McCabe, Weisberg & Conway in Baltimore: Bankruptcy Law for Individuals and Small Businesses

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway is a bankruptcy and debt-relief law practice based in Baltimore serving individuals filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and small business owners in Chapter 11. The firm handles the full bankruptcy filing process, from initial assessment through discharge, and works with Baltimore residents navigating wage garnishment, foreclosure, and creditor disputes tied to insolvency.

What McCabe, Weisberg & Conway Does

The firm specializes in consumer bankruptcy and small business reorganization. For individuals, this means Chapter 7 liquidation (where unsecured debts like credit cards are discharged) and Chapter 13 repayment plans (which restructure debt over three to five years while the debtor keeps assets). The practice also advises clients facing immediate creditor action—wage garnishment, judgment liens, and foreclosure—and can file a bankruptcy petition to trigger the automatic stay, which halts collection activity. The firm represents the debtor in all meetings with creditors, handles adversary proceedings if a creditor objects to discharge, and advises on post-bankruptcy credit rebuilding.

For small business owners, the firm guides Chapter 11 reorganization filings and advises on whether individual owners face personal liability on business debts. The firm does not handle corporate bankruptcy for large enterprises; it targets sole proprietors, partnerships, and small LLCs in the Baltimore area.

Bankruptcy Filing Process and What to Expect

The initial consultation typically covers the client's income, assets, debts, and whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right fit. Chapter 7 assumes the client has little disposable income and few non-exempt assets; courts will not order repayment if the debtor's household income is below Maryland's median. Chapter 13 is an option when a debtor has reliable income and wants to keep a home or car while restructuring debt, though it requires committing to a repayment plan approved by the court.

After determining the chapter, the firm prepares the bankruptcy petition, which includes a detailed list of all debts, assets, monthly income, and expenses. Maryland law exempts certain assets from seizure—primary residence equity (up to $25,000 under state exemptions, or federal exemptions if higher), a vehicle (up to $6,000), personal items, and retirement accounts. The firm calculates which exemptions apply and structures filings to protect them.

The debtor must complete two mandated credit counseling courses: a pre-filing course (can be done online, typically takes two hours) and a post-filing financial management course (required after the petition is filed). The firm can recommend approved providers. If the filing is Chapter 13, the court appoints a trustee who collects monthly plan payments and distributes them to creditors.

The 341 meeting (the "meeting of creditors") occurs about 30 days after filing. The trustee questions the debtor under oath about the petition; creditors rarely attend. The firm prepares the client for this meeting and attends with them. If the case is Chapter 7 with no adversary issues, discharge typically comes 60 to 90 days after the 341 meeting. Chapter 13 discharge follows the completion of the three- or five-year plan.

Pricing and Retainer Structure

Bankruptcy filing fees vary by chapter. Chapter 7 typically costs $1,500 to $2,500 in attorney fees (plus a $335 court filing fee paid to the federal court), with variation depending on case complexity and whether the debtor has significant assets or creditor disputes. Chapter 13 filings range from $2,000 to $3,500 in attorney fees (plus a $310 court filing fee) because the firm must draft and advocate for the repayment plan in court. Small business Chapter 11 filings are more costly, often $5,000 to $10,000 or more, given the complexity and length of reorganization proceedings.

Many bankruptcy attorneys in Baltimore offer payment plans, allowing clients to pay the retainer in installments before or shortly after filing. Some firms permit the Chapter 13 trustee to pay attorney fees from the plan, meaning the debtor funds fees through monthly plan payments rather than a lump sum upfront. Confirm whether McCabe, Weisberg & Conway offers this option when you call.

Court filing fees (the $335 or $310) are mandatory and non-negotiable; they must be paid by the time of filing. Some clients qualify for fee waivers if their household income is below 150% of the federal poverty line; the firm can request this from the court.

How McCabe, Weisberg & Conway Compares to Other Baltimore Bankruptcy Attorneys

Baltimore has a range of bankruptcy providers. Solo practitioners and small firms (like many in the Canton or Federal Hill neighborhoods) often charge slightly less, sometimes $1,200 to $2,000 for Chapter 7, but may offer limited availability or have slower response times. Larger regional firms (including some with offices in Washington, D.C., or multiple Maryland cities) may charge at the higher end ($2,500 to $3,500 for Chapter 7) but offer more specialized services for complex cases, such as litigation if a creditor challenges discharge or if the debtor owns rental property.

Legal aid organizations, including the Homeless Persons Representation Project and the Community Law Center in Baltimore, offer free or sliding-scale bankruptcy assistance to income-qualified individuals. These organizations handle high-volume Chapter 7 cases for individuals with few assets; they do not typically handle Chapter 13 or business bankruptcies, and wait times can be long.

Choose a boutique firm like McCabe, Weisberg & Conway if you want a firm with focus on bankruptcy, reasonable fees, and local court familiarity. Choose legal aid if your household income qualifies and you have time flexibility. Choose a larger regional firm if your case involves significant assets, multiple properties, or an anticipated adversary proceeding.

Who This Firm Suits and Who It Does Not

The firm is a good fit for Baltimore residents with unsecured consumer debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) who are behind on payments or facing wage garnishment, and for homeowners and car owners trying to use Chapter 13 to avoid foreclosure or repossession. It suits sole proprietors and small business owners with personal liability on business debts.

The firm is not ideal for clients with minimal debt seeking only credit counseling, for corporations with complex multi-state liabilities, or for debtors seeking aggressive adversary litigation if litigation is a secondary concern (a firm with a robust litigation department may be better suited).

Hours and Contact

The firm operates during standard business hours; call to confirm exact hours and to schedule an initial consultation, which may be in-person or by phone.

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway brings focused bankruptcy expertise to Baltimore residents facing insolvency, offering realistic fee structures and a clear filing process from credit counseling through discharge.