaking to an experienced Alexandria, LA bankruptcy lawyer from Simon Fitzgerald LLC, he felt more at peace about his financial future than he had in a long time. Joe qualified for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, allowing him a fresh new financial start while stopping the wage garnishment. Joe's debts had been discharged under Chapter 7 bankruptcy in just a few short months. He was already receiving offers for secured credit cards that would help him rebuild his credit. Joe's life had taken a turn for the better after many months of financial misery, making him wonder why he hadn't filed for bankruptcy sooner.
Judge John S. Hodge presides over all bankruptcy cases in the Shreveport Division and Chapter 7 cases in the Monroe Division. Judge Stephen D. Wheelis presides over all Chapter 13 cases in the Monroe Division. The Chapter 13 trustee in the Shreveport Division is Daryl J. Smith, and the Chapter 7 trustee is John W. Luster. The Chapter 13 trustee in the Monroe Division is E. Eugene Hastings, and the Chapter 7 Trustee(s) are John Clifton Conine and Mark K. Sutton.
Our Lafayette bankruptcy attorney at Simon Fitzgerald LLC is your trusted partner in navigating bankruptcy law. Specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, Mr. Helo offers tailored legal advice and representation to meet your specific financial challenges.
Navigating the complexities of bankruptcy law, particularly the unique aspects of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, is a task Mr. Helo is skilled at. He recognizes the uniqueness of each client's financial situation and provides legal strategies accordingly. Contact our Lafayette office today to schedule a free consultation and begin your financial recovery journey.
Karl M. Helo is a seasoned bankruptcy attorney passionate about the law and helping people. As a partner in charge of the Lafayette office, Mr. Helo has dedicated his practice to consumer bankruptcy and creditor's rights in consumer and business bankruptcy. His ultimate goal is to help his clients get out of debt and get a fresh financial start through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Mr. Helo graduated with honors from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law in 2008. He then attended the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor and Diploma in Civil Law degree in 2011. Mr. Helo was admitted to practice in Louisiana in 2011 and is a Louisiana State Bar Association member.
In addition to his academic achievements, Mr. Helo has received numerous awards and recognitions for his professional work. He has been invited to the 5th Circuit Judicial Bar Conference in 2023. In addition, he has spoken at public speaking panels, including the LSU Annual Bankruptcy Seminar and the Lafayette Parish Bar Association Family Law Section CLE. Mr. Helo is a Brown Inn of Court member who serves as co-chair of the educational committee. He is also a member of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and the American Bankruptcy Institute.
Mr. Helo's passion for the law is rooted in his fascination with the sociological and psychological aspects of the formation of humankind and the history behind the legal system itself. He is intrigued by how laws are created, the basis of their creation, and then their ultimate implementation. Mr. Helo firmly believes that each law at its very foundation is meant to promote the well-being of the public ultimately. By being a part of that system, he can best help others gain the benefit meant for them.
As a bankruptcy lawyer, Mr. Helo is committed to helping his clients get a fresh start. He understands that financial troubles can cause immense stress and anxiety and that seeking help can be difficult. Mr. Helo approaches each case with compassion and empathy, taking the time to understand his client's unique situations and needs. He is dedicated to finding the best solution for each client, whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
If you're struggling with debt and need a fresh financial start, Karl M. Helo is the attorney you need. With his expertise in consumer bankruptcy and compassionate approach, he can help you get back on track and confidently move forward. Contact Mr. Helo today at 337-984-1584 or khelo@simonfitzgerald.com to schedule a consultation.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Shreveport Bar Association
Keith is a member of the Shreveport Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association, and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. In addition, he has appeared as a speaker for numerous Bankruptcy Seminars for bankruptcy attorneys over many years.
Keith is a compassionate, reliable bankruptcy attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. He understands their emotional and financial challenges and is committed to helping them obtain a fresh financial start. In addition, he is fearless in appealing unjust or incorrect decisions to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals when his clients cannot pay for legal services.
If you are struggling with debt and are considering bankruptcy, Keith M. Welch is the attorney you can trust to guide you through the process. Contact Keith today at 318-868-2600 or Keith@SimonFitzgerald.com to schedule a consultation.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and need a fresh start, Mr. Molloy is the best attorney to help you. Once you call his office, an appointment will be set up for you to meet with him so that he can go through all of your factual issues, including all property owned and all debts owed. Mr. Molloy will work closely with you throughout the legal process to ensure you get the best outcome possible. His expertise, professionalism, and compassion will help you get the fresh start you need and deserve.
Levy is a member/partner with the law firm of Simon, Fitzgerald, Cooke, Reed & Welch. He graduated from Louisiana State University Law Center with a Juris Doctorate & Bachelors of Civil Law in 2002 and from Northwestern State University with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1998. He was admitted to practice in Louisiana in 2003 and served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Chief Judge Henry N. Brown, Jr. for the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeals from 2003 through 2004. Levy is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
If you're seeking bankruptcy advice to deal with your debt problems, L. Laban Levy is the attorney to call. He's a lawyer who cares, takes your problems home with him, and will work very hard to find solutions for you. Contact him today to see how he can help you get back on the path to financial stability.
