Smith & Ortiz

For local users in Chicago navigating the complexities of financial distress, debt, or business legal matters, Smith & Ortiz, P.C. stands as a dedicated and experienced resource within the "Nearby Lawyers" category. Located at 2000 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA, with additional offices mentioned at 53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1515, and 4309 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, and 10540 S Western Avenue, Chicago, this firm offers accessible and comprehensive legal assistance. You can reach them at (312) 719-9001 or via mobile at +1 312-719-9001. Smith & Ortiz, P.C. brings over 25 years of combined legal experience to the table, focusing on providing supportive and positive legal assistance to those struggling with debt and financial instability.

Smith & Ortiz, P.C. maintains multiple office locations across Chicago, indicating a widespread commitment to serving clients conveniently throughout the city. The primary address provided, 2000 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, places them in a vibrant urban setting. The firm also operates from 53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1515 (Downtown Office), 10540 S Western Avenue (Western Avenue Office), and 4309 W Fullerton Ave (Main Office). These multiple locations suggest a strategic effort to be geographically accessible to a broad range of clients, from downtown business professionals to residents in various Chicago neighborhoods. Each office likely offers a professional and private environment conducive to discussing sensitive financial and legal matters. The presence of several well-established offices underscores the firm's stability and reach within the Chicago legal community.

Smith & Ortiz, P.C. primarily focuses on bankruptcy and debt relief, serving both individuals and businesses. Their expertise also extends to related areas, ensuring comprehensive support for clients facing financial challenges. Their core services include:

• Bankruptcy Filings (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11): The firm provides in-depth guidance on various types of bankruptcy.
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: They help individuals completely eliminate unsecured debts by liquidating certain non-exempt assets. They assist clients in passing the "means test" and guide them through the process to achieve a fresh financial start.
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: For individuals who may not qualify for Chapter 7 or wish to repay debts while retaining assets (like a home), the firm assists in creating a 3-5 year repayment plan.
  • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Smith & Ortiz, P.C. provides crucial legal guidance to small businesses facing serious debt, helping them form reorganization plans to become profitable again and continue operations. This is a complex process involving negotiations with creditors and drafting repayment schedules.
• Debt Relief Alternatives: Recognizing that bankruptcy may not be the best solution for everyone, the firm explores and facilitates alternatives such as:
  • Debt Settlement: Negotiating with creditors to pay less on outstanding debts in a shorter period, potentially impacting credit less than bankruptcy.
  • Loan Modification: Assisting homeowners in negotiating new mortgage terms with lenders to avoid foreclosure, which can include lowered interest rates, reduced principal, or extended loan terms.
  • Student Loan Debt Solutions: Guiding clients through options like student loan forgiveness programs, discharge programs (including through bankruptcy if applicable), and refinance programs to reduce or manage student loan burdens.
• Foreclosure Defense: They work diligently to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, exploring options such as bankruptcy (which can trigger an automatic stay to halt foreclosure proceedings) and loan modifications.
• Fighting Creditor Harassment: The firm protects clients from abusive and deceptive debt collection practices, leveraging the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to stop harassing calls and potentially filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission.
• Bankruptcy Fraud Defense: For those accused of bankruptcy fraud, Smith & Ortiz, P.C. provides a powerful defense. They are well-versed in both criminal defense and bankruptcy law, offering a results-driven defense against charges that can carry severe penalties.
• Business Law: The firm also possesses extensive experience in business law, catering to business owners needing advice and assistance beyond just debt relief. While specific types of business law services are not detailed, this general category indicates support for commercial entities.

Smith & Ortiz, P.C. distinguishes itself through a client-centered approach, combined with extensive experience and a commitment to positive outcomes.

• Extensive Experience: With over 25 years of combined experience in bankruptcy and debt relief, the legal team brings a wealth of knowledge to consumers and business owners. One of their founders even holds an MBA, providing a unique financial and business perspective to their legal strategies.
• Personalized Representation: The firm emphasizes "individual attention to each client." They conduct a full review of each client's financial situation to tailor strategies for maximum debt relief. They are committed to understanding unique financial situations, immediate needs, and long-term goals to craft customized solutions.
• Supportive and Compassionate Service: The firm prides itself on being "supportive and positive," recognizing the stress associated with financial difficulties. Clients often praise their patience and professionalism, as evidenced by testimonials like "patient and professional" and "so understanding with financial payments."
• Results-Driven: Their goal is to help clients achieve a "fresh financial start." Testimonials confirm their effectiveness, with clients stating, "They got the job done - fast, friendly, helpful & at a very good rate," and "Thank you for the wonderful work that your company has done for me."
• Free Consultations: To make their services accessible, Smith & Ortiz, P.C. offers free initial consultations, allowing prospective clients to discuss their situations and understand their options without upfront financial commitment.
• Holistic Financial Analysis: Unlike some firms that solely focus on bankruptcy, Smith & Ortiz, P.C. analyzes the full financial picture of their clients, exploring various debt relief actions and advising on alternatives when bankruptcy is not the best option.

The real customer reviews provide compelling promotional insights into the firm's strengths and client satisfaction.

• "Smith Ortiz Was a Very Great Divorce Lawyer. 'He is so understanding with financial payments and very understanding with winning the case.'" (F.S.): While the firm's primary focus is bankruptcy, this testimonial indicates an ability to handle broader legal needs, including divorce, and highlights their understanding of financial payments and commitment to winning. This suggests versatility and a client-friendly approach to fees.
• "Excellent Service and Very Professional. 'Helped me with my chapter 7 bankruptcy all the way and explained everything detail by detail step by step.'" (A.A.): This review emphasizes the firm's professionalism and thoroughness in guiding clients through complex bankruptcy procedures, ensuring clarity and understanding.
• "Patient and Professional. 'I would like to thank you for all the effort, time, patience, professionalism, and effectiveness in helping me resolve this very important and uncomfortable situation in my life.'" (M.M.): This strong testimonial highlights the firm's empathy, patience, and effectiveness in resolving stressful financial situations, which are crucial attributes for clients facing debt.
• "If you're looking for a great bankruptcy attorney, this is your firm. 'They got the job done - fast, friendly, helpful & at a very good rate.'" (C.D.): This is a direct and strong recommendation for their bankruptcy services, emphasizing efficiency, friendliness, helpfulness, and reasonable rates.
• "You all are the best lawyers in Illinois. 'Thank you for the wonderful work that your company has done for me.'" (D.W.): A powerful, general endorsement that speaks to overall client satisfaction and gratitude.

These testimonials consistently portray Smith & Ortiz, P.C. as a highly effective, compassionate, and professional law firm that goes the extra mile to guide clients through daunting financial challenges. The firm's website reinforces these points, inviting individuals to "Put 25+ Years of Experience in Your Corner" and emphasizing their commitment to providing "personalized legal solutions & positive results." For anyone in Chicago feeling overwhelmed by debt, facing foreclosure, or needing comprehensive business law advice, Smith & Ortiz, P.C. presents itself as a highly capable and empathetic legal partner.