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Joanne Gelfand, Bankruptcy Attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach, FL

Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving West Palm Beach.

2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Joanne Gelfand is an attorney based in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.

Based in
West Palm Beach, FLORIDA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Bankruptcy
  • Handles Bankruptcy matters from West Palm Beach, FLORIDA.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026).

About Joanne Gelfand: Joanne Gelfand is an attorney based in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Joanne Gelfand

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

Bankruptcy cases in West Palm Beach, Florida

Joanne takes bankruptcy matters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joanne agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Joanne Gelfand — Attorney of Florida bankruptcy experience

Joanne Gelfand is an attorney based in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.

A veteran practitioner with experience in high profile matters, Joanne Gelfand’s practice is typically focused on bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. She represents creditors, debtors, trustees and receivers in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring. In addition, she often oversees the purchase and sale of ongoing businesses in restructuring scenarios representing both buyers and sellers. Joanne is also a recognized expert in condominium association insolvencies from both the debtor and creditor side. Other experience includes representing homeowners in luxury golf course communities in disputes with developers, the Receiver in the prosecution of more than 100 fraudulent transfer “claw back” actions resulting from a $120 million Ponzi scheme and a Chapter 7 Trustee in the administration of a $120 million viatical portfolio for which Joanne was recognized by the Daily Business Review as the “Most Effective Bankruptcy Lawyer” in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Joanne serves as an arbitrator for The Florida Bar and actively takes on pro bono matters.

A seasoned author and lecturer, Joanne regularly shares her insights on bankruptcy topics, and previously served as an adjunct professor at New York University and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She is continually recognized as an outstanding lawyer by The Best Lawyers in America and the South Florida Legal Guide, and has served on the prestigious Long Range Planning Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

How Joanne handles bankruptcy matters

A veteran practitioner with experience in high profile matters, Joanne Gelfand’s practice is typically focused on bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. She represents creditors, debtors, trustees and receivers in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring. In addition, she often oversees the purchase and sale of ongoing businesses in restructuring scenarios representing both buyers and sellers.…

The kind of cases Joanne takes

Joanne reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in West Palm Beach and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Joanne Gelfand's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Florida

    BS · 1982

Jurisdictions

Joanne's state bar admissions

  • Florida, The Florida

    ACTIVE

  • New York, New York S

    ACTIVE

Joanne studied at BS in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

Joanne completed BS in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joanne runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Joanne Gelfand

Joanne has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Certified Arbitrator, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit In and For Broward County

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Board Certified Program Arbitrator, The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Daily Business Review 2007, "Most Effective Bankruptcy Lawyer" in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Florida Trend's Legal Elite 2010, 2013, Listed for Bankruptcy & Workout

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — South Florida Legal Guide Top Lawyers 2010-2015, Listed for Bankruptcy, Creditors Rights

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Magazine 2006, 2010-2014, 2016, Listed in Florida for Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Certified Arbitrator, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit In and For Broward County (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Board Certified Program Arbitrator, The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education (2026).

Locations

Joanne Gelfand's office in West Palm Beach

Joanne's primary office is at 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1555 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Joanne Gelfand

Joanne has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Joanne Gelfand — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Joanne charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joanne'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; Joanne will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida

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 Joanne

Joanne 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. Joanne confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Joanne'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 Joanne Gelfand

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

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

  • Does Joanne offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in Florida 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. Joanne gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Joanne take my case if I'm outside West Palm Beach?

    Joanne is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joanne 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 Joanne?

    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. Joanne will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Joanne accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

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

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving West Palm Beach, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

More counsel

If Joanne's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in West Palm Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.