1. How do you collect data from my clients?

Attorneys need to know if you provide a proprietary intake portal, use a specific software (like BestCase or Jubilee), or if you require the firm to provide the raw data via a questionnaire.

2. What is your turnaround time for a standard Chapter 7 or 13?

Time is of the essence, especially with foreclosure sales pending. Most attorneys look for a 24 to 48-hour turnaround once all documents are provided.

3. Which bankruptcy software platforms are you proficient in?

Most firms have a preferred software. They will want to know if you can log into their cloud-based system (e.g., NextChapter) or if you export files that they can import into their local database.

4. How do you handle sensitive PII (Personally Identifiable Information)?

Attorneys have a strict duty of confidentiality. You should be prepared to discuss your use of encrypted file sharing, secure servers, and your data retention/destruction policy.

5. Are you familiar with our specific District’s Local Rules?

Bankruptcy is federal, but "local-local" rules (like specific conduit payment language in Chapter 13 plans or local exemptions) vary wildly. Attorneys need to know you can adapt to their jurisdiction.

6. Do you perform a PACER search for prior filings and a credit pull?

Attorneys often want the preparer to "scrub" the data—checking for undisclosed prior filings or cross-referencing the client’s intake against a 3-source credit report.

7. How do you handle "Emergency" or "Skeleton" filings?

In cases of imminent garnishment or foreclosure, can you prepare just the minimum required documents (Petition, Matrix, Statement of Social Security) within a few hours?

8. What is your process for flagging inconsistencies in a client’s data?

A great BPP doesn't just type; they analyze. Attorneys value a preparer who sends a "Missing Info/Discrepancy" memo if income on paystubs doesn't match the Statement of Financial Affairs.

9. Can you prepare Chapter 13 Plans and Means Test calculations?

Simple Chapter 7s are easy; Chapter 13s are where the real work is. Attorneys need to know if you can calculate the "Disposable Income" (Form 122C) and draft the specific local plan.

10. How do we communicate throughout the preparation process?

Attorneys often prefer a single point of contact via Slack, a project management tool (like Clio or Asana), or a dedicated email thread to avoid "lost" updates.

11. What are your fees, and how is billing handled?

Attorneys need to know if you charge a flat fee per petition or an hourly paralegal rate. They also need to know if they pay you directly or if you invoice the firm monthly.

12. Are you a "ghostwriting" service or a disclosed BPP?

When working for an attorney, you are typically acting as a contract paralegal under their supervision (not a BPP in the statutory sense), so your name usually doesn't appear on the petition. Clarifying this relationship is vital for UPL (Unauthorized Practice of Law) compliance.

Here are the specific questions you should prepare for:

Software & Technical Proficiency

• "Which bankruptcy software platforms are you proficient in?" (e.g., BestCase, Jubilee, NextChapter). They need to know if you can jump right into their existing environment.

• "Can you draft a Chapter 13 plan and calculate the 'Means Test' (Form 122C)?" This is the ultimate test of a bankruptcy preparer. They want to know if you understand the logic behind the numbers, not just how to type them.

• "How do you handle PDF management for ECF filing?" (e.g., flattening files, bookmarking, or removing PII like full social security numbers).

Workflow & Productivity

• "What is your standard turnaround time once a 'complete' intake is received?" (Most firms look for 24 to 48 hours for a standard Chapter 7).

• "How do you handle 'Skeleton' or Emergency filings?" If a foreclosure is scheduled for tomorrow morning, they need to know you can pivot and get the petition, matrix, and credit counseling certificate ready in an hour.

• "How do you track your time or tasks?" Even if you charge a flat fee, they may want to see a log of what was completed to justify the cost to the court or the client.

Data Security & Confidentiality

• "How do you securely transmit and store client documents (PII)?" Be ready to mention encrypted drives, secure portals like ShareFile, or your use of their firm’s cloud-based software.

• "Do you work for any other bankruptcy firms in this same district?" They are checking for potential conflicts of interest or "crossover" that could compromise client confidentiality.

Attention to Detail & Quality Control

• "What is your 'scrubbing' process for client intake?" Do you cross-reference their paystubs against the Statement of Financial Affairs? Do you check for inconsistencies between their tax returns and their claimed assets?

• "How do you handle missing or ambiguous information?" An attorney wants a preparer who sends a "Missing Info Memo" rather than someone who just leaves fields blank and hopes the attorney catches it.

Ethical & Legal Boundaries

• "How do you respond if a client asks you for legal advice while you are collecting data?" This is a "gotcha" question. The only correct answer is: "I inform them that I am a non-attorney preparer and that all legal questions must be directed to you (the attorney)."

• "Are you familiar with the Local Rules for this specific Bankruptcy District?" They want to know if you know the specific local forms or conduit payment requirements for that court.

Pro-Tip: The "Portfolio" Response

When an attorney asks these questions, don't just say "I'm good at it." Say:

"I use a three-point verification process: I verify the credit report against the matrix, the paystubs against the Means Test, and the tax returns against the asset schedules. This ensures that when you open the file for final review, 95% of the data-entry work is bulletproof."