Table of Contents
Are you struggling to get clients? Welcome to the club — but let’s get you out of it.
As a bankruptcy attorney, your ideal clients are buried in bills, stressed to the max, and often too ashamed to ask for help… until it’s too late.
That’s why proactively generating quality bankruptcy leads for attorneys is so crucial. In this guide, we’ll show you:
- 5 ways to get bankruptcy attorney leads — without selling your soul to sketchy lead farms
- What a “good” cost per lead actually looks like
- Whether paying for leads is genius… or just expensive
Let’s make your phone ring with the right kind of debt problems!
What Is a Good Bankruptcy Lead?
Not every “lead” is worth your time.
The best bankruptcy leads for attorneys aren’t random names in a database — they’re real people with urgent problems and the means to solve them.
Here’s what separates a quality lead from a dead end:
- They’re actively researching bankruptcy – They’ve done their homework and know it’s time to talk to a lawyer.
- They’re ready to talk – Not tire-kickers. Not “just curious.” They want expert legal advice.
- They can pay – Maybe not today, but they understand the value and are ready to invest.
- They’re hiring soon – Within the next 30–60 days. No endless back-and-forths.

When your pipeline is full of high-quality leads like these, that’s when growth gets easy!
— Types of Bankruptcy Leads
Bankruptcy leads come in all shapes and urgency levels — here are the most common lead types you’ll see as a bankruptcy attorney:
- Pre-Qualified Consultations – Leads who’ve scheduled an appointment and meet basic criteria (credit score, debt amount, intent to file).
- Walk-Ins – Local prospects who drop by your office, who are usually urgent and ready to talk.
- Live Chat Inquiries – Website visitors who engage through your chat feature, often with high intent but low patience.
- Phone Call Leads – Direct calls from potential clients seeking fast answers — these are hot and should be prioritized.
- Form Submissions – Leads who filled out your online intake form or contact page — they’re interested, but need a fast follow-up.
- Referral Leads – Word-of-mouth clients referred by past clients or partners — often the easiest to convert.
Some leads are blazing hot. Others need a little warming up. The key is to meet each type with the right strategy.
Ways for Bankruptcy Attorneys to Get Leads (For Free!)
While many paid marketing strategies can be effective, there are also several ways for bankruptcy attorneys to get leads without the price tag. In this section, we'll explore 5 effective ways to generate bankruptcy leads for free. They are local SEO and Google Map Pack, reviews and word-of-mouth, SEO marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing, so don't miss these proven tactics in generating leads!
— Local SEO and Google Map Pack

Want more bankruptcy leads without spending a dime on ads? Local SEO is your golden ticket!
When someone searches “bankruptcy attorney near me,” Google shows a map with the top three results — that’s the Google Map Pack.
To land this prime spot, you need a fully optimized lawyer Google Business Profile, consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info, and localized content. For example, targeting relevant keywords like “Chicago bankruptcy lawyer” helps you rank for clients in your backyard!
TLDR: A strong local presence makes it easier for nearby prospects to find and contact you — ka ching! Make sure to add this to your digital marketing strategies ASAP.
— Reviews, Referrals, and Word of Mouth Marketing

Positive Google lawyer reviews aren’t just ego boosts... they’re magnets for bankruptcy attorney leads.
Think about it: when someone’s stressed, broke, and Googling “bankruptcy lawyer," you become the obvious first call if you have glowing reviews.
So ask happy clients to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or Avvo. And when they do? Respond to every single one, politely and professionally, yes, even the bad ones!
Referrals can be tricky (no one brags about filing Chapter 7 at brunch), but they’re still powerful. Build referral pipelines with accountants, credit counselors, and financial advisors — people who see the struggle early.
You can even nudge past clients to send someone your way with a simple thank-you or small gift.
When reviews and referrals work together, you’re not chasing leads — they’re chasing you.
— SEO for Bankruptcy Lawyers

You probably know what SEO (search engine optimization) is by now. It gets your law firm website to show up when someone Googles “affordable bankruptcy attorney”.
The higher you rank on Google, the more likely potential clients will click your site instead of a competitor’s. Here’s how it works:
- Keyword Research
Find out what your ideal clients are typing into search bars (e.g., “Chapter 7 lawyer in Miami”). Tools like SEMrush or Google Keyword Planner help. - On-Page SEO
Sprinkle those keywords naturally into your page titles, headers, URLs, and content. - Technical SEO
Make sure your site loads fast, works well on phones, and doesn’t have broken links. - Off-Page SEO
Build your reputation by earning links from trustworthy sites, getting mentioned in directories, and collecting 5-star reviews.
The result? More visibility, more traffic, more leads to your bankruptcy practice area — without paying per click.
— Legal Directories for Your Bankruptcy Practice
Think of legal directories like restaurant apps — when someone’s hungry, they open Uber Eats. When someone needs a lawyer, they search Avvo, Nolo, or Lawyer.com.
These legal directories rank high in Google search results and get tons of traffic from people actively looking for legal help... this is a fantastic way to pull in bankruptcy attorney leads.
Make sure to claim and optimize your profiles on these platforms. Keep your details up to date, showcase glowing reviews, and make your bankruptcy expertise impossible to ignore!
Want a full list of high-impact platforms for your legal services? Check out the top 22 legal directories.
— Content Creation for Bankruptcy Lead Generation

