Free Sessions (no CLE)

Presented by NACTT Chapter 13 trustees will provide their perspectives on the overlooked benefits of chapter 13 in this session, as well as what constitutes a successful chapter 13 case.

Presented by the Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff Seventh Circuit Consumer Bankruptcy Conference The panelists will discuss § 348(f), bad-faith conversion, best-interest test, post-petition acquisitions, and dilemmas regarding the return of property, among other conversion issues.

Presented by the Hon. Steven W. Rhodes Consumer Bankruptcy Conference This session will focus on recent case law and the nuances of the means test, such as CMI, spousal adjustment, tax obligations, 401(k) contributions and rebutting the presumption of abuse. With perspectives from both the U.S. Trustee and debtor, the panelists will also take a deeper look at Schedules I and J compared to the means test, the totality-of-the-circumstances analysis, and objections to income and expenses, in both original and converted cases.

Presented by NABT Divorce and family separation often serve as the impetus for consumer bankruptcies. This panel will address the intersection between bankruptcy and divorce. For example, the State in which a bankruptcy is filed and the timing of the bankruptcy relative to the filing of a divorce can determine which marital assets are property of the bankruptcy estate. Further, the timing of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage can impact whether assets awarded to the debtor in the divorce can be property of the bankruptcy estate. This panel will also address whether a marital settlement agreement can be set aside as a fraudulent transfer.

Presented by the Hon. Steven W. Rhodes Consumer Bankruptcy Conference Explore the latest in what constitutes disposable income, raising and overcoming good-faith objections, evolving strategies in student loan treatment, unique issues arising due to COVID-19, and other advanced and challenging issues facing the chapter 13 practitioner.

Presented by the Hon. Steven W. Rhodes Consumer Bankruptcy Conference This session will examine the high stress levels associated with the legal profession, the consequences of that stress, and what can be done about it. It draws upon recent studies to show empirically that the stress inherent in today’s legal profession is leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. The studies also show that lawyers in their first 10 years of practice are at the greatest risk. To bring a personal touch to these findings, presenter Jeff Zapor will share his personal story of addiction and recovery. Stress-management techniques will then be introduced, as well as some wellness initiatives that are being tried at the national level.

Presented by the Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff Seventh Circuit Consumer Bankruptcy Conference The panelists will discuss systemic/unconscious bias, defects in the system, and what the bar and the judiciary can do to correct disparate treatment.

Presented by NCBJ Don’t be caught off-guard by the many issues that debtors, creditors and attorneys face near the completion of chapter 13 cases. This session will help you identify and resolve the many issues that develop at this critical time in the lifespan of a chapter 13, including the payment of outstanding attorneys’ fees, managing a default after 60 months, handling notices of final cure, defaults on direct payments, and the impact of the CARES Act on a debtor’s options in completing a plan.

Presented by ABI’s Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff Seventh Circuit Consumer Bankruptcy Conference and Hon. Steven W. Rhodes Consumer Bankruptcy Conference This session will highlight particularly interesting case law developments to date in 2020 and their impact on bankruptcy law and practice.

Dr. Eliza Filby is a writer, speaker and consultant who specializes in "generational intelligence": helping companies and services understand generational shifts within politics, society and the workplace. Her research incorporates everyone from Baby Boomers right through to Generation Alpha (those born after 2010). Dr. Filby helps businesses — whether it is recruiting new talent or engaging with new clients — prepare for the future.