We evaluated over 30 law firms specializing in business debt, MCA defense, consumer protection, and creditor negotiation. Here are the top attorneys for your situation.
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Key Takeaways
- 1 Business debt relief lawyers provide legal protections that non-attorney debt settlement companies cannot, including the ability to challenge predatory lending terms in court.
- 2 All of our top-rated firms offer free initial consultations, so you can evaluate your options before committing to representation.
- 3 Attorney-led negotiations tend to produce better settlement outcomes because creditors take legal representation more seriously.
- 4 Specialization matters—look for firms with specific experience in your type of debt, whether it's MCA, SBA loans, or tax debt.
- 5 Be wary of firms that guarantee specific results or demand large upfront retainers before performing any work on your case.
- 6 Consumer protection counter-claims under the FDCPA or TCPA can offset or eliminate your debt if collectors have violated the law.
Our Top Picks for Business Debt Relief Lawyers
1. Delancey Street
Min. Case Size
$20,000+
Practice Areas
MCA/Business Loans/Tax Debt
Fee Structure
Performance-based (no upfront retainer)
Operating from their Midtown Manhattan office at 54 W 40th Street, Delancey Street Group LLC has become the go-to legal resource for small and mid-sized businesses trapped in predatory merchant cash advance agreements. Their attorneys specialize in challenging the enforceability of MCA contracts under New York's Uniform Commercial Code, arguing that many MCAs are actually disguised loans subject to usury laws—a legal strategy that has resulted in some agreements being voided entirely. They also handle SBA loan defaults, tax debt negotiations with the IRS, and UCC lien disputes. Their performance-based fee model means no upfront retainer: you only pay when they deliver results. The firm's deep familiarity with NY commercial courts gives them a tactical advantage that out-of-state firms simply cannot replicate.
Pros
- Performance-based fees with no upfront retainer required
- Specialized in challenging MCA enforceability under NY UCC law
- NYC-based with direct access to NY commercial courts
Cons
- Higher minimum case size of $20K+ limits accessibility
- Complex MCA cases can require a longer intake and analysis period
2. Tayne Law Group
Min. Case Size
$10,000+
Practice Areas
Credit Card/Medical/Business Debt
Fee Structure
Flat fee + performance fee hybrid
Founded in 2001 by Leslie H. Tayne, Esq., and headquartered in Melville, New York (Long Island), Tayne Law Group is one of the very few law firms in the United States that focuses exclusively on debt resolution. Leslie Tayne is a nationally recognized debt attorney who has authored 'Life & Debt: A Fresh Approach to Achieving Financial Wellness,' and regularly appears as an expert source in outlets like Forbes, CNBC, and The New York Times. The firm handles credit card debt, medical bills, business debt including merchant cash advances, and student loan disputes. With a deliberately small team of attorneys, every client works directly with experienced counsel rather than being passed to junior associates—a level of personalized attention that larger firms rarely match.
Pros
- Exclusively focused on debt resolution since 2001—unmatched specialization
- Founder Leslie Tayne is a published author and nationally quoted expert
- Direct attorney access on every case, not delegated to paralegals
Cons
- Boutique firm size means limited capacity during high-demand periods
- Primarily serves clients in the Northeast, though available in other regions
3. McCarthy Law PLC
Min. Case Size
$10,000+
Practice Areas
Credit Card/Business/Student Debt
Fee Structure
Flat fee per account
Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, McCarthy Law PLC was founded by Kevin Fallon McCarthy, who has been a licensed attorney since 1986 with nearly four decades of experience in debt negotiation. The firm pioneered the 'attorney-based debt settlement' model, where licensed lawyers—not sales representatives—handle every creditor negotiation. This approach produces measurably better outcomes because creditors are statistically more likely to accept lower settlement offers when facing an attorney who can challenge the debt's enforceability in court. McCarthy Law uses a transparent flat-fee structure rather than percentage-based fees, which can save clients with larger balances thousands compared to traditional 15-25% fee models. They handle credit card debt, private student loans, business debt, and medical bills across most U.S. states.
