Christopher R. Schmidgall

Christopher R. Schmidgall is the owner of the Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C. in Merrillville, Indiana. He helps individuals and small businesses in Northwest Indiana and the Northern District of Illinois address difficult financial situations. Mr. Schmidgall focuses on bankruptcy, including consumer and small business bankruptcy relief, and also handles traffic defense, criminal defense, juvenile law, and related legal matters.

Mr. Schmidgall earned his J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2002, where he received course honors in Trial Practice and ERISA Seminar and participated in the Legal Aid Clinic. He also earned a B.A. from Illinois State University in 1998. His education provided a foundation in legal analysis, advocacy, and client counseling. This training supports his work with clients facing debt problems, court proceedings, and serious financial pressure.

Mr. Schmidgall has represented thousands of people and many small businesses in bankruptcy matters during more than 20 years of practice. He helps clients evaluate Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 options, address creditor harassment, respond to collection concerns, and pursue available debt relief. His experience also includes long service as a public defender in Gary City Court and regular work as a judge pro tem.

Christopher R. Schmidgall became a Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist through the American Board of Certification in 2014 and has maintained that certification since then. He also serves as co-chair of the Lake County Bar Association Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Section and was appointed as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Northern District of Indiana, Hammond Division, in 2022. Through his bankruptcy practice and community service, Mr. Schmidgall provides practical guidance for clients seeking financial stability and a path forward.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner, Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C.
• Member, Indiana State Bar Association, Bankruptcy & Creditors Rights Section
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Co-chair, Lake County Bar Association, Bankruptcy and Creditor’s Rights Section
• Board Certified, Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist, American Board of Certification, July, 2014
• Board of Directors, Project Rebuild Gary/Gary City Court Truancy Program

Licensed State

• Indiana
• Illinois

Education

• Valparaiso University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Illinois State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges