When debt starts piling up and financial pressure feels like it’s closing in, it’s easy to feel stuck and unsure of your next move. But here’s the thing: bankruptcy isn’t the end. 

I’ve read several financial literacy books where entrepreneurs have jumped right back after getting humbled. But their stories didn’t just revolve around faith and determination. I’ve learned that they’ve also looked for the right legal help.

So if you feel like you’re getting into that situation, reading “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” isn’t the only thing that could save you. You need a bankruptcy lawyer. 

The good news is, my team and I have already created a list of the best ones here in Montreal. If you want to save your savings, maybe you should keep reading.

How we chose the best bankruptcy lawyers in Montreal

1. Franklin & Franklin

Address: 1800 Glendale Avenue

Phone: +1 800-935-3576
Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

If there’s one thing about Franklin & Franklin, they try to avoid problems before they happen. 

For businesses in particular, they help people understand the legal risks and obligations tied to insolvency. That way, you’re not reacting to a crisis; you’re getting ahead of it.

We got to talk to a company owner who was accused of making questionable payments before going bankrupt. The firm stepped in early and helped clarify what’s legally okay and what might cause issues later.

This forward-thinking guidance, we think, can save people from a lot of headaches and court battles.

They do a lot too. Besides helping people file for bankruptcy, they also work with businesses, advise executives on legal responsibilities, and even step in to help creditors or trustees. 

There were also a lot of good reviews about Jonathan Franklin specifically. Most clients said he was not only efficient and knowledgeable, but also listened and made them feel protected during a tough time.

However, not all feedback was perfect. One person mentioned they paid about $500 for an hour-long consultation, but only got 45 minutes, and weren’t refunded for the missing time.

This doesn’t seem to be the norm based on what other people said, but it does raise a flag about consistency.

Gave me thorough legal counsel and guided me within 24 hours

“I can confidently recommend Jonathan Franklin for help with your legal issues. I was in a situation under a tight timeline, and he gave me thorough legal counsel and guided me through the issues within 24 hours. He was transparent with fees and quick to respond as well.”

Gabriel Pereyra, Google review

He genuinely cared about us and our case

“Jonathan Franklin is an outstanding Equine lawyer. He was professional and caring, and extremely knowledgeable about the equine world. Without him, we would of never got our mare back, and we will be eternally grateful for his services. He genuinely cared about us and our case. He worked at all times of the day, weekends and even when he was out of town, our case was always a priority. We very much highly recommend him.”

Lynn Phillips, Google review

2. Menneh Legal S.A

Address: 2075 Blvd Robert-Bourassa #1200

Phone: +1 514-447-9425
Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

It’s really impressive how many languages the team at Menneh Legal S.A. can speak. Besides English and French, they can also communicate in Spanish, Greek, Hebrew, and even Arabic. 

It might not sound like a big deal at first, but when you’re dealing with something as stressful as bankruptcy, being able to explain your situation in your own language is very important.

Another thing we liked is how personal their approach is. Clients said their lawyers stayed in touch throughout the whole process and really took time to explain everything clearly. 

They also have an impressive experience in various legal fields. They also know stuff when it comes to business, real estate, and civil law. That’s important because financial troubles are often tied up with other legal issues.

We were also impressed with some of the client’s stories. One client said their debt was cut down by 90%, and another mentioned the firm helped them settle a legal fight with a bank.

That said, because they’re a smaller firm, they might not be able to take on a ton of cases at once. So if you’re thinking about reaching out, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later. 

The file was handled with great care, professionalism, and attention to detail

“I had the pleasure of working with Rita Menneh and her team, and I could not be more satisfied with the service I received. The file was handled with great care, professionalism, and attention to detail. The team is knowledgeable, efficient, and incredibly compassionate, which made the entire process smooth and reassuring. I truly appreciate the dedication and support I was given throughout. Highly recommend Menneh Legal SA to anyone in need of legal assistance!”

David Cheung, Google review

Every question I had was answered thoroughly

“What truly stood out for me was the sense of calm and confidence I felt as a client throughout the entire legal process. The team at Menneh Legal SA guided me with clarity, patience, and genuine care. Every question I had was answered thoroughly, and I always felt informed and supported. It’s rare to find such a combination of professionalism and empathy in one place. Thank you for turning what could have been a stressful experience into something manageable and empowering.”

Mariana Cheung, Google review

3. Harel Avocats S.A.

Address: 1085 R. Atateken

Phone: +1 514-543-4337
Business hours:

• Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

Website

Harel Avocats S.A. is a small team with just three lawyers. Somehow, it’s a strength and something to look out for.