Pros
- Attorney-led negotiations achieve 10-15% better settlement rates than non-attorney firms
- Flat-fee pricing saves money on larger debt balances vs. percentage-based competitors
- Founded by a 38-year veteran of debt law with deep creditor relationships
Cons
- Does not handle all types of commercial/business debt
- Arizona-based firm may have limited courtroom presence in other states
4. Luftman, Heck & Associates
Min. Case Size
$15,000+
Practice Areas
MCA/SBA Loans/Creditor Lawsuits
Fee Structure
Hourly + contingency hybrid
Licensed across all 88 Ohio counties with offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dublin, Luftman, Heck & Associates (LHA) is a consumer and business debt law firm with deep roots in the Midwest. They specialize in defending businesses against aggressive MCA lender lawsuits, SBA loan defaults, and creditor judgments—including challenging confessions of judgment and UCC filings. LHA's litigation team has a strong courtroom track record, frequently resolving cases through pre-trial negotiation that avoids the cost and uncertainty of a full trial. Their consumer protection practice also handles FDCPA violations, meaning if a creditor has crossed the line with abusive collection tactics, LHA can turn the tables and pursue damages on your behalf.
Pros
- Four Ohio offices providing comprehensive Midwest coverage
- Dual expertise: debt defense plus FDCPA violation counter-claims
- Strong pre-trial negotiation record saves clients litigation costs
Cons
- Primarily licensed in Ohio—out-of-state clients need co-counsel arrangements
- Minimum case size of $15K+ excludes smaller business debts
5. Tully Rinckey
Min. Case Size
$25,000+
Practice Areas
Government Contracts/Business Disputes/Tax Debt
Fee Structure
Hourly billing
Founded in 2003 by Mathew B. Tully (a decorated military veteran who launched his practice after 9/11) and Greg Rinckey (who joined as managing partner in 2004), Tully Rinckey PLLC has grown from a small upstate New York office into a national firm with locations in Albany, Washington D.C., San Diego, Austin, Columbus, and Buffalo. Their unique strength lies in federal government contracting disputes—if your business holds government contracts and faces debt, default, or procurement disputes, their attorneys understand the complexities of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and SBA rules that most debt relief firms never encounter. As a full-service firm, they can also handle related employment law, tax debt, and business litigation matters, providing a one-stop solution for businesses with intertwined legal and financial challenges.
Pros
- Unmatched expertise in federal contracting and procurement disputes
- Six offices nationwide including Washington D.C. for federal-facing clients
- Full-service firm handles tax, employment, and litigation alongside debt relief
Cons
- Highest minimum case size on our list ($25K+) limits small business access
- Full-service model means higher hourly rates than boutique debt-only firms
6. Goldenberg Law (Debt Lawyers Online)
Min. Case Size
$5,000+
Practice Areas
Consumer Debt/Credit Card/Medical/Collections
Fee Structure
Flat fee per account + contingency
Simon Goldenberg founded Goldenberg Law (operating the consumer-facing platform DebtLawyersOnline.com) to make professional debt defense accessible to everyday consumers, not just businesses with large balances. Based in Long Island City, New York, the firm has handled over 5,000 consumer debt cases since 2010, focusing on credit card lawsuits, medical debt collections, and debt buyer harassment. Goldenberg's approach is notably aggressive on consumer protection counter-claims: when collectors violate the FDCPA, TCPA, or state consumer protection statutes, the firm pursues damages that can offset or even exceed the original debt. Their low $5,000 minimum case size and flat-fee model make legal representation accessible to consumers who typically can't afford an attorney—a gap that most firms on this list don't address. They also maintain an active educational blog with state-specific guides on statute of limitations, exemptions, and debtor rights.
Pros
- Lowest minimum case size ($5K) makes legal help accessible to more consumers
- Aggressive FDCPA/TCPA counter-claim strategy can offset or eliminate debt
- Over 5,000 consumer debt cases handled since 2010
Cons
- Consumer debt focus means limited business/commercial debt expertise
- Primarily licensed in NY, NJ, CT — limited coverage outside the tri-state area
7. Kazerouni Law Group
Min. Case Size
$0 (contingency)
Practice Areas
FDCPA/TCPA/Consumer Rights/Debt Harassment
Fee Structure
100% contingency (no cost to client)
Founded by Abbas Kazerounian, the Kazerouni Law Group has become one of the most prolific consumer rights litigation firms in the country, having filed thousands of federal lawsuits against debt collectors, creditors, and telemarketers who violate consumer protection laws. Based in Costa Mesa, California, with additional presence in Arizona, New York, and Texas, the firm operates on a pure contingency model—clients never pay a dime out of pocket. Instead, the firm recovers its fees from the violating companies through statutory damages under the FDCPA, TCPA, FCRA, and state consumer protection laws. This makes Kazerouni uniquely positioned for consumers who are being harassed, threatened, or deceived by debt collectors: rather than negotiating settlements, the firm fights back by suing the collectors and recovering damages that can range from $1,000 to $500,000+ depending on the violations. The firm has recovered over $50 million in total damages for consumers since its founding.
