I’m Stanley Tate, a student loan lawyer. I’ll tell you plainly what I can do for you, and what I can’t.”

Find the paragraph that sounds like you. Each one says what I do, where the limits are, and what it typically costs.

You got a wage garnishment notice, a tax refund was taken, or a federal loan is in default. Federal default is handled with the Education Department and its collectors, not in a court, so I can take it on wherever you live. I work out the way out of default that fits you and handle the collection hearing when there is one. Typically $2,400 to $2,800. More on default help.

Your payment jumped after you recertified. I go through the recertification and check the servicer's math. If they got it wrong, I push to get it fixed. If the math is right, we look at whether the number can legitimately come down, for example by changing above-the-line deductions, and ask for a new calculation early. I can't promise you a lower payment. Typically $850 to $2,800.

You're a parent paying Parent PLUS loans, maybe on a fixed income. A lot depends on whether the loans were already consolidated, and if they weren't, it's tough. I go through the payment options you do have. If none of them is affordable, we look at forbearance, deferment, and the harder choices like default or bankruptcy, with the trade-offs laid out plainly. Typically $850 to $2,800. More on payment help.

You're working toward PSLF or IDR forgiveness, or your servicer has made a mess of your account. I check where you actually stand, file or fix what needs filing, and push the servicer or the Department when the count or the record is wrong. This is federal work, so where you live doesn't limit it. Forgiveness work typically costs $1,500 to $3,000. Servicer problems typically cost $850 to $5,000. More on forgiveness help.

A private lender or a loan trust has sued you. Where you were sued matters here. I defend these lawsuits in Missouri state court only. If you were sued in Texas or anywhere else outside Missouri, I can't defend the case. I can negotiate with whoever sued you, but negotiating doesn't pause the court's deadline, so don't let it pass. For the lawsuit itself you need a lawyer who can appear in that court. I'll try to connect you with one I know, but I can't always, and your state bar's lawyer referral service is the other place to start. Put where you were sued, and when, in your free message.

You're behind on private loans and nobody has sued you. I negotiate settlements with private lenders like Navient, SoFi and Citizens Bank. Typically $3,500 to $9,000. More on private loans.

You're filing bankruptcy and want your student loans discharged. The student loan part is a separate lawsuit inside your bankruptcy, called an adversary proceeding. That's my part. Your bankruptcy lawyer files the petition and charges for it separately, and you can come to me before or after the bankruptcy is filed. Outside Missouri, I work with the court's permission and a local lawyer. Who that is, what they do and how they're paid depends on the court and the case, and it's all spelled out in your written agreement before we start. Since 2024 I've filed 39 of these cases in 21 federal districts. Typically $4,000 to $8,500. More on bankruptcy.

Something else, or you can't tell which of these is you. Send the free message. It costs nothing, and we'll tell you whether we handle your situation.

You should see the prices before anybody asks you for anything, so here they are.

• Free message. Tell us what's going on and we'll tell you whether we handle it. We reply within 1 to 2 business days, and faster if you tell us about a deadline.

• Paid consult with me: $200 for 20 minutes or $450 for 50. It's a video call. Send what you have first, like your StudentAid.gov file, letters from your servicer or lender, a summons or bankruptcy papers, and I read it before we talk. You leave with a game plan: where you stand and what to do next, whether or not you hire us. The consult fee is separate and doesn't count toward a flat fee. Cancel more than 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

• Hiring the firm. An agreed flat fee, typically $850 to $9,000 depending on the work. Complex cases cost more. The written agreement sets the fee, the work and the endpoint before we start. My team and I do the work, and I oversee every case.

If all you want to know is whether I handle your kind of problem, don't pay me to find that out. That's what the free message is for.

If you have a client whose student loans are the problem, the petition stays with you, and so does your fee. I take the adversary proceeding. Outside Missouri, I work with the court's permission and local counsel. Who that is and how they're paid depends on the court and the case, and it's set out in writing with the client before we start. Email referrals@tateesq.com and we'll set up a time to talk.

I talk to you directly and explain what's going on in plain English, including the parts you won't like. I only take a case if I believe I can get a result, and even then I can't promise how it turns out.

I can't fix everything. Some things can't be fixed without a change in the law, and when yours is one of them, I'll tell you.

Carrying student loans years after school doesn't make you a failure. I work with bus drivers, nurses, teachers, lawyers, doctors, CEOs and accountants.

“I thought the $200 consultation was well worth it.” Jared R., Google review, 2026

“Despite the magnitude of my private student loan debt, Tate willingly took me on as a client. His honest approach and genuine demeanor provided peace of mind through this very daunting journey.” Taylor L., Google review, 2023

“Working with Stanley and his team was a great experience. They are helpful and responsive.” Jennifer B., Google review, 2025

Read all 114 reviews on Google.

In 2013 an older lawyer asked me to help him figure out his student loans. Neither of us knew what we were doing. I was intrigued, so I figured it out.

I'm from the south side of Chicago, and I still root for the Bears and the Bulls. People started calling me Tate back when I played sports and served in the army.

If you want to check me out before you pay for anything, here's what you can verify. Start with the bar number.

• Lawyer: Stanley Tate (goes by Tate), student loan lawyer

• Firm: Tate Law. The legal name is Tate Esq, LLC. Founded by Stanley Tate.

• Licensed: Missouri only. Admitted in 2014, Missouri Bar No. 66564.

• Where the firm works: Based in St. Louis. Federal student loan work nationwide. Private-loan lawsuit defense in Missouri state court only. Bankruptcy cases outside Missouri with the court's permission and local counsel.

• Bankruptcy cases: 39 student loan adversary proceedings filed since 2024, in 21 federal districts. As of September 2026, 15 have settled or ended in discharge, 11 more are settling, 9 are still open and 4 were dismissed.

• Consultations: About 25 a week, on average.

• Education: J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University. B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

• Recognition: Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Missouri, 2019–2024.

• Google reviews: 4.7 out of 5 from 114 reviews, as of September 2026. Read them on Google.

• Press: Axios, Bankrate, WSJ Buy Side, How to Money (podcast). Press and media.

• Phone: (314) 884-1886

• Mailing address: 222 S Meramec Ave, Suite 202-1056, St. Louis, MO 63105

• Email for lawyers: referrals@tateesq.com

My author profile has my articles, press and background in one place.