Our Attorneys
Our team of attorneys and legal professionals will assist you through your legal entanglements with care and professionalism.
WhatsNew:
Dealing With This Economy
December 3, 2011
We have been busy at the firm helping our clients deal with this difficult economy. We have had some success recently filing Chapter 11's for a few individuals with multiple properties. A recent court ruling from the Middle District of Florida eliminated a major challenge to this type of bankruptcy. We have seen a drop in the number of Chapter 7 cases compared to last year but have been advised by the foreclosure attorneys that the next waive of foreclosures in coming soon. We expect to see a corresponding increase in Chapter 7 filings. Let us know if we can help you with your financial issues.
CurrentNews:
American Airlines Files Chapter 11
December 2, 2011
The parent company of American Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection in late November, seeking relief from crushing debt caused by high fuel prices and expensive labor contracts that its competitors shed years ago. For most travelers, though, flights will operate normally and the airline will honor tickets and take reservations. American said its frequent-flier program would be unaffected.
Recent Events:
The Local Bankruptcy Scene
November 28, 2011
In the Southern District of Florida, our firm has seen an increase in the unwillingness of Chapter 7 trustees to forgo the collection of potential funds. In Florida, an individual's exemptions in bankruptcy are guided by reference to state-not federal-law. An individual is entitled to certain exemptions of personal and real property. Generally, if an individual was over their exemption limit, i.e. having certain property not entitled to exemption, trustees would generally forfeit their right as administrator of the bankruptcy estate to sell the non-exempt asset if the asset was of little value or considered "unsellable." However, our firm has observed a recent uptick in the willingness of the trustee to sell non-exempt assets worth little, seemingly because trustees do not want to lose out on the potential collection of funds. Often, the sale generates funds in an amount that does little more than pay for trustee and professional fees. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy protection, it is imperative to consult with a bankruptcy attorney who can explain your options and offer pre-bankruptcy planning to avoid these common pitfalls.
Our Attorneys
David W. Langley
David W. Langley has been engaged in providing professional legal services to individuals and
businesses for the past twenty-nine years. Our firm represents our clients aggressively but with personal attention to the client’s needs.
David handles business law and commercial litigation matters in the state and federal courts, bankruptcy matters for debtors and creditors, creditors’ claims and collections in state court and bankruptcy court, foreclosures, contract preparation and litigation, and the formation of corporations. We limit our practice to Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, South Florida. David has appeared on a number or television and radio shows. We would be happy to discuss your legal needs to see if we can be of any assistance.
Member: Florida Bar, Federal Trial Bar, Southern District of Florida, Bankruptcy Bar Association, Broward Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, Plantation Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Broward Foundation.
Valerie Barton Barnhart 
Valerie Barton Barnhart joined the firm in 2011 as an associate, where she practices in the areas of bankruptcy, family law, commercial transactions and corporate matters, including contracts and formation of corporations and limited liability companies and civil litigation. Prior to becoming an associate, Valerie worked for the firm as a law clerk.
Valerie earned her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, where she graduated within the top ten percent of her class. A recipient of the Dean’s Merit Scholarship, she was on the Dean’s List all semesters and awarded Book Awards for the highest grade in Remedies and Appellate Practice.
Valerie also served as an Articles Editor for the Nova Law Review, for which her student article Knowing Evil When We See It: An Attempt to Standardize Heinous, Atrocious, and Cruel, was selected for publication. During law school, Ms. Barnhart worked as a Research Assistant to Professor Michael J. Dale, a nationally renowned juvenile law attorney. While working for Professor Dale, she participated in various aspects of juvenile law including dependency and delinquency. She also contributed to Professor Dale’s Right to Counsel article in Nova Law Review, and his publication in Matthew Bender’s two volume text, Representing the Child Client.
Member: Broward County Bar Association, Broward County Women Lawyers Association, Emerge Broward, Lawyers to Rescue,, Make a Wish Foundation, Child Sponsor, Compassion International.
David W. Langley and Valerie Barton Barnhart are licensed to practice only in the State of Florida and handle bankruptcy cases and litigation in Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Pompano,Coral Springs, Deerfield, Boca Raton, Delray and West Palm Beach.