Job Titles:
- BANKRUPTCY NO ATTORNEY FEES UPFRONT
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Lafayette, contact an experienced lawyer at Simon Fitzgerald LLC. This type of bankruptcy allows people to keep their homes even if they are behind on the house notes. It can also reduce other monthly payments. Before people can file for bankruptcy, certain factors, like affordability and the ability to make payments, must be considered. If you have a regular and stable income, people should consider the possibility of filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In most Chapter 13 cases, we do not require you to pay the attorney fees in advance because the fees can be included in the monthly payments made to the Chapter 13 trustee. Court costs are typically paid before filing. For more information, see our fees and costs page.
Meet Angel Pender, the exceptional Office Manager of Simon Fitzgerald, LLC. Angel graduated from North DeSoto High School in 1995 and received her degree from LSU-S in 2000. As an office manager, Angel plays an integral role in the smooth functioning of the firm. Her dedication to her work and helping people is second to none.
Angel's passion for the legal process is fueled by her experience working for WESLA Federal Credit Union as a teller and later in the Loan/Collection Department. The legal aspect of the job was intriguing for Angel, especially the lawsuits, repossessions, and other legal matters. While working for the Credit Union, she met Keith M. Welch and Kevin R. Molloy, the attorneys for the Credit Union at the time. They worked hand in hand weekly, and after getting to know them and their legal assistants, Angel was offered to interview for a legal assistant position for one of the senior partners, Paul M. Cooke. The experience opened her eyes to the world of law, and she has never looked back.
What Angel values the most in her job is the family-friendly environment and the opportunity to help clients. Outside the office, Angel is passionate about her church, spending time with her family, and traveling. Her favorite sports team is LSU, and she loves to grab a meal at Big Zach's, a local eatery in her community.
Angel is married and has two children, aged 18 and 23. She enjoys watching HGTV, her favorite TV channel, in her free time. Regarding the firm, Angel believes that the attorneys and staff genuinely care about each client, are committed to helping them better their financial situation, and feel at ease going through bankruptcy.
If you are looking for the best office manager a bankruptcy law firm could have, look no further than Angel Pender of Simon Fitzgerald, LLC. With her commitment to helping people and passion for the legal process, she is a valuable asset to the firm and clients seeking financial freedom. You can reach out to her at 318-868-2600 or via email at Angel@SimonFitzgerald.com.
Meet Julie; she is drowning in credit card debt, thanks in part to the extremely high-interest rates she was paying. As she struggled to make her minimum monthly payments-which only resulted in her going further into debt-she is having trouble making her mortgage and car payments. After receiving a foreclosure notice from her mortgage company, she's filled with despair, unsure of where to turn or what to do.
Meet Kristie Jones, a dedicated paralegal with over 11 years of experience at Simon Fitzgerald's bankruptcy law firm. Kristie's favorite part of working in a law firm is the variety of cases that come her way, ensuring that no day is dull. However, what truly drives her passion is helping people in need.
Meet Rebecca Umling, a dedicated paralegal at Simon Fitzgerald, LLC. Her passion for helping people makes her an excellent addition to our team.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to Keith M. Welch & David K. Welch
- Paralegal
Meet Shanna Miller, a legal assistant to Keith M. Welch & David K. Welch, passionate about helping people overcome overwhelming debt through bankruptcy. Shanna's journey to becoming a paralegal was fueled by her desire to help individuals and families get a fresh financial start and alleviate the stress that often comes with debt and financial difficulties.
Paul M. Cooke is a partner in the law firm of Simon, Fitzgerald, Cooke, Reed & Welch. Mr. Cooke graduated from Centenary College in 1968 in Business and received his Juris Doctor degree from the Louisiana State University Law School in Baton Rouge in 1972. Mr. Cooke is a member of the Shreveport Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar Association. His practice is primarily in the area of Consumer Bankruptcy.
Meet Rebecca Bridges, our talented receptionist and legal assistant who will be the first point of contact for anyone who calls or visits our law firm seeking financial relief. Rebecca has been with our firm for a year, and in that time, she has become an integral part of our team. Her attention to detail, cheerful personality, and dedication to helping our clients get out of debt and achieve a fresh financial start have made her an invaluable asset to our team.
Rebecca's journey to our law firm began when she graduated from Bossier Parish Community College in 2015 after attending Northwood High School. She received her dental assisting license in 2018 but soon realized her passion lay elsewhere. So, in 2020, she decided to go back to BPCC to study law basics, and we are thrilled that she chose our firm to apply her newfound knowledge and skills.
For Rebecca, the best part of working at our law firm is the opportunity to learn and grow as a professional. She is passionate about understanding the legal side of things and is always eager to take on new challenges. Her love of learning and her dedication to her job inspire us all. Rebecca's commitment to upholding our law firm's reputation as the best in the field is what sets her apart. She values our clients and is dedicated to ensuring they receive the best possible service. Her attention to detail and her ability to connect with people make her a perfect fit for her role as our receptionist and legal assistant.
When she's not working, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on her favorite sports teams. She is married with a 15-year-old son and loves watching him play soccer. She is also a big fan of the Saints and Oklahoma State University.
Rebecca's favorite places to grab a meal in her community are Texas Roadhouse and Walk-On's, and her favorite book is "50 Shades of Grey." She also loves watching "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Notebook."
We are proud to have Rebecca as part of our team at our law firm, and we are confident that anyone who works with her will appreciate her caring personality and dedication to helping them achieve a fresh financial start. Contact her at 318-868-2600 or email her at rbridges@simonfitzgerald.com to take the first step towards financial freedom.