by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
Carol Galloway is more than Legal Helpers’ attorney for Florida.
She is Florida for the Chicago-based firm.
Legal Helpers opened its office at 135 W. Adams St. in February. Galloway is still the only staffer there, and she’s comfortable with the way things are.
“I’m handling it well,” she said. “I’m very organized.”
Attorneys with Legal Helpers primarily practice in bankruptcy and debt consolidation cases.
The firm is a creation of Macey Chern & Diab, which maintains a free 24-hour bankruptcy information line “to answer many of your debt consolidation questions,” according to its website (www.legalhelpers.com).
“We do Internet advertising, so people who are interested will sign up online,” Galloway explained. “They’ll complete an Internet evaluation, and then Chicago will forward the evaluation to me.
“I will make the calls and set up the appointments.”
According to the website, Legal Helpers has offices and sponsoring law firms in 25 states.
“Business is good,” said Galloway. “We’re growing.”
Originally from New York, Galloway went to Fordham University graduate school (counseling and a master’s degree in education) and later graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law.
“I think the law is a very interesting field, and I felt I had something to offer,” she said.
The firm’s pamphlets and Internet ads vow to stop garnishments, repossessions, foreclosures, lawsuits and creditor harassment so that clients may keep their home, car, wages and furniture.
Most of Legal Helpers’ cases involve unemployment, divorce and illnesses that result in a loss of income.
Underemployment — in which new, lower wages fail to keep up with existing debt — accounts for about 20 percent of the calls.
“We can help (the unemployed) solve their problems in terms of getting rid of existing debt, if we can under the guidelines,” said Galloway.
The firm often helps clients by filing for protection under Chapter 7 or 13.
Under Chapter 7, clients may eliminate unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills and personal loans.
Chapter 13 provides for debt consolidation and repayment over a three- to five-year period.
“For a Chapter 7, we look at their income,” said Galloway. “Generally, we see if they have any excess income left over. Then we look at their assets.
“When people come in here to do a (Chapter) 13, they’ll ask what their options are. They may have a foreclosure sale date on their home, and they’re very behind in payments on their home and their cars. And they want to save both.”
Prospective clients may reach the firm by going to the website or calling the 24-hour information line (888-743-5787).
They may also come by the Adams Street office and have Galloway set up an appointment.