
Neil J. Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Syracuse, New York
Over 20 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMackenzie Hughes LLP
Syracuse, NY
Practicing bankruptcy in Syracuse since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Neil J. Smith?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Neil J. Smith is a partner based in Syracuse, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Neil has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mackenzie Hughes LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Syracuse, NY
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy
- Handles Bankruptcy matters from Syracuse, NY.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Neil J. Smith: Neil J. Smith is a partner based in Syracuse, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Neil has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mackenzie Hughes LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Neil J. Smith
Neil concentrates on bankruptcy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Neil handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Syracuse, New York
Neil takes bankruptcy matters in Syracuse, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Neil agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Neil J. Smith — Over 20 years of New York bankruptcy experience
Neil J. Smith is a partner based in Syracuse, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Neil has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mackenzie Hughes LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Awards
Peer Reviewed Rated This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by another attorney. About AwardsClient Champion Awards
Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.
At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.
At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.
At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale Peer Awards
A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
Avvo Awards
Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.
Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.
Working with Neil on a bankruptcy matter
About Neil J. Smith View website Awards Peer Reviewed Rated This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by another attorney. About Awards Client Champion Awards Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing…
Who Neil represents
Neil reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in Syracuse and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Neil J. Smith's legal education and bar admissions
St. John's University School of Law
J.D. · 2005
Syracuse University
B.S. · 2002
Jurisdictions
Neil's state bar admissions
New York
2006 · ACTIVE
Neil studied at J.D. in St. John's University School of Law and B.S. in Syracuse University.
Law school and academic background
Neil completed J.D. in St. John's University School of Law and B.S. in Syracuse University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Neil runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Neil J. Smith
Neil has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Neil's professional memberships and bar associations
Onondaga County, New York State and American Bar Associations American Bankruptcy Institute Central New York Bankruptcy Bar Association
membership
Locations
Neil J. Smith's office in Syracuse
Neil's primary office is at 440 South Warren Street, Suite 400, Syracuse, NY, 13202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Mackenzie Hughes LLP
440 South Warren Street, Suite 400
Syracuse, NY 13202
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Neil J. Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Neil. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Syracuse.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Neil J. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Neil J. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Neil usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Neil charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Neil'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; Neil will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Syracuse, New York
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 Neil
Neil 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. Neil confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Neil'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 Neil J. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Neil for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Neil walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Neil offer a free consultation?
Neil charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Neil's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Neil's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in New York 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. Neil gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Neil take my case if I'm outside Syracuse?
Neil is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Neil 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 Neil?
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. Neil will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Neil accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Neil'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 Syracuse and Albany in New York
Neil handles bankruptcy matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in New York
If Neil's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Syracuse handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





