Francis J. Brennan, Bankruptcy Attorney in Albany, New York
Over 37 years of legal practice · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratWhiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
Albany, NY
Practicing bankruptcy in Albany since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Francis J. Brennan?
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
Francis J. Brennan is a partner based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Francis has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Albany, NY
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy
- Handles Bankruptcy matters from Albany, NY.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Francis J. Brennan: Francis J. Brennan is a partner based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Francis has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Francis takes on
Francis concentrates on bankruptcy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Albany, New York
Francis takes bankruptcy matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Francis agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Francis J. Brennan — bankruptcy lawyer in Albany
Francis J. Brennan is a partner based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. Francis has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Francis J. Brennan is a partner in Whiteman Osterman & Hanna’s Business Reorganization, Creditors' Rights & Bankruptcy Practice Group. His areas of expertise include representing debtors, creditors and creditors’ committees Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations, commercial litigation and parties in arbitration matters. Mr. Brennan has represented clients since 1998 and joined Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP in 2025.
Representative Accomplishments
• Successful reorganization of a regional printing company.
• Successful reorganization of an agricultural business in a Chapter 12 bankruptcy proceeding.
• Appointed as the state court receiver charged with the liquidation of a family-owned dairy farm in connection with a shareholder dispute.
• Defended businesses and lenders in preference litigation in the bankruptcy courts for the Northern District of New York and the Districts of Maryland and Delaware.
• Representation of lenders in non-dischargeability litigation in Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of New York.
• Representation of a secured lender in a Delaware bankruptcy proceeding involving a national owner/operator of healthcare facilities.
• Representation of a secured lender in the Chapter 11 liquidation proceeding of a college that ceased operation.
• Representation of a nursing home in its Chapter 11 proceeding, culminating in a successful sale of the business operation.
• Representation of an internet-based manufacturer and distributor of premium prepared frozen meals in its Chapter 11 liquidation proceeding.
• Representation of a HVAC contractor in connection with its Chapter 11 reorganization.
• Representation of an independent pharmacy in connection with its Chapter 11 proceeding and sale of its assets to a national retail pharmacy.
• Representation of several independent and franchised hotels in connection with their Chapter 11 reorganizations and sales.
• Representation of a custom bicycle manufacturing business in connection with a negotiated loan work-out with its secured lender and the successful sale of the business’s assets to an investment group.
• Representation of the Board of Trustees of a college in connection with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding.
Background/Education
Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Brennan was a partner in a prominent Albany business law firm. He is a graduate of Albany Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Union College and a Master of Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose. He is admitted to practice in New York and in the United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of New York and the District of Vermont. He has been recognized in Super Lawyers - Upstate Edition - Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights and Super Lawyers - Corporate Counsel Edition - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights.
How Francis handles bankruptcy matters
Francis J. Brennan is a partner in Whiteman Osterman & Hanna’s Business Reorganization, Creditors' Rights & Bankruptcy Practice Group. His areas of expertise include representing debtors, creditors and creditors’ committees Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations, commercial litigation and parties in arbitration matters. Mr. Brennan has represented clients since 1998 and joined Whiteman Osterman &…
Who Francis represents
Francis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in Albany and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Albany Law School
J.D. · 1998
Union College
B.A. College · 1989
Jurisdictions
Francis's state bar admissions
New York
1998 · ACTIVE
New Jersey U.S. Bank
1989 · ACTIVE
Francis studied at J.D. in Albany Law School and B.A. College in Union College.
Law school and academic background
Francis completed J.D. in Albany Law School and B.A. College in Union College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Francis runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Francis has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Francis's professional memberships and bar associations
Affiliations Mr
membership
Brennan is a member and served as President of the Capital Region Bankruptcy Bar Association
membership
He has lectured on collection and bankruptcy matters and was a member of the Local Rules Review Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York
membership
Locations
Francis J. Brennan's office in Albany
Francis's primary office is at 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1900, Albany, NY, 12260. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1900
Albany, NY 12260
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Francis J. Brennan — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Francis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Albany.
4.9
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Francis J. Brennan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Francis J. Brennan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Francis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Francis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis'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; Francis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Albany, New York
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 Francis
Francis 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. Francis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Francis'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 Francis J. Brennan
How much does it cost to hire Francis for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Francis offer a free consultation?
Francis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Francis's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in New York 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. Francis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Francis take my case if I'm outside Albany?
Francis is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Francis 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 Francis?
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. Francis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Francis accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Francis'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 Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Francis handles bankruptcy matters throughout New York. 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 York
If Francis's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Albany handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
