Allen J Underwood, Bankruptcy Attorney in Newark, New Jersey
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Creditor Rights · 4.5/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews
MemberatLite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador, LLC
Newark, NJ
Practicing bankruptcy in Newark since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 22 client reviews
- 7
- Bar admissions
Are you Allen J Underwood?
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Quick answer
Allen J Underwood is a member based in Newark, NJ. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Creditor Rights. Allen has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador, LLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
- Based in
- Newark, NJ
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Civil Rights · Creditor Rights
- Handles Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Creditor Rights matters from Newark, NJ.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Allen J Underwood: Allen J Underwood is a member based in Newark, NJ. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Creditor Rights. Allen has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador, LLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Allen takes on
Allen concentrates on bankruptcy, civil rights, creditor rights, elder law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Allen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Civil Rights
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Creditor Rights
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Elder Law
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General
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Government
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Maritime
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Bankruptcy cases in Newark, New Jersey
Allen takes bankruptcy matters in Newark, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Allen agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Newark, New Jersey
Allen takes civil rights matters in Newark, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Allen agrees to represent you.
Creditor Rights cases in Newark, New Jersey
Allen takes creditor rights matters in Newark, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Allen agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Newark, New Jersey
Allen takes elder law matters in Newark, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Allen agrees to represent you.
General cases in Newark, New Jersey
Allen takes general matters in Newark, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Allen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Allen J Underwood — bankruptcy lawyer in Newark
Allen J Underwood is a member based in Newark, NJ. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Creditor Rights. Allen has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador, LLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
Mr. Allen J Underwood is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, antitrust & trade law, civil rights and 5 other areas of law. Allen received a B.A. degree from Hamilton College in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years. Allen practices at Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador, LLC in Newark, NJ.
How Allen handles bankruptcy matters
Mr. Allen J Underwood is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, antitrust & trade law, civil rights and 5 other areas of law. Allen received a B.A. degree from Hamilton College in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years. Allen practices at Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador, LLC in Newark, NJ.
Who Allen represents
Allen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, civil rights, and creditor rights matters in Newark and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Seton Hall University
J.D. · 1997
Hamilton College
B.A. History · 1994
Jurisdictions
Allen's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2006 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2005 · ACTIVE
New York
2004 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2003 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
Allen studied at J.D. in Seton Hall University and B.A. History in Hamilton College.
Law school and academic background
Allen completed J.D. in Seton Hall University and B.A. History in Hamilton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Allen runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Allen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Allen's professional memberships and bar associations
Bergen County Bar Association (Associate Member), New Jersey State and Federal Bar Associations The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
Allen J Underwood's office in Newark
Allen's primary office is at 570 Broad Street, Newark, NJ, 07102. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador, LLC
570 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Allen J Underwood — 4.5/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Allen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Newark.
4.5
22 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Allen J Underwood claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Allen J Underwood — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Allen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Allen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Allen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Allen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Newark, New Jersey
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Allen
Allen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Allen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Allen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Allen J Underwood
How much does it cost to hire Allen for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Allen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Allen offer a free consultation?
Allen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Allen's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Allen's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Allen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Allen take my case if I'm outside Newark?
Allen is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Allen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Allen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Allen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Allen accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Allen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Newark, Trenton and Morristown in New Jersey
Allen handles bankruptcy matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in New Jersey
If Allen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Newark handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.