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About Us We handle all matters related to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including tax, student loan, foreclosure, repossession, loan modifications, and the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA). If you are struggling to pay your debts as they come due, we can help. With over 30 years of combined experience in our firm, and an emphasis on customer service our first goal is to make sure you understand the process. Many law firms might not return your call, or treat you like a number, but our philosophy is to treat you like a member of our family. We are located in Southfield, Ann Arbor, St. Clair Shores, Brighton and Flint. We can meet you on weekends and evenings - when it's convenient for you. Call us today, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (248)719-5663.
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Our Story |
JESSE R. SWEENEY, J.D. PRESIDENT
Jesse Sweeney is the founder and president of Sweeney Law Offices and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families overcome financial hardship through bankruptcy. Since establishing the firm in 2005, he has represented thousands of clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases throughout Michigan and Colorado. His practice focuses exclusively on consumer bankruptcy law, allowing him to provide practical, strategic solutions for clients facing foreclosure, wage garnishments, repossessions, lawsuits, and overwhelming debt. Jesse is one of a select group of attorneys who is Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, a distinction recognizing substantial experience, peer review, and demonstrated expertise in bankruptcy law. He is licensed to practice in Michigan and Colorado and is admitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Throughout his career, Jesse has remained active in the bankruptcy community. He is a longtime member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He has presented educational programs for bankruptcy attorneys nationwide through the American Bankruptcy Institute and regularly attends advanced continuing legal education programs to remain at the forefront of developments in consumer bankruptcy law. He is also the author of the Detroit Bankruptcy blog, which provides practical information for consumers and bankruptcy practitioners. Clients appreciate Jesse's straightforward advice, responsive communication, and commitment to helping them build a fresh financial future. Whether someone needs a simple Chapter 7 case or a complex Chapter 13 reorganization, his goal is always the same: provide honest guidance, exceptional representation, and peace of mind. Erin Bartos, J.D., Associate Attorney Erin Ashley Bartos Kramer has devoted her legal career to consumer bankruptcy law and has been representing debtors with Sweeney Law Offices since 2014. She focuses exclusively on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, helping clients navigate every stage of the bankruptcy process, from the initial consultation through discharge. Before joining Sweeney Law Offices, Erin represented both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy matters, giving her valuable insight into how bankruptcy cases are evaluated from multiple perspectives. Her experience includes appearances before the United States Bankruptcy Court, contested matters, adversary proceedings, and post-confirmation issues. Erin earned her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School after completing her undergraduate degree in Business and Finance. She is licensed to practice law in Michigan and before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. An active member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, Erin regularly attends advanced bankruptcy education programs and has served as a panel speaker at the Detroit Consumer Bankruptcy Conference. Clients appreciate her thorough preparation, attention to detail, and compassionate approach to helping individuals regain financial stability. NICHOLAS CHAMBERS, J.D., ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Nicholas D. Chambers is an experienced attorney specializing in the practice of consumer bankruptcy. Nick is a member of the consumer bankruptcy association of Detroit as well as a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted to practice in the Eastern District and Western District of Michigan. Nick graduated in 2001 from Albion College with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and graduated in 2004 from Wayne State University’s graduate chemistry program with a Master’s Degree in Synthetic and Bio-Organic Chemistry. Nick started clerking in consumer bankruptcy in 2005 prior to graduating from Michigan State University’s College of Law in 2006. Since that time, Nick has experience representing both Creditors and Debtors in Consumer Bankruptcy and has participated in thousands of cases over the last 15 years. Nick first joined Sweeney Law Offices, PLLC as an Associate attorney in 2021 and has been advocating for his clients vigorously ever since. Kellie Arman Schone, J.D., Associate AttorneyKellie Arman Schone brings more than two decades of bankruptcy and consumer law experience to Sweeney Law Offices. Throughout her career, she has represented both debtors and creditors, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of bankruptcy practice and the issues that arise in consumer financial matters. Before joining Sweeney Law Offices in 2012, Kellie maintained a private practice and previously led the bankruptcy department of a prominent Michigan law firm, where she represented individuals, businesses, mortgage lenders, automobile finance companies, and financial institutions in bankruptcy litigation and consumer law matters. Kellie earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law and is licensed to practice in Michigan, the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and the Northern District of Ohio. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Bankruptcy Institute, the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, and the Consumer Bankruptcy Association. Clients value Kellie's depth of experience, careful legal analysis, and dedication to finding practical solutions during financially challenging times. Lisa D. Nedzlek, J.D., Associate Attorney Lisa M. Nedzlek has practiced consumer bankruptcy law for nearly two decades and has built a reputation for thoughtful advocacy and practical problem-solving. She represents individuals and families in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, helping clients protect their assets while achieving meaningful debt relief. Lisa earned her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University before receiving her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. She is licensed to practice in Michigan and before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Throughout her career, Lisa has remained active in the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Consumer Bankruptcy Association. She has also served as a speaker at the Detroit Consumer Bankruptcy