2026 Alexander L. Paskay Memorial Bankruptcy Seminar

Catch up with Ferris Bueller as he faces consequences from his infamous “Day Off.” Can Ferris navigate the Federal Rules of Evidence and manage the admissibility of information from the Wayback Machine’s archives? Will his debts be excepted from discharge? Join us and find out.

You are in the late stages of trial preparation — just 60 days before trial. You are past the summary-judgment stage, mediation has been unsuccessful, and discovery is complete. Absent a Hail Mary or surprise settlement, you are going to trial. This session will talk you through, and offer tips and advice for, your final trial preparations.

This session provides a practical roadmap for preparing and trying issues in consumer bankruptcy cases, with a particular focus on common consumer trial issues such as asset valuation and exemption disputes. Moderated by Judge Vaughan, the panel brings together judicial and practitioner perspectives to guide attendees through the critical stages of trial readiness, including pretrial preparation, discovery strategy, subpoena practice, evidentiary considerations, and effective trial presentation. In addition, the session addresses the financial considerations facing consumer practitioners, including strategies for structuring fees, obtaining court approval, and effectively getting paid for litigating consumer matters. The session emphasizes practical tips, best practices, and common pitfalls encountered in consumer trials.