Consumer

This panel will address numerous chapter 13 hot topics, such as the use of the national plan, modified national plan and local plans, the treatment of special claims in plans, end-of-case issues, the modification of plans and related topics.

This panel will review the implications — both good and bad — of the new plan and Rule changes from the debtor, creditor and trustee perspective and discuss what is working, what is not, workarounds, and what further reform is needed.

This panel will focus on numerous chapter 7 issues, such as avoidable transfers, abandonment, exemptions, reopening of cases and asset-protection trusts.

Panel discussion of issues affecting your consumer clients: consequences of assumption and rejection of executory contracts; Chapter 13 update; the incapacitated client; undisclosed assets; proofs of claim and FDCPA; TCPA; revisions to Bankruptcy Rules; advising your clients on post-discharge liabilities; report on the ABI Consumer Commission’s Chapter 7 Committee.

The practice of consumer bankruptcy law is an ever-changing landscape, with new issues arising every day! This panel will explore some of the most recent exciting and evolving decisions including discharge of student loans, the challenges when personal property is repossessed pre-petition, pawn loans and the automatic stay, and consumer class actions in bankruptcies.

This panel will help sort through the following questions: What is needed to prove your facts? How do you find experts on the cheap? Is a deposition necessary? How many witnesses do I really need? How do I minimize the cost of discovery in a small case without jeopardizing my clients’ interests?

This panel will help you sort through the following questions: How do you avoid missing deadlines in a fast-paced practice? How do you avoid ethical issues when advising clients and preparing witnesses? What are the requirements for and limitations on fee agreements? How do you deal with incomplete or factually inaccurate statements by your client?

This panel will help sort through the following questions: What districts are adopting the model chapter 13 plan? What changes are being made to current form plans to conform to the requirements of the model form? How will the shortened deadline for filing proofs of claim affect chapter 13 administration? How will the new rules promulgated by the CFPB affect mortgage lenders and consumers?

Members of the commission will provide an update on recent public meetings, relevant topics and the commission reporting process.