How much does it cost to hire Albert for a bankruptcy case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Albert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Albert offer a free consultation?

Albert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Albert's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Albert's current terms during booking.

How long do bankruptcy cases in North Carolina typically take?

Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Albert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Albert take my case if I'm outside Charlotte?

Albert is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Albert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Albert?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Albert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Albert accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

Albert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Albert F. Durham, Bankruptcy Attorney in Charlotte

Quick answer

Albert F. Durham is an of counsel based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Business. Albert has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rayburn Cooper & Durham, P.A.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in: Charlotte, NC
Experience: over 51 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business

Handles Bankruptcy and Business matters from Charlotte, NC.
Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Albert's practice areas in Charlotte

Albert concentrates on bankruptcy and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Albert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Charlotte, North Carolina

Albert takes bankruptcy matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Albert agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Charlotte, North Carolina

Albert takes business matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Albert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Albert F. Durham, bankruptcy attorney serving Charlotte

Albert F. Durham is an of counsel based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Business. Albert has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rayburn Cooper & Durham, P.A.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 4 client reviews. Albert works from Charlotte, North Carolina and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.

Al Durham has moved to an Of Counsel role with the firm. He continues to represent debtors in business workouts and financial reorganizations and trustees, debtors, creditors, and statutory committees in business bankruptcies under Chapter 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. A substantial part of his practice focuses on restructuring financing and/or operations outside a formal court proceeding for financially distressed business entities. He has appeared in Bankruptcy Courts in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Delaware.

Mr. Durham has been a speaker for seminars sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association, the Mecklenburg County Bar, and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees.

HONORS AND AWARDS

The Best Lawyers in America (Bankruptcy), 1996-2021

Business North Carolina magazine’s “Legal Elite” (Bankruptcy), 2003-2014, 2018

North Carolina Super Lawyers (Bankruptcy), 2006-2024, Charlotte Top 25 (2014-2016), North Carolina Top 100 (2006-2009, 2012-2017)

Named as a “Leading Lawyer” in North Carolina (Bankruptcy & Reorganization) by Chambers U.S.A., 2010-2019

Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

North Carolina Bar Association Bankruptcy Section – Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016

North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization – Sara H. Davis Excellence Award, 2016

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Specialist in Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, 1987-2017

Certified Specialist in Business Bankruptcy Law, American Board of Certification, 1993-2017

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

In re The Thaxton Group, Inc., et. al., Case No. 03-13183 (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware) — Represented 31 related debtors in the orderly liquidation of the assets of selected debtors and in reorganizing the consumer finance business of other debtors through a confirmed Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.

In re HomeGold, Inc. and HomeGold Financial, Inc., Case Nos. 03-3864 and 03-3865 (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of South Carolina) — Represented a publicly traded holding company with a wholly owned subsidiary that operated as a specialty finance company primarily engaged in the business of originating, selling, and servicing sub-prime first- and second-lien residential mortgage loan products and in obtaining confirmation of a joint Chapter 11 plan with a related debtor.

In re Saber Cargo Airlines, Inc., Case No. 03-32283 (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of North Carolina) — Served as counsel for the debtor in Chapter 7 filing for regional cargo airlines.

In re GS Industries, Inc., et. al., Case No. 01-30319 (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of North Carolina) — Served as local counsel to the Creditors Committee in related cases involving a leading producer of special steel products, mainly wire rods used in the automotive, construction, and consumer applications industries, and grinding products and mill liners used in the worldwide mining industry. Assisted in the orderly wind up of their business affairs, strategic sales, and confirmation of several Chapter 11 plans.

The cases mentioned above are illustrative of the matters handled by the firm. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Not all results are provided, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Former Member, Panel of Chapter 7 Trustees for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina

North Carolina Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Section, Member; Chairman, 1990-1991

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina

Former Member, Local Rules Committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina

Former Member, Bankruptcy Specialization Committee for the North Carolina State Bar

Working with Albert on a bankruptcy matter

Al Durham has moved to an Of Counsel role with the firm. He continues to represent debtors in business workouts and financial reorganizations and trustees, debtors, creditors, and statutory committees in business bankruptcies under Chapter 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. A substantial part of his practice focuses on restructuring financing and/or operations outside a formal court proceeding for…

Who Albert represents

Albert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy and business matters in Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Albert studied and practices

University of North Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1975
University of North Carolina
B.A. · 1970

Jurisdictions

Albert's state bar admissions

North Carolina
1975 · ACTIVE

Albert studied at J.D. in University of North Carolina School of Law and B.A. in University of North Carolina.

Law school and academic background

Albert completed J.D. in University of North Carolina School of Law and B.A. in University of North Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Albert runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Albert's legal honors and published work

Albert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Albert F. Durham's office in Charlotte

Albert's primary office is at 227 W. Trade Street, Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC, 28202-1672. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rayburn Cooper & Durham, P.A.

227 W. Trade Street, Suite 1200

Charlotte, NC 28202-1672

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Albert F. Durham — 4.9/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Albert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Charlotte.

4.9

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Albert F. Durham claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Albert F. Durham — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Albert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Albert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Albert's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Albert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Albert

Albert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Albert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Albert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Albert F. Durham

How much does it cost to hire Albert for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Albert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Albert offer a free consultation?
Albert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Albert's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Albert's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Albert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Albert take my case if I'm outside Charlotte?
Albert is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Albert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Albert?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Albert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Albert accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Albert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by North Carolina residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Albert F. Durham. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens To Joint Debts If My Spouse Files Bankruptcy In North Carolina?
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and my spouse is planning to file for bankruptcy. We have several joint debts together. I’m concerned about how their bankruptcy will affect me
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · North Carolina
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina

Albert handles bankruptcy matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

Albert F. Durham, Bankruptcy Attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina

Quick answer

Albert's practice areas in Charlotte

Bankruptcy cases in Charlotte, North Carolina

Business cases in Charlotte, North Carolina

Albert F. Durham, bankruptcy attorney serving Charlotte