Problem.Enforcement of judgment.1

     Your new client Estella Rodriguez recently obtained a $50,000 judgment for breach of contract against Athletics, Inc., a manufacturer of sporting goods equipment. Athletics, Inc. has not filed an appeal within the applicable time period. The lawyer who obtained the judgment does not do enforcement of judgment work. She has asked you to help her collect her judgment.

     Shortly after having filed the complaint in the breach of contract action, Estella's previous lawyer had secured a pre-judgment attachment of some of Athletics, Inc.'s plant equipment. The levy of the writ of attachment was accomplished by notice and recording, not by seizure. Under applicable state law, the attachment lien will expire in one month and may not be renewed following judgment.

     Athletics, Inc. has indicated that it cannot presently afford to pay the judgment in full. Estella does not know anything about the equipment attached and knows nothing about the real property, located in this state, on which Athletics, Inc. conducts its business.

     What are her options? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? What are your obligations as a lawyer representing her in the collection of the judgment?