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?
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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.
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
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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