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

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

Does Richard offer a free consultation?

Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Buffalo?

Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?

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

Is Richard accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

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

Richard I. Leff, Bankruptcy Attorney in Buffalo

Quick answer

Richard I. Leff is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights. Richard has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richard I. Leff. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Buffalo, NY
Experience: over 52 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Creditor Rights

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights matters from Buffalo, NY.
Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Richard takes on

Richard concentrates on bankruptcy, business, creditor rights, criminal defense, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Buffalo, New York

Richard takes bankruptcy matters in Buffalo, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Buffalo, New York

Richard takes business matters in Buffalo, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Buffalo, New York

Richard takes creditor rights matters in Buffalo, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Buffalo, New York

Richard takes criminal defense matters in Buffalo, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Buffalo, New York

Richard takes estate planning matters in Buffalo, 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 Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Richard I. Leff — bankruptcy lawyer in Buffalo

Richard I. Leff is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Creditor Rights. Richard has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richard I. Leff. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Richard I. Leff is a lawyer practicing collections, matrimonial, real estate and 11 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Richard practices at Richard I. Leff in Buffalo, NY.

How Richard handles bankruptcy matters

Richard I. Leff is a lawyer practicing collections, matrimonial, real estate and 11 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Richard practices at Richard I. Leff in Buffalo, NY.

Who Richard represents

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and creditor rights matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

State University of New York at Buffalo
J.D. · 1973
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. · 1970

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

U.S. Tax Court
1987 · ACTIVE
New York
1974 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1974 · ACTIVE
U.S. Bankruptcy Cour
1974 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Richard I. Leff's office in Buffalo

Richard's primary office is at 705 Brisbane Bldg., 403 Main St., Ste. 705, Buffalo, NY, 14203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Richard I. Leff

705 Brisbane Bldg., 403 Main St., Ste. 705

Buffalo, NY 14203

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard I. Leff — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Richard I. Leff — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Buffalo, 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 Richard

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard'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 Richard I. Leff

How much does it cost to hire Richard for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Richard'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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Buffalo?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Richard'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 New York residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Richard I. Leff. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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
Will Filing Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment In Minnesota?
I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and my wages are getting garnished because of an unpaid credit card. I’m thinking about filing for bankruptcy to stop the garnishment. Will my ban
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Minnesota

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Buffalo and Albany in New York

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

Richard I. Leff, Bankruptcy Attorney in Buffalo, New York

Quick answer