Koh Law Firm, LLC in Baltimore: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Representation

Koh Law Firm, LLC is a solo bankruptcy practice focused on consumer Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 reorganization filings in the District of Maryland, operating from the Canton neighborhood in Southeast Baltimore. The firm handles the full filing process from initial consultation through case discharge, accepting clients with varying debt levels and financial circumstances without a separate business law or litigation practice.

What the firm actually handles

Koh Law Firm specializes exclusively in personal bankruptcy protection. This means Chapter 7 cases, where qualifying debtors liquidate nonexempt assets and discharge most unsecured debt (credit cards, personal loans, medical debt) within three to five months, and Chapter 13 cases, where debtors propose a three- to five-year repayment plan to the court while keeping assets and catching up on missed mortgage or car payments. The firm does not handle business bankruptcies, creditor representation, or general civil litigation. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases require filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland, which sits in Baltimore and also serves Salisbury and Greenbelt; Koh Law Firm manages cases for clients across that geographic range.

Fee structure and pricing

The firm charges a flat fee for Chapter 7 cases and a monthly payment plan for Chapter 13 cases, following the standard model for consumer bankruptcy counsel in the Baltimore region. For Chapter 7, the flat fee covers the initial intake, bankruptcy petition preparation, required credit counseling referral, attendance at the 341 meeting of creditors, and case monitoring through discharge; clients should confirm the current Chapter 7 fee with the office, as it varies with case complexity. For Chapter 13, the firm collects a portion of the fee through the court-approved repayment plan, so the initial retainer is lower and the remainder is paid over the plan period. Neither fee includes credit counseling (a pre-filing requirement) or the court filing fee, which is $335 for Chapter 7 and $310 for Chapter 13 as of 2024; verify these filing fees with the court, as they adjust annually.

How this compares to other Baltimore-area bankruptcy counsel

Baltimore has several established bankruptcy practices: Sabin Robbins Law Office in Fells Point, which handles consumer and small-business bankruptcy; Feldman & Associates in the Hampden/Roland Park area, which offers both consumer and commercial insolvency services; and various solo practitioners. Koh Law Firm's distinction is its focused scope and straightforward fee model. Sabin Robbins and Feldman & Associates carry broader litigation and business practices, which may mean higher overhead and less predictable pricing, but also resources for complex creditor disputes or cross-collateralized debt. Koh Law Firm suits clients seeking a specialist who charges a clear, flat rate for straightforward consumer Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 work; choose a larger firm if your case involves a business entity, serious disputes with creditors, or income deviations that require frequent plan modification.

Who this firm suits and who it does not

The firm is designed for individual filers earning wages or receiving regular income, carrying credit card debt, medical debt, or personal loans, and filing in the District of Maryland. Chapter 7 candidates typically have low to moderate income and few valuable assets; Chapter 13 candidates usually have steady income, want to keep a home or car, and can commit to a repayment plan. The firm does not serve business owners filing corporate or partnership bankruptcy, creditors seeking collection strategies, or debtors whose cases require intensive creditor litigation or adversary proceedings. If your case involves fraud claims, nondischargeability disputes, or complex asset disputes, a larger practice with litigation capacity may be necessary.

What the first meeting involves

Most initial consultations are brief and cover your gross income, monthly expenses, debt categories and balances, and assets you own. The attorney will explain whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 applies to your situation based on your income (the chapter 7 means test is a threshold calculation using the last six months of income) and determine whether you qualify to discharge debt. You will receive a list of required credit counseling agencies approved by the U.S. Trustee, which you must complete before filing; these sessions take about an hour, cost roughly $10 to $15, and are often done online. After counseling completion, the firm prepares your petition and schedules of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Most clients do not appear in court until the 341 meeting, which is scheduled about 30 to 40 days after filing and where the trustee and any creditors can ask you questions under oath. The attorney attends with you.

Hours and logistics

Koh Law Firm operates from Canton in Southeast Baltimore. The office is served by public transit via the #10 bus line (Fells Point/Canton route). Confirm current office hours and whether virtual consultations are available; many solo practices in Baltimore have shifted to part-time or by-appointment scheduling. Parking in Canton is street parking with permit zones; plan for on-street spots or nearby municipal lots. The case filing itself is done electronically through the Maryland Bankruptcy Court's electronic filing system, so you do not need to visit the courthouse to submit your petition.

The firm's focus on a single practice area and straightforward fee model makes it a reliable choice for Baltimore residents pursuing a clear path to discharge or reorganization without the overhead of a multi-service firm.