In this episode of the Law Firm Ignite Podcast, host Mike Goldstein sits down with Attorney Jill Phillips, a dedicated bankruptcy lawyer serving clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Jill shares why she chose bankruptcy law, how it connects to her passion for constitutional rights and helping people one-on-one, and what attorneys need to know when referring clients who are facing foreclosure, wage garnishments, or crushing debt.

Whether you're a general practitioner looking to better serve struggling clients or simply want to understand the power of bankruptcy as a legal tool, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiring success stories.

Jill Phillips is the founder of Phillips Law Offices, a bankruptcy law firm serving Prince George's County, Montgomery County, and the greater Maryland and D.C. area. With a background rooted in constitutional law and a commitment to client-centered service, Jill helps individuals and small business owners navigate Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy to regain financial stability and peace of mind.

Website: PhillipsLawEast.com

• Bankruptcy is a constitutional right. It's enshrined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution—not some "hocus pocus" debt scheme.
• The automatic stay is powerful. Under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, filing immediately halts foreclosures, wage garnishments, and collection actions.
• Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Chapter 7 is typically for those with unsecured debt and limited assets who pass the means test. Chapter 13 allows for reorganization and catching up on arrears for homes or cars.
• Recovery is faster than most people think. Many clients see credit improvement within months, and full recovery—including home purchases—often happens within two years.
• Knowledge is power. Free consultations with bankruptcy attorneys can relieve stress and reveal options clients didn't know they had.

• Why Jill chose bankruptcy law and its connection to constitutional rights
• First steps for someone facing foreclosure or serious tax debt
• Common misconceptions about bankruptcy (and why the internet gets it wrong)
• The differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
• How the automatic stay works to stop creditors in their tracks
• Warning signs that it's time to consult a bankruptcy attorney
• Success stories, including the Walt Disney bankruptcy story from 1923
• Helping clients overcome shame and embarrassment
• Protecting homes and assets through bankruptcy
• How long it really takes to recover financially after filing
• Jill's client-centered approach: treating bankruptcy as a journey, not a factory

• Title 11 of the U.S. Code – The Bankruptcy Code
• Section 362 – The Automatic Stay provision
• Phillips Law Offices – PhillipsLawEast.com

Jill Phillips, Esq. Phillips Law Offices Website: PhillipsLawEast.com

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