Debra Cortland Kelly, Bankruptcy Attorney in Dallas, Texas
Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation
MemberatD. Cortland Kelly
Dallas, TX
Practicing bankruptcy in Dallas since 1999.
- 27+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Debra Cortland Kelly?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Debra Cortland Kelly is a member based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Debra has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at D. Cortland Kelly.
- Based in
- Dallas, TX
- Experience
- over 27 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Dallas, TX.
- Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Debra Cortland Kelly: Debra Cortland Kelly is a member based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Debra has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at D. Cortland Kelly.
Areas of practice
Debra's practice areas in Dallas
Debra concentrates on bankruptcy, business, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Debra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
View other Bankruptcy attorneys
Business
View other Business attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Bankruptcy cases in Dallas, Texas
Debra takes bankruptcy matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Dallas, Texas
Debra takes business matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Dallas, Texas
Debra takes litigation matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Biography
Debra Cortland Kelly, bankruptcy attorney serving Dallas
Debra Cortland Kelly is a member based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Debra has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at D. Cortland Kelly. Debra works from Dallas, Texas and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Debra Cortland Kelly is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, bankruptcy law, litigation and 1 other area of law. Debra received a B.F.A. degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996, and has been licensed for 27 years. Debra practices at D. Cortland Kelly in Dallas, TX.
Working with Debra on a bankruptcy matter
Debra Cortland Kelly is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, bankruptcy law, litigation and 1 other area of law. Debra received a B.F.A. degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996, and has been licensed for 27 years. Debra practices at D. Cortland Kelly in Dallas, TX.
Who Debra represents
Debra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Debra studied and practices
University of Virginia
J.D. · 1999
Virginia Commonwealth University
B.F.A. · 1996
Jurisdictions
Debra's state bar admissions
Texas
2003 · ACTIVE
Florida
1999 · ACTIVE
Debra studied at J.D. in University of Virginia and B.F.A. in Virginia Commonwealth University.
Law school and academic background
Debra completed J.D. in University of Virginia and B.F.A. in Virginia Commonwealth University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Debra runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Debra's professional memberships and bar associations
Orange County Bar Association The Florida Bar
membership
Locations
Debra Cortland Kelly's office in Dallas
Debra's primary office is at 901 Main St., Ste. 6515, Dallas, TX, 75202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Debra Cortland Kelly
Debra has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Debra Cortland Kelly can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Debra Cortland Kelly — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Debra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Debra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra'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; Debra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Dallas, Texas
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 Debra
Debra 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. Debra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Debra'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 Debra Cortland Kelly
How much does it cost to hire Debra for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Debra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Debra offer a free consultation?
Debra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Debra's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Texas 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. Debra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Debra take my case if I'm outside Dallas?
Debra is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Debra 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 Debra?
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. Debra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Debra accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Debra'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 Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas
Debra handles bankruptcy matters throughout Texas. 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 Texas
If Debra's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Dallas handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.