They’re able to give their clients really personal attention. In fact, several of their clients that we talked to mentioned how available and supportive they felt the team was, which isn’t always the case with bigger firms.

Another thing we liked is that they’re not just focused on bankruptcy. They also handle corporate law, banking, and more. It’s beneficial if your case involves lots of overlapping legal issues. 

We also found out that their lead lawyer, Me Stéphane Harel, has over 20 years of experience. He really seems to know his stuff when it comes to business and finance, which kind of gave us a little confidence.

Their services are also available in both French and English, which we really appreciate. This way, you can communicate with them better if you’re not fluent in the other language.

That said, since they’re a small team, we don’t think they’re the best fit if your case is extremely urgent or needs a big team working on it all at once. 

The team is professional, straightforward, competent and quick to understand 

“It’s a shame not to be able to give this office 6 stars. The team is professional, straightforward, competent, available, empathetic, and quick to understand the files. This is not my first experience, and certainly not the last. I wanted to share it with others, in this fast and evolving world, with offices sprouting up everywhere. This firm is the one to consider for any dispute.”

Yzabel Brisson, Google review

Remarkable from the very first moment

“The Harel Avocats team was remarkable from the very first moment. Quick understanding of the file, proactive follow-ups and a warm/family atmosphere in the office!”

Massi Mahiou, Google review

4. Kugler Kandestin

Address: 1 Pl. Ville-Marie #1170

Phone: +1 514-878-2861
Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

While researching Kugler Kandestin, we were very impressed with how many different types of clients they’ve worked with. We’re talking about bankrupt businesses, big banks, asset buyers, and even companies offering special loans during bankruptcy.

This wide mix means they’ve seen pretty much every side of a bankruptcy case, and that kind of experience matters.

One big area where they shine is in cross-border cases. A great example is their work in the aftermath of the Montréal, Maine & Atlantic Railway derailment. It was a huge, tragic situation.

They played a role on the Canadian side, helping navigate through a complicated mess. It showed us that they’re more than capable of handling high-pressure, international files.

We also found it a strength how closely their bankruptcy team works with their litigation and commercial law teams. 

Bankruptcy cases often involve lawsuits over money, contracts, or who gets paid first, so having those services under one roof is an advantage. 

When we talked to some of their past clients, most of them mentioned how kind, supportive, and communicative the team was. 

They deal with large or complex cases, as we have observed. That said, we think they might not be the most cost-effective options for really simple bankruptcies or personal filings. 

This team is staffed with some of the best lawyers in the industry

“This team is highly efficient and staffed with some of the best lawyers in the industry. They provide top-notch legal advice to their clients. Mme Giroux’s expertise, with whom I have had the pleasure of working for the past few years, is able to provide thorough and thoughtful advice that takes into consideration all possible scenarios. Whether it’s a complex legal matter or a routine issue, I am confident in their ability to provide the best possible service to their clients.”

Marjorie Lan, Google review

Lawyers exhibited unmatched professionalism, expertise, and dedication

“Working with them has been an incredibly positive and reassuring experience. I couldn’t express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding legal support and representation this team provided. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, the lawyers exhibited unmatched professionalism, expertise, and dedication. They were not only knowledgeable about the legal intricacies of my situation but also empathetic and supportive throughout the process…”

Hazar Nejmeh, Google review

5. M. Roy & Associés

Address: 10500 St Laurent Blvd

Phone: +1 514-286-0007
Business hours:

• Monday: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

We included M. Roy & Associés because they’re really focused on helping regular people and small business owners deal with serious debt problems. So if you’re one of those people, this firm seems to jump in with structure and calmness.

They treat personal bankruptcy as a last-resort resolution, but when it’s the right path, they make it as smooth and affordable as possible.

One thing we liked is that the trustee fees are rolled into monthly payments, so you’re not dealing with big upfront costs. 

It also sounds like they get things moving quickly. Some clients mentioned that creditor calls stop pretty much right after they’re officially working with the firm.

They also offer consumer proposals. These are deals where you pay back a portion of your debt based on what you can actually afford, not what the credit card companies want.

We appreciated this approach because it’s clear and realistic. You’re not getting rushed into bankruptcy if there’s another option that could work. Their advisors walk clients through the pros and cons of each option, and everything seems pretty transparent.

That said, if you’re part of a big company with international debt or a complex financial structure, we don’t think they have the right tools or scales you’d need. 

Dedicated and professional staff

“Very attentive and explicit, listens and clearly explains the situation… dedicated and professional staff.”

Michel Koffi, Google review

I felt understood from the start

“Attentive staff, I loved my experience, I felt understood from the start!”

Nadia Boucher, Google review