Peter Birkness

Peter Birkness, Bankruptcy Attorney in the United States

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and General · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Practicing bankruptcy since 1991.

35+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Peter Birkness is a partner based in Calgary, AB. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and General. Peter has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Calgary, AB
Experience
over 35 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · General
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and General matters from Calgary, AB.
  • Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Peter Birkness: Peter Birkness is a partner based in Calgary, AB. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and General. Peter has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Peter takes on

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

Bankruptcy cases nationwide

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

Business cases nationwide

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

General cases nationwide

Peter takes general matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Peter Birkness — bankruptcy lawyer in the U.S.

Peter Birkness is a partner based in Calgary, AB. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and General. Peter has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Peter Birkness is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & restructuring, financial services, regulatory advice and 2 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from University of Western Ontario in 1986, and has been licensed for 35 years. Peter practices at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Calgary, AB.

Peter's approach to bankruptcy cases

Peter Birkness is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & restructuring, financial services, regulatory advice and 2 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from University of Western Ontario in 1986, and has been licensed for 35 years. Peter practices at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Calgary, AB.

The kind of cases Peter takes

Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and general matters in the United States.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Toronto

    LL.B. · 1989

  • University of Western Ontario

    B.A. · 1986

Jurisdictions

Peter's state bar admissions

  • Alberta

    2013 · ACTIVE

  • Ontario

    1991 · ACTIVE

Peter studied at LL.B. in University of Toronto and B.A. in University of Western Ontario.

Law school and academic background

Peter completed LL.B. in University of Toronto and B.A. in University of Western Ontario. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Peter Birkness's office in Calgary

Peter's primary office is at 421 7th Avenue, S.W., Suite 4000, Calgary, AB, T2P 4K9. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

McCarthy Tétrault LLP

421 7th Avenue, S.W., Suite 4000

Calgary, AB T2P 4K9

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Peter Birkness — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Peter Birkness — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in your state

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 Peter

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Peter'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 Peter Birkness

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

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

  • Does Peter offer a free consultation?

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

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

  • Can Peter take my case if I'm outside the area?

    Peter evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Peter's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Peter?

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

  • Is Peter accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

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