Sending out direct mail to individuals facing collection lawsuits or foreclosure will result in inevitable “returns”. There are many reasons for this from no forwarding address to mistakes on the master list of addresses. A couple of days ago I had a return that had a rather profound effect on me. Handwritten on the envelope were the phrases “return to sender” and (more importantly) “no vultures allowed.” I now have that envelope prominently displayed in my Philadelphia office for any and all potential clients to see.
I am not offended by the term “vulture”. I sympathize with and respect that the writer took the time to respond to my mailing. Here is an individual who is probably stressed in a way I can’t begin to understand, perhaps being sued and hounded by a number of creditors. Now he (or she) is being bombarded by flyers, phone calls and mailings from bankruptcy lawyers, debt settlement companies (please take a few minutes to read Kim’s post) or some other outfit offering to “help” him (for a cost of course – few of us are that altruistic).
I know folks feel trapped and trusting anyone (especially a Philadelphia lawyer) offering help is tenuous. They don’t know me but they do know that if they file a bankruptcy I charge them money – so I am making money from their misery. That can be a hard pill to swallow in earning their trust. I offer information and options to anyone who contacts me with financial problems. Sometimes the end result is leaving my office to pursue a course on their own instead of filing bankruptcy. Sometimes filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the best option. Every person who walks through my door is different and deserves individual attention. Good will and respect are more important than talking someone into filing a bankruptcy.
When I went to law school two things were said to me concerning reputation and how one should practice. The first was during an orientation where one of my professors stated that the reputation of the legal profession, as a whole, depends on the honesty and integrity of those practicing law. The second was a simple statement by my father. In his most eloquent fashion he demanded “don’t be an a**hole”. Twas the best advice I ever received.
If you are in the Philadelphia area, including in the counties of Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Chester, and you are interested in knowing your options, please contact the lawyers at Coleman & Kempinski, Kimberly Coleman and Ray Kempinski, for a FREE CONSULTATION.