This office’s bankruptcy department represents clients, whether individuals or businesses, and whether creditors or debtors, in connection with matters involving bankruptcy cases filed under the federal bankruptcy laws, whether that filing involves a Chapter 7 liquidation, a Chapter 13 wage earner plan,. a Chapter 11 business or individual reorganization, or a Chapter 12 family farmer reorganization, under the federal bankruptcy code. This office has attorneys that are licensed to appear in the federal bankruptcy courts in both Massachusetts and Connecticut and that are familiar with the procedures, including the local bankruptcy rules, involving such courts.
This office has represented clients, such as banking institutions, and other businesses and individuals, as creditors in bankruptcy cases involving such matters as motions for relief from stay, the examination of a debtor at a Section 341 meeting of creditors or pursuant to a scheduled 2004 examination of a debtor under the bankruptcy rules, or the filing of objections to a debtor’s exemptions or a debtor’s proposed Chapter 13 plan. This office has also counseled clients, as creditors as well as debtors, with respect to issues relating to the dischargeability of debt or the denial of a discharge and the adversary proceedings that are required in connection with such discharge issues. This is office has often counseled creditors and debtors in connection with a debtor’s motion to avoid a judicial lien held by a creditor. We have defended clients in actions by bankruptcy case trustees seeking to avoid transfers and recover property from clients where receipt of a payment or other transfer of property is being challenged as a voidable preference or fraudulent transfer by the trustee, including tuition claw-back efforts. While we represent financial institutions and other creditors in bankruptcy matters, we also represent individuals seeking to file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code, whether seeking a “fresh start” or attempting to halt a foreclosure sale by a foreclosing mortgagee or to stop an effort by a creditor seeking to attach or levy against one’s property or to garnish one’s wages by wage garnishment. In representing such debtors, we strive to advise one of their bankruptcy as well as non-bankruptcy options. Such counseling typically includes a discussion of the benefits as well as the consequences of filing for bankruptcy and, among other topics, includes a discussion of the assets one might retain, and what debts may be discharged, and what debts, such as federal student loans, taxes, and certain marital obligations, that may not be discharged in a bankruptcy.
Practicing Attorneys
David A. Shrair
Peter W. Shrair
John W. Davis
Peter W. Shrair has held the position of Managing Principal at Cooley, Shrair P.C. since 2008. A 1983 graduate of Hobart College, Peter graduated with honors from the Boston University School of Law as an Edward F. Hennessey scholar in 1986 and later earned a Masters Degree in Taxation from the 
Leslie M. Jordon graduated from Brown University and the Northwestern University School of Law. She practiced family law in Los Angeles, California where she was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California and recognized as a Rising Star for three consecutive years by Southern California Super Lawyers.
David A. Shrair joined the firm of Cooley and Cooley in 1960, after graduating with honors from Boston University School of Law; where among other successful scholastic accomplishments, he was a Senior Editor of the Boston University Law Review. In 1978, David became Managing Principal of the firm, a position he held for the next 30 years. In 1991, the firm transitioned to its current name, Cooley, Shrair P.C.
Robert L. Dambrov is a 1969 graduate of the University of Massachusetts and a 1972 graduate of Boston College Law School.
Dawn D. McDonald, partner with Cooley Shrair, graduated from Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 1991. In May of 2000, she received her Juris Doctor from Western New England College School of Law. Attorney McDonald was admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in January 2001; to the Bar of the State of Connecticut in May 2001; to the United States District Court of Massachusetts in February 2001; to the United States District Court of Connecticut in November 2002; and to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, June 2004. She is a member of the Litigation and Employment Law Sections of the Massachusetts Bar Association and a member of the Hampden County Bar Association.
Susan A. McCoy, partner with Cooley Shrair, manages our Estate Planning department. An Agawam native, Susan brings a diverse background of legal experience assisting clients with their personal and business planning.
John W. Davis is a graduate of Hamilton College (B.A., 1979) and Emory University School of Law (J.D., 1982) where he was a member of the Board of Editors for the Emory Law Journal.
Rona S. Fingold is a 1973 Boston University graduate and a 1978 graduate of Boston University School of Law. In addition, Rona received a Master of Science in Taxation from the Boston University Graduate School of Tax program in 1983. Rona, formerly a tax partner at Cooley Shrair, is now Of Counsel, providing valuable estate and tax planning advice and consultation for our clients from her home in Florida. Rona’s areas of focus for more than 25 years have been general tax, estate planning and tax exempt organizations.
Motzart Shrair, a 90-pound Golden Doodle, was born on September 4, 2007, in Missoula, Montana and was appointed mascot of Cooley, Shrair P.C. shortly after relocating to Springfield. Since that time, he has been a fixture in the law firm. Motzart has developed a long list of loyal clients who often come to visit him to scratch him behind his ears or rub his belly. Motzart is especially fond of attending contract negotiations and he is happy to assist with the cleaning of a conference room if food drops during a meeting. He is full of life, love and can help take the edge off of many difficult situations.