NACBA's 34th Annual Convention: Full Schedule

Tara Gaschler Salinas is the founder and managing attorney of Salinas Law Group LLC in Denver, Colorado. Her practice focuses on consumer Chapter 7 & 13 bankruptcy and litigation, as well as student loan law. She founded her law firm in 2003 and has handled hundreds of personal and... Read More →

Kim Gilbert

Office Manager, Law Office of John T. Orcutt, P.C.

Kim Gilbert is the dedicated Office Manager at the Law Office of John T. Orcutt, P.C., where she has proudly served for 33 years, guiding the firm’s impressive growth from a single-attorney office to a thriving practice of thirteen attorneys. Her leadership and operational expertise... Read More →

Danielle Gaines

Quality Control Manager, Allmand Law Firm, PLLC

Danielle Gaines is a seasoned legal professional with over seven years of experience as a paralegal in bankruptcy law. As a key leader at Allmand Law Firm, Danielle blends her deep paralegal expertise with strong operations and people management skills to drive efficiency, clien... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Independence Ballroom

Plenary, Paralegal

9:00am EDT

Views from the Bench

Saturday April 11, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Jenny Doling

Tax & Bankruptcy Attorney | NACBA Vice President | NACBA Board Member, J. DOLING LAW, PC

Jenny L. Doling is the Vice President of NACBA. She has served on its Board of Directors since 2018. Before serving on the Board, she was the NACBA State Chair for California. Ms. Doling is a California State Bar Certified Bankruptcy Specialist and a staunch advocate for Consume... Read More →

Hon. Elizabeth Gunn

Bankruptcy Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Columbia

Hon. Elizabeth L. Gunn was appointed to serve as bankruptcy judge for the District of Columbia on September 4, 2020. A COVID-era selection and appointment, she was sworn in by Zoom from her living room. Before her appointment, Judge Gunn served as an Assistant Attorney General for... Read More →

Hon. Joan Feeney (Ret.)

Hon. Joan N. Feeney (Ret.) joined JAMS in 2019 following almost 27 years on the bench of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts and 23 years as a member of the United States Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the First Circuit. As a judge, Judge Feeney presided over a full range of... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary, Judges

10:00am EDT

Coffee Break

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

TBA

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
TBA

Food & Beverage

10:30am EDT

The Solar Panel: Shining Light on the Hottest Issues in Consumer Bankruptcy

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Constitution Ballroom

Join NACBA’s “Solar Panel” for a high-energy, fast-moving discussion where leading practitioners and thought leaders shed light on the most pressing issues in consumer bankruptcy practice today. From legislative updates and litigation trends to technology, ethics, and practice management challenges, this session delivers fresh insights and bright ideas to power your practice forward.

Speakers

Melissa Betron

Law Office of John T. Orcutt

Melissa Betron, Esq. is a consumer bankruptcy attorney with the Law Office of John T. Orcutt, where she has focused her practice exclusively on representing individuals and families in consumer bankruptcy matters for the past two years.
Melissa works closely with clients navigating financial hardship, guiding them through the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 process with clarity, compassion, and practical problem-solving. She is committed to helping consumers understand their rights and achieve meaningful financial relief... Read More →

Ed Boltz

Partner, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt PC

Mr. Boltz received his B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1993 and his J.D. from George Washington University in 1996. He is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, where he has been certified as a specialist in consumer bankruptcy law. He is admitted to practice before... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Constitution Ballroom

Advanced

10:30am EDT

Means Testing in 2026- Common Pitfalls and Recent Developments

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Grand Ballroom

This presentation provides a comprehensive review of means testing fundamentals while addressing recent updates and common pitfalls practitioners encounter in 2026. Drawing on over 16 years of experience and as co-author of the NC Bankruptcy Bar's Means Testing chapter since 2012, this session will cover: calculation errors that trigger objections, handling above-median debtors, special circumstances and rebuttal strategies, recent case law interpretations, and practical tips for avoiding UST/BA challenges. Whether you're new to bankruptcy practice or need a refresher on evolving means test issues, this session offers actionable guidance to ensure accurate calculations and successful case outcomes.

