Oregon bankruptcy law education and training will teach you how to resolve your clients’ debts by dividing their assets among their creditors. This allows each creditor to achieve some measure of equality under the law. A filing under Chapter 7 is called liquidation and involves the sale of the debtor's non-exempt property. A bankruptcy proceeding under Chapters 11, 12 or 13 allows the debtor to use future earnings to pay off creditors.

The qualifications needed to practice bankruptcy law in OR are determined at the state level and also will be affected by the specific type of bankruptcy that the client requires. There are three general phases in obtaining an education in bankruptcy law:

1. Formal education. Oregon bankruptcy attorneys will typically need at least a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school in Oregon. An advanced degree such as a Masters of Law (L.L.M) will further help distinguish you from your colleagues.
2. Membership in professional organizations. Practicing attorneys will want a membership in one of the many associations dedicated to bankruptcy law in Oregon.
3. Legal specialization. Bankruptcy attorneys in Oregon can become designated specialists in bankruptcy law by meeting the state's specific requirements.
   

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Attend a law school that specializes in educating Oregon bankruptcy lawyers

There are a variety of universities in Oregon that provide a concentration in bankruptcy law. These schools are equipped to offer a solid education on the current bankruptcy laws in Oregon.

I recommend: The University of Oregon School of Law offers an externship with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon to its second and third year students. The Willamette University College of Law offers bankruptcy law courses and provides educational resources dedicated to researching bankruptcy law in Oregon.

Find professional forums for an Oregon bankruptcy attorney

Professional online forums can provide a daily educational opportunity for bankruptcy attorneys in Oregon. These include information on recent changes in bankruptcy law and advice on building a practice.

I recommend: The Oregon State Bar answers specific questions on bankruptcy law in Oregon and also provides other resources for Oregon bankruptcy law. TotalBankruptcy provides extensive resources on bankruptcy law, including a complete description of bankruptcy exemptions in Oregon.

Obtain a specialization in Oregon bankruptcy laws

Oregon allows attorneys who practice certain areas of the law, such as bankruptcy, to be certified as specialists. A bankruptcy attorney in Oregon will need to know Oregon's specific requirements for a specialization in bankruptcy.

I recommend: Lawline.com offers online courses in bankruptcy law that provide CLE credit in Oregon. Lewis & Clark College offers programs for CLE credit through the Oregon Law Institute, such as bankruptcy law for the non-specialist.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attorneys also will want to join professional organizations that are dedicated to the practice of Oregon bankruptcy laws. These associations provide a number of resources essential for the practicing bankruptcy attorney, including contact information for important courts, assistance with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements and links to bankruptcy laws.

You don’t start a business thinking it will fail and you will end up researching bankruptcy law in OR. However things don’t always go as planned and there may come a time when filing bankruptcy in Oregon becomes the best course of action for yourself and your business.

Take the time to research Oregon bankruptcy law before you begin the bankruptcy process. You want to know what the process will be like and to which exemptions you are entitled. Before filing for bankruptcy keep in mind the following:

1. View the bankruptcy as an ending to one chapter of your life and the beginning to a new and more prosperous chapter of your life.
2. Know how bankruptcy laws in Oregon will affect your life and your business.
3. Learn from your bankruptcy filing so you won’t have to file again in the future.
   

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Know what property you can keep under Oregon bankruptcy laws

Knowing and understanding the exemptions you have available to you will make navigating Oregon business bankruptcy laws easier. You want to know what property you can and cannot keep before you file for bankruptcy so you can prepare accordingly.

I recommend: Personal Bankruptcy Information has a chart with all of the available exemptions in Oregon as well as links to the forms you need to file and a host of other Oregon bankruptcy information. The Bankruptcy Site has a page that covers the available exemptions in Oregon.

Know under which chapter of Oregon bankruptcy law you will have to file

With the passage of the 2005 bankruptcy laws, filing for bankruptcy has changed drastically. Bankruptcy laws in Oregon have been changed accordingly and you should have a thorough understanding of what the process entails so you can make an informed decision on whether filing for bankruptcy protection is right for you.

I recommend: Lawyers.com has a detailed explanation of the bankruptcy process. OregonBankruptcy.com details the bankruptcy process, including explanation of how the new bankruptcy laws affect new filers.

Find a good Oregon bankruptcy attorney

There are plenty of excellent Oregon bankruptcy lawyers. A good lawyer is absolutely necessary when filing for bankruptcy. They can walk you through Oregon bankruptcy laws and explain the process to you in detail.

I recommend: Bankuptcy Lawyers Oregon.com has a wealth of information on Oregon bankruptcy attorneys, and offers a search that will allow you to get a free consultation form a bankruptcy attorney in your area. Vanden Bos and Chapman, LLP, are one of many Oregon bankruptcy law firms that will be able to help you with your filing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out whether bankruptcy law in Oregon allows you to file jointly with you spouse. If so, talk to your lawyer and see if it is in your best interest to file jointly or on your own.