Buddy D. Ford PA
Details
Representation With Dignity Since 1987
Changes in life or in the economy can lead to an unmanageable financial downturn. Bankruptcy or debt restructuring can be an opportunity for hardworking people and businesses to regain financial stability. At the Law Offices of Buddy D. Ford, P.A., we have over 30 years of experience helping individuals, small businesses and large corporations throughout Florida eliminate or restructure debt.
Located in Tampa, we handle Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Our attorneys will work with you to find the best path to debt relief.
Contact us today if you need legal assistance with any of the following:
- Bankruptcy 101
- Benefits Of Bankruptcy
- Chapter 11
- Business Restructuring And Reorganization
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Creditor Representation
- Dischargeable Debts
- Lien Stripping
- Life After Bankruptcy
Located in Tampa, our firm helps individuals and businesses throughout Florida discharge their debts, reorganize their finances and get the fresh start they need to become financially secure. Call 813-797-6692 today to arrange your free initial consultation.
Attorney Buddy D. Ford
Buddy D. Ford, Esquire has an excellent reputation as an experienced business attorney in the state of Florida, as well as in other jurisdictions. Mr. Ford is Board Certified by the American Board of Certification. He has litigated in Federal Court in Las Vegas, Nevada; Medford, Oregon; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Wilmington, Delaware; Lexington, Kentucky; and throughout various Federal Courts in the State of Florida. He has represented a wide array of clients from simple to complex business bankruptcy reorganizations; individual bankruptcies' representing Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 Debtors and Creditors. His clients have included, debtors, creditors, committees of creditors, receivers, banks and other lending institutions and trustees.
Mr. Ford clerked for the Honorable Joe Lee, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky and served as a Chapter 7 Trustee from 1987 through 1997 in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. He has served as attorney for creditors' committees; served as Chapter 11 Trustee; represented Chapter 7 Trustees; and has administered thousands of bankruptcy cases during his professional career.
Bar Admissions:
- Florida, 1987
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2004
- U.S. Tax Court, 1995
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
Education:
- University of Kentucky College of Law, Lexington, Kentucky
- J.D. - 1984
- University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- B.S. - 1977
Professional Memberships and Achievements:
- American Bar Association, Member
- National Business Institute, Member
- The Florida Bar, Member
- Hillsborough County Bar, Member
- Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association, Member
Attorney Jonathan Alan Semach
Mr. Semach was born in Ohio but has lived in Florida for more than twenty‑five years. He graduated from the Center for Advanced Technology at Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg in 2001, Mr. Semach continued his education at the University of Florida majoring in Classical Studies and minoring in History. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in 2005. Mr. Semach then attended law school at the University of Florida ‑ Levin College of Law, where he received his Juries Doctor, cum laude, in 2008. Since graduating from law school, Mr., Semach has practiced almost exclusively in the areas of bankruptcy, debtor/creditor rights, and debt negotiation. Mr. Semach has been a member in good standing with the Florida Bar since 2008 and was admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 2009, Mr. Semach currently lives with his wife, son, and their nine year old Australian cattle dog they rescued from a local shelter. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and supporting the University of Florida Gators in their athletic pursuits.
Bar Admissions:
- Florida, 2008
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 2009
Education:
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, Florida
- J.D. - 2008
- Honors: cum laude
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- B.A. - 2005
- Honors: cum laude
- Major: Classical Studies
- Minor: History
Professional Memberships and Achievements:
- American Bankruptcy Institute, Member, 2010 to Present
- Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar, Member, 2009 to Present
- Hillsborough County Bar Association, Member, 2009 to Present
- Florida Bar, Member, 2008 to Present
Attorney Heather M. Reel
Heather Reel joined Buddy D. Ford, P.A. in February 2019. Heather came to the firm with significant bankruptcy experience. Before joining Buddy D. Ford, P.A., she served as a law clerk to the Honorable K. Rodney May and the Honorable Roberta A. Colton in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. Prior to serving as a law clerk to both Judge May and Judge Colton, Heather served as a shared law clerk for all nine bankruptcy judges in the Middle District of Florida.
Heather graduated from the University of Miami in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, where she majored in Business Law. Heather obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 2012, where she graduated with honors.
Bar Admissions:
- Florida, 2012
Education:
- University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida
- J.D. - 2012
- Honors: cum laude
- University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
- B.B.A. - 2008
- Major: Business Law
Professional Memberships and Achievements:
- American Bankruptcy Institute, Member
- Florida Bar - Business Law Section, Member
- Hillsborough County Bar Association, Member, 2019 to Present
- William Reece Smith Jr. Inn of Court, Member