Speakers

Jim Haller

Haller Law

Jim has been practicing law since 1993 primarily in the field of bankruptcy and consumer law. His office is in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He has served on NACBA’s Board for many years and in 2017 served as President. He currently is Director of Education for NACBA. He has spoken at... Read More →

Koury Hicks

Attorney, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt PC

Board Certified Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy (2014).

Co-author of the North Carolina Bankruptcy Practice Manual's Means Testing chapter (2022),
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, 4th Circuit leader, (2017-2019).

Member of the North Carolina Bar Association's... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Beginner

10:30am EDT

Love, Loss, and Liability: How Family Obligations Survive (or Don’t) in Bankruptcy

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Independence Ballroom

Family related debts can create some of the most complex issues in bankruptcy cases. This session breaks down how to distinguish and treat domestic support obligations and property settlements under §§ 523(a)(5), 523(a)(15), and 1328. We will explore how separation agreements, hold harmless clauses, timing of obligations, and chapter choice can determine dischargeability and plan strategy. We will also address how Domestic Violence Protective Orders intersect with bankruptcy filings, including strategies to secure safety and protect sensitive information from an abuser. With real world examples and recent case law, this session equips practitioners to confidently handle family related debts, whether you are representing the payor or the payee.

Speakers

Jeremy Harn

Attorney, The Law Offices of John T. Orcutt

Jeremy Harn is an associate attorney for the Law Offices of John T. Orcutt. His primary areas of practice are consumer bankruptcy and consumer litigation. In addition to his work as a Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney, Jeremy has litigated cases involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act... Read More →

Sarah Beth Withers

Attorney, Inner Banks Legal Services

Sarah Beth is the founder of Inner Banks Legal Services, a non-profit law firm committed to bridging the justice gap in Eastern North Carolina. As a Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Law Specialist, she focuses on representing consumers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Independence Ballroom

Intermediate

11:30am EDT

Lunch Break

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Food & Beverage

11:30am EDT

Lunch Session: Life Settlements & Bankruptcy: Unlocking Hidden Value in Life Insurance

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

In today’s environment of rising interest rates, ongoing premium burdens, and evolving tax considerations following recent legislative developments, life insurance policies are increasingly overlooked assets in bankruptcy matters. Too often, policies are surrendered or allowed to lapse without a full evaluation of their potential value in the life settlement market.
This program is designed to provide an overview of the life settlement market, specifically for consumer bankruptcy attorneys, and focuses on how life settlements can serve as a strategic tool in maximizing value for consumer bankruptcy debtors. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of when and how to evaluate life insurance policies within the bankruptcy process, including key legal and fiduciary considerations, valuation dynamics, and relevant tax implications.
The session will also highlight the importance of regular policy reviews as a best practice, helping attorneys identify overlooked assets, mitigate risk, and improve outcomes in bankruptcy proceedings while better serving their clients.

Speakers

Scott Etish

President, Advanced Markets, Coventry

Scott Etish is Vice President, Advanced Markets at Coventry, where he workswith attorneys and fiduciaries who advise high-net-worth clients on complexestate and financial planning matters. Mr. Etish specializes in helping legal andfinancial professionals unlock the hidden value of... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Sponsor Session

12:30pm EDT

Standardized & Non Standardized Chapter 13 Plans Part 1

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom

Speakers

Cynthia Ravosa

Managing Attorney, Massachusetts Bankruptcy Center

Cynthia R. Ravosa is the Managing Attorney of the firm’s Bankruptcy practice.In addition to earning her law degree from Massachusetts School of Law at Andover in 2016, she earned her B.A. fromWestern New England College, and she also holds an M.B.A. degree with a concentration inaccounting... Read More →

Carolyn Bankowski

Chapter 13 Trustee, Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee, Eastern Dist. of Massachusetts Boston, MA

Experience
Ms. Bankowski was appointed as the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Eastern Division of Massachusetts on August 6, 2006. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Bankowski was an attorney at Deutsch Williams Brooks DeRensis & Holland, P.C., Boston, MA where she concentrated her practice in the areas... Read More →

David Mawhinney

Chapter 13 Standing Trustee I Subchapter V Trustee

DAVID A. MAWHINNEY is the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the central and western divisions of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. He began his career clerking for the Hon. Frank J. Bailey of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom

