SO

Scott O. Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, CA

Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Los Angeles.

Practices in

Are you Scott O. 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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Scott O. Smith is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.

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

About Scott O. Smith: Scott O. Smith is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Scott O. Smith

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

Bankruptcy cases in Los Angeles, California

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

Biography

About Scott O. Smith — Attorney of California bankruptcy experience

Scott O. Smith is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy.

Scott O. Smith is a Shareholder in the Financial Institutions, Litigation and Insolvency & Financial Law groups, working in both the Orange County office of Buchalter. Mr. Smith focuses his practice on representing financial institutions, with an emphasis in creditor’s rights, commercial litigation, prejudgment remedies, receiverships, real estate, collections, loan workouts, restructuring and insolvency issues. Mr. Smith also has extensive experience in defense litigation, including lender liability and Uniform Commercial Code disputes.

How Scott handles bankruptcy matters

Scott O. Smith is a Shareholder in the Financial Institutions, Litigation and Insolvency & Financial Law groups, working in both the Orange County office of Buchalter. Mr. Smith focuses his practice on representing financial institutions, with an emphasis in creditor’s rights, commercial litigation, prejudgment remedies, receiverships, real estate, collections, loan workouts, restructuring and…

The kind of cases Scott takes

Scott reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Scott O. Smith's legal education and bar admissions

  • Loyola Marymount University

    J.D. · 1974

Scott studied at J.D. in Loyola Marymount University.

Law school and academic background

Scott completed J.D. in Loyola Marymount University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Scott runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Scott O. Smith

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

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

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026).

Locations

Scott O. Smith's office in Los Angeles

Scott's primary office is at 1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, California, 90017-1730. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1500

Los Angeles, California 90017-1730

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Scott O. Smith

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

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Scott O. Smith can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Scott O. 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 Scott usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Los Angeles, California

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 Scott

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Scott'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 Scott O. Smith

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

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

  • Does Scott offer a free consultation?

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

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

  • Can Scott take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

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

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

  • Is Scott accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

    Scott'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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

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