Consumer Debt

ABI’s Vice President-Research Grants will interview Prof. Emeritus Lois Lupica about the structure, progress and preliminary findings of her ABI Endowment-funded Financial Distress Research Project, which examined the tools and other forms of assistance consumer debtors have been using to improve their financial well-being, and determined which ones have proven to be the most successful.

Join Judge Michelle Harner as she leads Professor Bob Lawless through a discussion of Debt's Grip, a recent book co-authored by Prof. Lawless, Pamela Foohey, and Deborah Thorne. In this interview, Judge Harner and Professor Lawless will examine the realities of financial struggle in the United States through the experiences of people who have filed for bankruptcy. The book uses data from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project combined with personal narratives to argue that most bankruptcies result from crises like job loss or medical emergencies, rather than irresponsibility.

In today’s digitally connected world, attorneys face unique challenges and opportunities at the crossroads of social media, credit reporting and bankruptcy law. This panel will first debunk prevalent social media myths and scams that complicate client advisement and the setting of realistic legal expectations. Next, the panelists will delve into the nuanced relationship between credit reporting and bankruptcy, offering insights that enhance attorneys' ability to guide clients through financial restructuring. Finally, the discussion will highlight effective strategies for harnessing social media as a tool to positively influence public perception and expand access to critical legal information. Join us for an engaging session designed to equip legal professionals with practical knowledge and innovative approaches for navigating this evolving landscape.

This panel discusses recent regulatory changes that are affecting consumers or consumer bankruptcy across a wide swath of financial concerns, including cryptocurrency, changes at and to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, discharge and repayment of student loans, and changes to mortgage modification practices.

This session will cover recent Supreme Court and Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Circuit cases that you need to know about.

Join ABI Editor-at-Large Bill Rochelle for this fun and informative session as he and six judges address recent Second Circuit cases, and predict how the circuit will rule on tough questions on the way up. An attendee favorite!

This lively discussion will dive into the current economic environment in Utah and the U.S. generally, with a focus on such trending issues as employment, wages, interest rates and population growth. Learn how to prepare for success in these uncertain times.

From managing the damage from scams on the elderly to filing for infant or incompetent debtors, this panel reviews issues that arise in these types of cases, and provides practical suggestions for how to best assist these vulnerable populations.

With a focus on providing practical advice, this panel examines issues that may arise with respect to personal property in consumer bankruptcy cases. The panelists address current case law and issues related to property of the estate, valuations, exemptions, garnishments and turnover. Whether you represent debtors, creditors or trustees, this session is sure to be a “Wicked” good time.

This panel explains the Department of Education/Department of Justice Guidance and Attestation process, and discusses the Brunner test and the types of evidence that might be useful to support the statements in an Attestation.