About Richard
Richard West earned a J.D. from Temple University in 1986 after completing a B.S. at St. Joseph's College in 1982. His academic path prepared him for practice in both state and federal courts, and his legal career began the year he received his degree.
He opened the Richard West Law Office in 1986. The firm was established to represent consumers in financial distress. Over the years he has handled matters ranging from individual bankruptcy filings to tax-related disputes in federal venues.
West is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the U.S. Tax Court and in the state of Ohio. Those admissions reflect work that spans trial-level bankruptcy proceedings and appearances in appellate and specialty courts. He has represented clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proceedings and in matters that touch on tax consequences of bankruptcy.
His professional credentials include several consumer finance and debt-related certifications from the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA): Certified Student Loan Counselor, Certified Debt Specialist and Certified Consumer Credit Counselor. He is also a Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist through the American Board of Certification. Those certifications support the day-to-day work he does counseling clients about repayment plans, student loan options and negotiating with creditors.
West maintains memberships in a number of professional organizations relevant to consumer bankruptcy and insolvency practice. He is a current member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), the National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees (NACTT), the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), the American Bankruptcy Law Forum (ABLF) and the Ohio Lawyer’s Assistance Program. These memberships keep him engaged with peers on changes in bankruptcy law and practice standards.
Today he continues to operate the Richard West Law Office and serves clients through multiple office locations. He handles bankruptcy filings, student loan counseling and other consumer debt matters, and he represents clients in the federal and state forums where he is admitted. His current practice focuses on consumer bankruptcy, student loan resolution and consumer debt issues.
