Morgan Decker is a Partner at Rubin & Levin, P.C., where she specializes in business law, commercial collections, and bankruptcy matters. With over a decade of experience, she has represented both debtors and creditors, providing strategic counsel on Chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases, asset protection, and financial restructuring. Morgan is actively involved in the Indianapolis Bar Association, having served in leadership roles such as Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Division, Secretary of the Commercial & Bankruptcy Law Section, and was recognized as a Distinguished Fellow by the Indianapolis Bar Foundation in 2023.

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [1:45] Morgan Decker discusses common misconceptions about bankruptcy and its impact on individuals and businesses
  • [4:20] Insights into the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings
  • [8:10] The role of asset protection and financial restructuring in bankruptcy cases
  • [12:35] Morgan shares her experiences representing both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy proceedings
  • [17:50] The importance of community involvement and pro bono work in the legal profession
  • [22:15] Morgan’s involvement with the Indianapolis Bar Association and her leadership roles
  • [27:05] Discussion on the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field
  • [31:30] Morgan reflects on her journey to becoming a partner at Rubin & Levin and offers advice to aspiring attorneys

In this episode…

Navigating the financial and emotional stress of debt can be overwhelming, especially for individuals and business owners facing the prospect of bankruptcy. Many hesitate to seek help, fearing stigma, permanent credit damage, or the loss of assets. But is bankruptcy truly the end of the road — or could it be a path toward renewal?

Morgan Decker, a seasoned partner and legal expert in bankruptcy and collections law, offers a grounded perspective on how bankruptcy can serve as a strategic tool rather than a last resort. Morgan emphasizes the importance of reframing bankruptcy as a means to reset and regain control rather than as a mark of failure. She shares actionable insights on the distinctions between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 filings, how to assess a business’s financial viability before making legal decisions, and the value of doing front-end due diligence — such as securing personal guarantees and researching business credentials. Morgan also underscores the personal and professional value of compassionate advocacy and staying present with clients during times of high stress.

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Morgan Decker, Partner at Rubin & Levin, about redefining bankruptcy and balancing law with life. Morgan discusses her perspective on destigmatizing financial hardship, practical advice for both debtors and creditors, and the value of compassionate lawyering. She also reflects on the challenges of parenting as a working professional, the importance of presence in everyday moments, and her deep commitment to community service.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

      • “I just want someone to be like, it’s fine, you’re going crazy, you feel stressed.”
      • “Asking for help is not the problem, right? It’s treating something bigger, and that is not failure.”
      • “You’re helping somebody, and regardless of what that company or person looks like, it’s a need.”
      • “I like engaging only my mind sometimes instead of visually seeing something.”
      • “Life takes you the direction it’s supposed to go.”

Action Steps:

      1. Reframe bankruptcy as a strategic reset, not a failure: Shifting this mindset helps individuals and businesses make more informed, less emotionally driven financial decisions.
      2. Secure personal guarantees and proper documentation upfront: These safeguards can significantly increase your chances of recovering debt if a client defaults.
      3. Do basic due diligence before extending credit: Simple steps like verifying business status and tax IDs can prevent costly mistakes down the road.
      4. Engage legal help early when financial trouble arises: Timely intervention can preserve options like reorganization rather than being forced into liquidation.
      5. Stay present and focused with clients or family: Quality engagement builds trust and improves both professional outcomes and personal relationships.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Hurst Limontes LLC — a personal injury law firm based in Indiana.

Founded in 1981, Hurst Limontes LLC is one of the few firms whose practice focuses exclusively on victims of negligence and their families.

With more than 116 years of combined experience among our attorneys, you can trust us to handle your cases with valuable and extensive expertise. We have the knowledge to handle any case — from automobile accidents to construction site accidents, firearm discharge accidents, slips and falls, and more.

No matter how complex the case or how significant the injury is, we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible for clients.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of injured clients and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Have you or a family member been a personal injury victim in Indiana? Contact our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at hurstlimontes.com or email alimontes@hurstlimontes.com.