Debt collection attorneys
Find a debt collection attorney for your business.
For creditors, not debtors: we introduce businesses, practices and landlords to creditor-side collection lawyers who can send attorney demand letters, file suit and enforce judgments in the debtor's state.
What a creditor-side collection attorney does
A collection attorney represents the business that is owed money. Typical work includes:
- Attorney demand letters, which some debtors take more seriously than agency letters
- Reviewing your contract, invoices and personal guaranties to assess the claim
- Filing suit in the right court and venue, including small claims where appropriate
- Obtaining a default or contested judgment
- Post-judgment enforcement such as wage garnishment, bank levies, liens and debtor examinations (see judgment collection)
- Filing proofs of claim and protecting your position if the debtor files bankruptcy
Looking for help defending against a debt?
Many people who search "debt collection attorney" are being collected from. CollectionPlacement only works with creditors. If a collector is pursuing you, the CFPB's debt collection resources and your state bar's lawyer referral service are better starting points.
Agency first, or attorney first?
For most past-due accounts, an agency is a lower-cost first step. Going straight to an attorney often makes sense when the balance is large, the debtor disputes the claim, a limitation period is approaching, or you already hold a judgment. Our guide to collection agency vs. collection attorney walks through the trade-offs. You can also start with a demand letter of your own.
How collection attorneys charge
Common structures are contingency (a percentage of what is recovered), hourly billing, flat fees for specific steps such as filing suit, or a mix. Court costs, filing fees and service fees are usually separate, and some firms ask for a suit-fee deposit. Some contracts and statutes let a prevailing creditor recover attorney's fees from the debtor. Get the fee terms in a written engagement letter.
Licensing and jurisdiction
Suits generally have to be filed where the debtor is located or where your contract specifies, by a lawyer admitted in that state. We match you with firms licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. See our state pages for limitation periods and local notes, or the broader collection law firm overview.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What share of your practice is creditor-side collections, and in what courts?
- What is the fee structure for pre-suit, suit and post-judgment work?
- Which costs will I advance, and when?
- How will you report status, and how often do you remit collected funds?
- Do you check whether the debtor has assets before recommending suit?
Not legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws vary by state and change over time. CollectionPlacement is a referral service, not a law firm or collection agency. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.
How it works
Three steps to placement
One short form replaces calling a dozen agencies.
Tell us about the debt
Debt type, total balance, age, number of accounts and location. Takes about two minutes.
We match you
We review your file and introduce you to agencies or collection attorneys that handle your debt type, size and jurisdiction.
You choose and place
Compare terms (contingency rates, fees, reporting) directly with the partner and place only if it's a fit. No obligation.
Trust & compliance
How we approach compliance
FDCPA-aware
Consumer and medical accounts are only referred to partners that represent they comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Regulation F and applicable state law.
Vetted partners
We check licensing/bonding where required, attorney bar status, and complaint history before adding a partner to our network.
No pressure, no obligation
Matching is free for creditors. You negotiate terms directly and decide whether to place.
Your data, handled carefully
We only share your file with the partners we introduce you to.
Frequently asked questions
What does a debt collection attorney do for a business?
A creditor-side collection attorney sends demand letters, evaluates the claim, files suit, obtains a judgment and enforces it through tools such as garnishment, levies and liens. They can also protect your position if the debtor files bankruptcy.
How much does a collection attorney charge?
Fees vary. Many firms work on contingency for collection matters, some charge hourly or flat fees for specific steps, and court costs are usually extra. Terms depend on the balance, the jurisdiction and whether suit is needed, so get them in writing.
Do I need an attorney licensed in the debtor's state?
Usually, yes, if you need to sue. Lawsuits are generally filed where the debtor is located or where the contract specifies, by an attorney admitted in that state.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a small unpaid invoice?
Sometimes not. For small balances, an agency or small claims court may be more cost-effective. An attorney can help you weigh the cost of suit against the debtor's ability to pay.
Can CollectionPlacement help me if a collector is pursuing me?
No. We only work with creditors. Consumers being collected from should look at CFPB resources or contact a state bar referral service.
Free, no obligation
Get matched with a collection partner
Tell us about your receivables. We'll review and introduce you to vetted agencies or collection attorneys suited to your debt type, size and state.