Pros
- Zero cost to clients — 100% contingency fee model on all consumer protection cases
- Over $50 million recovered in damages from debt collectors and creditors
- Multi-state presence with federal court capability across the country
Cons
- Does not handle debt negotiation or settlement — focuses exclusively on consumer protection litigation
- Not suitable for clients who simply need debt reduced rather than collector misconduct addressed
When Should You Hire a Debt Relief Lawyer?
Not every business debt situation requires an attorney. If you have relatively straightforward unsecured debt and your creditors are willing to negotiate, a reputable debt settlement company may be sufficient. However, there are several situations where hiring an attorney becomes critical:
In general, the more complex your debt situation and the higher the stakes, the more important it is to have an attorney guiding the process rather than a non-legal debt settlement company.
Business Debt Relief Lawyers Compared
| Provider | Min. Case Size | Practice Areas | Fee Structure | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Delancey Street
Top Pick
|
$20,000+ | MCA/Business Loans/Tax Debt | Performance-based (no upfront retainer) |
4.9
|
|
Tayne Law Group
|
$10,000+ | Credit Card/Medical/Business Debt | Flat fee + performance fee hybrid |
4.8
|
|
McCarthy Law PLC
|
$10,000+ | Credit Card/Business/Student Debt | Flat fee per account |
4.7
|
|
Luftman, Heck & Associates
|
$15,000+ | MCA/SBA Loans/Creditor Lawsuits | Hourly + contingency hybrid |
4.6
|
|
Tully Rinckey
|
$25,000+ | Government Contracts/Business Disputes/Tax Debt | Hourly billing |
4.5
|
|
Goldenberg Law (Debt Lawyers Online)
|
$5,000+ | Consumer Debt/Credit Card/Medical/Collections | Flat fee per account + contingency |
4.5
|
|
Kazerouni Law Group
|
$0 (contingency) | FDCPA/TCPA/Consumer Rights/Debt Harassment | 100% contingency (no cost to client) |
4.4
|
Our Methodology
Our editorial team evaluated over 30 law firms specializing in business debt relief, conducting interviews, reviewing case outcomes, and analyzing client feedback to determine our top recommendations.
Expertise & Specialization
30%We assessed each firm's depth of experience in specific debt types including MCA defense, SBA loan defaults, tax debt, and creditor lawsuit defense.
Track Record & Results
25%We reviewed settlement outcomes, case success rates, client testimonials, and disciplinary records with state bar associations.
Client Experience & Communication
25%We evaluated intake processes, client communication frequency, case transparency, and overall satisfaction through verified client reviews.
Fee Structure & Accessibility
20%We compared retainer requirements, fee transparency, availability of free consultations, and whether fees are structured to align attorney and client interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah Chen
Senior Senior Financial Editor
Sarah Chen is a certified financial planner (CFP®) and senior editor at Zogby with over 12 years of experience covering business debt relief and creditor defense law. She holds a degree in Economics from Columbia University and has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes. Sarah's work focuses on making complex financial products accessible to everyday consumers.
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Important Debt Relief Disclaimers
- Debt settlement programs may negatively affect your credit score. When you enroll, you typically stop making payments to creditors, which results in late payments, collections, and potential charge-offs on your credit report.
- There is no guarantee that a debt settlement company can settle all of your debts or reduce them by a specific amount. Creditors are not required to negotiate or accept settlement offers.
- Debt settlement fees are typically 15%-25% of the enrolled debt amount. You should not pay fees before a debt has been successfully settled. The FTC prohibits debt settlement companies from charging upfront fees before settling at least one debt.
- Forgiven debt of $600 or more may be considered taxable income by the IRS. You may receive a Form 1099-C from creditors for canceled debt. Consult a tax professional about potential tax consequences.
- Creditors may continue collection efforts, including lawsuits, wage garnishment, and bank levies, while you are enrolled in a debt settlement program. A debt settlement company cannot guarantee protection from legal action.
- Alternatives to debt settlement include debt consolidation loans, credit counseling through nonprofit agencies, debt management plans, and bankruptcy. Consider all options and consult with a licensed financial advisor or attorney before enrolling in any debt relief program.
- Zogby does not provide debt relief services. We are an independent comparison service. We do not negotiate with creditors on your behalf or manage debt settlement accounts.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be construed as, financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
Editorial Independence
Our recommendations are based on independent research and analysis. While Zogby may receive compensation from some partners listed on this page, our editorial team maintains full independence over our rankings and ratings. Compensation does not influence which products we recommend or how we rate them.