Beginner, Best Practices

12:30pm EDT

Pre-Packaged Private Student Loan Adversaries: A Systematized, High-ROI Litigation Model for Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

Bankruptcy attorneys avoid private student loan adversaries not because they’re unwinnable, but because the work feels unpredictable and lacks the standardized frameworks that exist for federal student loan litigation.
This session shows how to turn private student loan discharge cases into efficient, repeatable, and profitable matters by pre-packaging the case before the complaint is ever filed.
Attendees will learn how to structure intake, documentation, fact-presentation, and settlement posture in a way that addresses Brunner objections up front, makes opposing counsel’s job easier, and creates a clear runway to resolution.
The session also briefly explores how to spot PSL adversary opportunities in prior client files, including reopening cases under Rule 4007(b) when appropriate.
Attorneys will leave with a workflow they can implement immediately, including a realistic time-commitment model and pricing considerations.

Speakers

Stanley Tate

CEO/Founder, Tate Esq LLC

Stanley Tate: Student Loan Law Expert
Stanley Tate is a distinguished attorney specializing solely in student loan law, a niche where few venture. His unparalleled expertise encompasses the intricate process of discharging student loans in bankruptcy. Known for his practical and accessible guidance, Stanley has become... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Litigation, Advanced

12:30pm EDT

341 Meeting Prep Bootcamp

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Independence Ballroom

Speakers

Kelli Stanley

Paralegal, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt

Kelli Stanley is a Senior Paralegal at The Law Offices of John T. Orcutt, with 20 years of experience and a strong commitment to helping clients navigate the bankruptcy process. A North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal, Kelli holds an Associate of Applied Science degree and... Read More →

Carol Colliersmith

Attorney, Law Office of Carol Colliersmith

Ms. Colliersmith received her law degree from the Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and has practiced exclusively consumer and small business bankruptcy law since 2001. She has been an active member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Independence Ballroom

Newbie/Paralegal

1:30pm EDT

Coffee Break

Saturday April 11, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Saturday April 11, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Advanced

2:00pm EDT

Standardized & Non Standardized Chapter 13 Plans Part 2

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom

Speakers

Cynthia Ravosa

Managing Attorney, Massachusetts Bankruptcy Center

Carolyn Bankowski

Chapter 13 Trustee, Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee, Eastern Dist. of Massachusetts Boston, MA

David Mawhinney

Chapter 13 Standing Trustee I Subchapter V Trustee

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom

Beginner, Best Practices

2:00pm EDT

Student Loan Adversary Proceedings and Getting Paid for Them

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

Student loan discharge litigation can offer life-changing relief for clients—but only if attorneys can structure the work in a way that is sustainable and appropriately compensated. This session demystifies the student loan adversary process while placing special emphasis on how practitioners can get paid for this highly specialized and time-intensive work. Attendees will learn practical fee strategies, including flat-fee models, phased billing, hybrid arrangements, and opportunities for fee-shifting. The session will also cover how to evaluate case viability, set clear client expectations, and document fees to withstand court scrutiny. Whether you are new to student loan litigation or looking to strengthen your current approach, this session will give you the tools to build a profitable and ethical student loan practice while delivering meaningful results for your clients.

Speakers

Andrew C. Walker

Walker & Walker Law

Andrew C. Walker graduated Cum Laude from William Mitchell College of Law in 2011, and was admitted to practice law in Minnesota shortly thereafter.He has been working with Walker & Walker Law Offices, PLLC since August 2008.Andrew Walker likes to meet clients at all of the locations.Since... Read More →

Josh Cohen

The Student Loan Lawyer

Joshua Cohen, the Student Loan Lawyer™, has been practicing law since 2008, defending and assisting consumers with student loan issues. As the pre-eminent expert on this topic, Josh has been interviewed on Fox and Bloomberg as well as quoted in multiple news articles.
Josh has been receiving calls from people all over the United States seeking his help and in 2011 launched the Student Loan Law Workshop™. These workshops were designed for lawyers to learn about student loans, potential solutions, how to defend consumers from a variety of problems... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Intermediate

8:00am EDT

8:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

12:30pm EDT

12:30pm EDT

12:30pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Get help with the event