Think of content marketing for law firms like setting out a welcome mat.
Instead of chasing bankruptcy leads, you attract leads by offering helpful, trustworthy content that answers the very questions they’re Googling.
That’s how you inspire trust with such leads without sounding salesy. Here’s what works best:
- Legal blog posts that break down confusing bankruptcy options
- Case studies that highlight real client wins
- Easy-to-read FAQs and downloadable guides
- Short videos and webinars to explain the process
- Visuals like infographics that make legal jargon digestible
Lead with value, and people will remember your firm when it matters most — right when they’re ready to hire a bankruptcy attorney.
— Social Media Marketing

Sure, social media is for dog pics and Cancun selfies… but have you ever considered it might also be a client hub?
Bankruptcy attorneys often overlook social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, but they’re goldmines for visibility, trust-building, and — yes — qualified bankruptcy leads.
But remember... the key isn’t posting randomly, it’s showing up with purpose:
- LinkedIn – Position yourself as a thought leader by blogging, joining legal groups, and sharing insights.
- Facebook – Run targeted ads, post videos, and engage with local communities on your business page.
- Twitter – Share legal tips, bankruptcy updates, and use hashtags to boost visibility.
- Instagram – Highlight client wins, firm culture, and educational tips in a more visual format.
Each social media platform gives you a chance to connect with people before they Google “bankruptcy attorney near me.”
Paid Ways to Generate Bankruptcy Attorney Leads
Sometimes, you have to spend money to make money.
If free methods aren't filling your calendar fast enough, these paid strategies can help you reach high-intent clients immediately.
— Google Ads
Use Google Ads for lawyers to get seen by high-intent clients. They're actively looking up things like “chapter 7 attorney near me” or “help with bankruptcy now.” If you want bankruptcy leads for attorneys on demand, this is the fast lane! Pro tip: Use location targeting and landing pages to up your chances of success.
— Facebook Ads for Bankruptcy Attorneys
Facebook advertising for lawyers is pretty cool. You can reach people based on life events (like job loss or divorce), interests, and demographics. Plus, you can run lead gen forms, free consultation offers, or retarget people who’ve visited your site but didn’t convert. With smart targeting, it's easy to draw warm bankruptcy leads for attorneys.
— LinkedIn Ads
LinkedIn for lawyers works especially well for B2B bankruptcy leads — think business owners exploring Chapter 11. So start targeting by job title, industry, or company size. Bonus: LinkedIn users are often in higher income brackets, meaning stronger potential for retainers.
— Lead Generation Services for Bankruptcy Law Firms
Need bankruptcy leads fast, but don’t have time to DIY your marketing? Lead generation services can help fill your pipeline — just make sure you’re paying for quality, not junk data.
Here are a few platforms bankruptcy law firms use to source leads:
- 4LegalLeads – Specializes in exclusive, real-time leads for attorneys, including bankruptcy cases. Known for targeting high-intent users.
- ZoomInfo LLC – Offers extensive business data ideal for firms pursuing Chapter 11 or commercial bankruptcy leads.
- LeadGenius – Uses human-verified data plus AI to deliver targeted lists that match your ideal client criteria.
- LegalMatch – Connects attorneys with pre-screened clients actively seeking bankruptcy help in their area.
Important: Do not commit long-term until you vet the lead quality and ROI.
If you purchase leads, it's important that your firm gets exclusive leads and doesn't have to share the same leads with other attorneys.
Extra Tips to Convert Even More Bankruptcy Leads
Is your law firm's website like:
A. A top-tier receptionist — warm, helpful, and ready with answers?
B. An awkward intern — silent, confusing, and sending visitors straight for the exit?
Your website is your hardest-working employee. It never sleeps, never takes vacations, and it’s often your first (and only) chance to turn a visitor into a bankruptcy lead.
To convert more bankruptcy leads, make sure your site:
- Loads fast (because no one has time for lag when they’re in financial distress)
- Clearly explains how you help — and why you’re the best choice
- Features trust signals like reviews, certifications, and case results
- Offers easy ways to get in touch (chat, forms, and click-to-call)
Don’t let your website be the weak link in your lead generation strategy. Make it a conversion machine.
What Is a Good Cost Per Lead for a Bankruptcy Attorney?
It depends — but here’s a solid framework.
Let’s say your average case brings in $3,000 in legal fees (typical for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcies). A good cost per bankruptcy lead would fall between $100–$200.
At $100 per lead, you’d need to convert at least 15% of leads to clients to break even. At $200 per lead, that conversion rate needs to hit 30%.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- $100 CPL → 15% conversion = $1,500 in client revenue
- $200 CPL → 30% conversion = $3,000 in client revenue
So, what is a good cost per bankruptcy lead? Keep your CPL under 15% of your average collected fee. So if your firm earns $3,000–$5,000 per case, a CPL under $200–$300 is considered healthy.
Of course, fees and conversion rates vary, but knowing your numbers helps. So even if you're hiring a legal lead generation business, keep these numbers in mind!
Why Experiment? Get More Bankruptcy Leads Guaranteed!
Okay, here's the truth... Free tips and DIY marketing can only get you so far.
If your firm is struggling to bring in consistent, high-quality bankruptcy leads, it's time to call in the pros.
Grow Law is an expert legal marketing agency, helping attorneys get clients consistently with razor-sharp attorney SEO, PPC advertising, and website design services. Our team of 70+ legal marketing experts fills your pipeline with:
- Up to 1,018% more qualified leads
- Up to 400% ROI on your marketing investment
- 100% transparency into how every dollar is spent
Don’t lose out on hundreds of future clients.