Conference and has received recognition for her pro bono legal service. Her published bankruptcy decisions reflect her experience handling complex legal issues on behalf of clients. Lisa combines technical legal knowledge with a calm, client-focused approach, helping individuals confidently navigate the bankruptcy process. Mary Beth Wimberley, J.D., Associate AttorneyMary Beth Wimberley focuses her practice on consumer bankruptcy law, representing clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases throughout Michigan. She is committed to helping individuals and families understand their options and navigate the bankruptcy process with confidence. Mary Beth earned her bachelor's degree in Human Communications from California State University Monterey Bay before receiving her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. She is admitted to practice in Michigan and before the United States District Courts for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. She regularly participates in continuing legal education focused on consumer bankruptcy and remains active within the Consumer Bankruptcy Association. Clients appreciate her approachable communication style, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving positive outcomes. Erin Fischetti Senior Paralegal & Office Manager Erin Fischetti serves as the Senior Paralegal and Office Manager at Sweeney Law Offices, where she plays a vital role in ensuring every client's case moves smoothly from the initial consultation through discharge. With more than two decades of legal experience and nearly two decades devoted exclusively to consumer bankruptcy law, Erin is an integral part of the firm's commitment to providing exceptional client service. After beginning her legal career in elder law, Erin transitioned to bankruptcy practice in 2007 and has specialized in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy ever since. Before joining Sweeney Law Offices in 2009, she worked with UAW Legal Services and later with Thav Gross, P.C., where she assisted in authoring "Getting Started in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Proceedings" for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and later completed her post-baccalaureate Paralegal Certification through Oakland Community College. Her extensive experience, organizational skills, and commitment to client service help ensure that every case receives the attention and care it deserves. Clients appreciate Erin's professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to guide them through the bankruptcy process with confidence. Amy E. Crone, Paralegal Amy Crone is an experienced paralegal with more than 25 years in the legal profession. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, criminal law, immigration, and consumer bankruptcy. Her broad legal background allows her to effectively assist clients through every stage of the bankruptcy process. Amy focuses exclusively on consumer bankruptcy matters, assisting the firm's attorneys with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases from intake through discharge. She prepares motions and pleadings, manages electronic court filings, ensures compliance with court requirements, and helps clients navigate each step of their case. Her experience includes practice before the United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern District of Michigan, the District of Colorado, and the Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania. Clients value Amy's attention to detail, extensive knowledge of bankruptcy procedures, and genuine commitment to helping individuals and families achieve a fresh financial start. Jane Gackle, Paralegal Jane Gackle has spent more than 30 years working in the legal profession and brings a wealth of experience to Sweeney Law Offices. Since beginning her bankruptcy career in 2015, she has focused exclusively on helping individuals navigate the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy process. Jane earned her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies with Honors from Madonna University, where she completed an ABA-approved paralegal program. Prior to specializing in bankruptcy law, she worked in patent law, developing the precision and attention to detail that continue to benefit her clients today. Before joining Sweeney Law Offices, Jane worked for Charles J. Schneider, P.C., where she gained extensive experience handling consumer bankruptcy matters. Known for her thoroughness, organization, and compassionate approach, Jane works closely with clients to ensure their cases are prepared accurately and efficiently while providing guidance throughout the bankruptcy process. Nicole Chaffin, Paralegal Nicole Chaffin is a highly experienced bankruptcy paralegal with more than 25 years of experience handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Her unique background includes more than 15 years working directly for a Chapter 13 Trustee, giving her exceptional insight into trustee procedures, case administration, and the bankruptcy process from both the court and debtor perspectives. During her tenure with the Chapter 13 Trustee's office, Nicole advanced from Financial Assistant to Paralegal, conducted §341 Meetings of Creditors as an authorized representative of the Trustee, assisted in redesigning the Trustee's website, trained attorneys and legal staff on trustee procedures, and participated in numerous administrative projects. She later served as the lead Chapter 13 paralegal at Moran Law, managing a high volume of bankruptcy cases from filing through discharge. Since joining Sweeney Law Offices in 2025, Nicole has continued to provide exceptional support to both attorneys and clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 matters. Her extensive trustee experience, deep understanding of bankruptcy practice, and commitment to outstanding client service make her an invaluable resource for clients seeking financial relief. Clients appreciate Nicole's knowledge, professionalism, and reassuring approach during what is often a stressful time. I think these are a substantial improvement over the current biographies because they explain why each team member's experience matters to a prospective client, rather than simply listing employment history. They also match the tone of the attorney bios so your entire "Meet Our Team" page reads as a cohesive, professional presentation. |
Our History |
Sweeney Law Offices opened in 2005 with the goal of helping people file for bankruptcy.. From Jesse Sweeney, President: "I grew up poor, so I knew what it was like to live hand to mouth. My mother was on welfare at times, and watching her struggle helped me realize that I wanted to help people in the same situation when I got older, so I made it my mission to study hard, go to law school and become an attorney. After learning the creditor's side at a foreclosure firm, I became an attorney committed to helping the little guy go after the banks and stop the harassment. After helping over 1000 clients since I began, I want to help you get a fresh financial start!"
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