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trustee, and the bankruptcy trustee, so the client knew the odds of getting to the bankruptcy discharge were very slim. But, something inside me said, “You got this.” Even though they knew the odds weren’t good, both DL and DF had been in this position before, and I knew neither of them will ever back down from a challenge when there is a chance. They knew I was serious about helping this person, and they were right there to help, talking the case through with me, researching the issues, and discussing the strategy to handle each creditor, the bankruptcy trustee, and the United States trustee and the timing of how we could best achieve our objective. In other words, which mountain we would climb first. We spent many hours on strategy (arguing our points) why this won’t work, and that will work but not until we get this handled. I filled several legal pads with facts, research, timelines, etc. They told me my legal theories were unconventional (that happens a lot too). Quite frankly, the facts of this case reminded me of the ball of Christmas lights Clark Griswold handed to his son, Rusty, that had to be untangled. It was literally that bad. I will admit that, while the case was unfolding, we did have quite a few setbacks, which took the wind out of our sails, but we never gave up. The client took these setbacks in stride. But it was at these times that attorneys Lampley and Fineman stepped up. It was back to the drawing board and legal pads. We adjusted our strategy, pivoted our position and changed our timelines. I had originally hoped to get this client a chapter 7 discharge. But, as circumstances would have it, the stars aligned, and each little victory wound up with us converting the client’s case to a chapter 13, where the client will pay off the non-dischargeable debts over time under bankruptcy court protection.
Because of how we strategized the case and dealt with each issue as it arose, our client is now in a much better place financially. Woot-Woot. A win for the good guys and a very happy client, who now sees a brighter financial future. Our client’s results were much better than any of us had hoped for at the beginning of the case. We pride ourselves on helping our clients through the most difficult times of their lives. Happy clients are one thing, but when a happy client sends you a referral, you need to step up your game and ensure you not only give the new client a wonderful experience, but you must also make sure the referring person is pleased their recommendation of your services was spot-on. We know referrals only happen when people notice someone has a need and they are willing to help by making the referral. Our clients happily refer other people to our firm because they are willing to help others when hope seems like a pipe dream. This client has become a raving fan of our firm and has sent several referrals since that time. David and David still argue with me, tell me I’m crazy, and think my legal theories are unconventional, but that will happen anytime you put three Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys in the same room. Without them, we never would have achieved this amazing result for our client, and each day, I’m proud to practice law with these guys. Separate, we are very good, but together, we are a force to be reckoned with. In a nutshell, that is how we won the unwinnable case.
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I know myself well enough to know I’ll quickly burn out doing the same work every single day. I need a job where every dawn is a different challenge, so I turned to my other dream: becoming a cruise ship captain. As a kid, I was fascinated by the idea that a hunk of metal could float in the middle of the ocean and carve through waves under its own power. Whenever my family took a cruise, I went “job scouting” — pulling every crew member aside to ask what they did on board, whether they liked it, and what life was like on the ship. Once, we were lucky enough to score an invite to the officer’s private viewing deck with about 100 other guests. I ignored the glacier view entirely and spent the whole time taking pictures of the crew area! I was beside myself with excitement. I had to rework my entire college plan at the last minute to gain admission to the Naval Academy, but with the help of my school guidance counselor, I did it. I even managed to go to the gym and crush my fitness assessment, despite the fact I’m not in love with physical activity. (I’d much rather sit in bed in a dark, cold room and watch reality TV while I eat ice cream and Cheez-It crackers.)
So, here’s the new plan: I’ll report to the Academy on Thursday, June 29, to major in naval architecture and marine engineering. After spending four years there, I’ll enter my five-year period of required military service as an officer, and if I’m lucky, I’ll commission into surface warfare. Then, I’ll retire when my time is up and start applying to cruise ships. I’m incredibly nervous for my first day on campus (What if I have to call my mom? What if I forget my retainer!? — just kidding), but I’m excited, too. The worst part of the transition will be saying goodbye to my family, my high school friends, the town where I’ve lived my entire life, my house, my bed, my dogs, and my coworkers at DLG. If I’ve worked with you at any point during my three years in guest services, bankruptcy, or HR at DLG, you’re also on the list of people I’ll have trouble saying goodbye to. Fortunately, you won’t have to miss me too much — my dad may not be a naval captain, but I’m pretty sure he’ll keep the DLG ship running smoothly while I’m gone.
Until next time,
–Nicholas Dellutri
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