The social significance of bankruptcy as a tool that helps countless individuals across the U.S. undergoing financial hardship is often misunderstood. Particularly in recent years, in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, bankruptcy became a safety net for hundreds of thousands of families who saw their livelihoods under threat.
People who file for bankruptcy “did not choose to be in that situation,” said Daniel Ciment, the founder and owner of Ciment Law Firm, PLLC, a bankruptcy law firm whose advocacy for consumer rights has made them known nationwide as The Debt Defenders.
“Everyone can agree that if you have the ability to pay your debts, you should pay your debts,” Ciment continued to elaborate during a recent interview. “I had six figures in student loans, and I paid every penny. However, the misconception is that people filing for bankruptcy are trying to trick the system.”
Daniel Ciment stands out in the realm of bankruptcy law and debt defense for his unwavering commitment to consumer rights. Ciment has made it his life’s mission to defend consumers from abusive debt collectors and help them navigate the complex world of bankruptcy.
Ciment’s journey to becoming a consumer rights advocate is unique. He began his legal career working for large debt-collecting agencies. However, he quickly realized that the practices of many of these collectors were against his moral compass. He decided to quit a very lucrative job in the debt-collecting industry to start a career defending consumers’ rights.
From his experience as a consumer advocate, he has come to witness firsthand the social role that bankruptcy plays in American society. He opposes the social stigma given to people who file for bankruptcy, arguing that bankruptcy is a life vest for individuals in despair and not a way of tricking the system.
“We actually turn people away who want to hire us because they have the ability to pay their debts,” said Ciment, underscoring his commitment to ethical practice and his dedication to helping those in need.
Ciment’s understanding of the debt collection industry’s inner workings has given him a unique perspective and advantage in defending his clients. His compassion and dedication to supporting consumers derive partly from having witnessed the abusive tactics employed by some debt collectors, a knowledge that today he uses to protect his clients’ rights.
“For 99% of our clients, there is always something that happened that led them to be in the situation they find themselves in – job loss, illness, a family emergency, more recently COVID, and people losing their jobs due to the pandemic,” said Ciment. “If you are going through an adverse situation outside of your control, you deserve someone who fights for you.”
Ciment Law Firm has even developed a proven three-step process to help clients navigate their financial difficulties. This process involves helping clients resolve their debts, protecting clients’ rights from abusive collection agencies and creditors, and assisting clients in rebuilding their credit.
“What typically happens is that after people default because something happens in their lives, it takes about a year for debt collecting agencies to start charging against them,” explained Ciment. “At this point, most people have been able to recover financially to a degree. They have some means to take care of their debt, but they don’t know how to do it. There is where we come in, and we can help them!” said Ciment.”
Ciment’s dedication to his clients extends beyond the courtroom. He is committed to educating people on how they can improve their finances and guide them to financial freedom. This commitment to defending consumers has allowed Ciment Law Firm to earn the title “The Debt Defenders.”
Daniel Ciment has an unwavering sense of vocation and a desire to positively impact people’s lives. Today, Ciment and his team of Debt Defenders dedicate their work to helping consumers overcome their debt problems and rebuild their lives.
Ciment reflects that his work as a bankruptcy attorney is about more than just helping people resolve their debts. As a Debt Defender, he understands his mission is to give people hope for a better future. This dedication to his clients and commitment to defending consumer rights make him a true champion in the bankruptcy law industry.
By Juan Sebastian Restrepo,
With Artistic Initiative Agency
