NACBA's 34th Annual Convention: Full Schedule

8:00am EDT

Convention Registration & Information Desk

Thursday April 9, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Come by the NACBA registration desk and check in. You will need your badge to access the sessions and to join us for meals provided.

Thursday April 9, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

CLE Info

9:00am EDT

Pre-Con: ABLI

Thursday April 9, 2026 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom A

Embrace the Challenge, Achieve Victory in Court with the highly esteemed American Bankruptcy Litigation Institute organized by the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), an exclusive educational endeavor meticulously crafted to enhance and refine your legal aptitude in bankruptcy litigation. Set to make another grand appearance at the #NACBABOS event, ABLI will delve deep...
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Speakers

Ryan Srnik

Associate Attorney, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt

Ryan Srnik (sir-nick) is an attorney based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Ryan was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduating college from Waynesburg University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Ryan moved to Raleigh, North Carolina... Read More →

Brian Flick

Partner; Managing Attorney, Bankruptcy Practice and Consumer Litigation Practice, DannLaw

Attorney Brian Flick, managing partner of the Group's Cincinnati office, is a tireless advocate for consumers in Ohio, Kentucky and across the United States. His practice is focused on bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, class action litigation, appellate litigation and other areas... Read More →

Shennan Kavanagh

Jennifer Wagner

Theodore O. Bartholow III

Partner, Kellett & Bartholow PLLC

Thad Bartholow is a partner with the Dallas, Texas law firm of Kellett & Bartholow PLLC. Mr. Bartholow's practice focuses on individual and class-action litigation on behalf of consumer debtors in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts nationwide. Mr. Bartholow has secured hundreds... Read More →

Rashad L. Blossom

Rashad Blossom is a dedicated consumer bankruptcy attorney with deep experience on both the creditor and debtor sides of the courtroom. After starting his career in large law firms—including serving as a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, where he focused on bankruptcy... Read More →

Jay Patterson

Owner, Full Disclosure LLC

Jay Patterson is a nationally recognized forensic accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner. He is
the owner of Full Disclosure LLC since 2007. His practice is limited to forensic and
investigative accounting, auditing, and data analytics relating to various loan servicing functions,
... Read More →

Malissa L. Giles

Partner, Giles & Lambert PC

Malissa Lambert Giles is a member of the firm of Giles & Lambert, PC, in Roanoke, Virginia, with additional offices in Blacksburg and Martinsville. She and the firm, which was formed in 1993, limit their current practice to the areas of bankruptcy and consumer law, focusing on debtors... Read More →

Tracy Giles

Madison Borison

Attorney, Borison Firm LLC

Madison “Maddi” Borison practices consumer protection law as an Attorney with the Borison Firm, LLC. She represents individuals facing abusive debt collection, credit reporting errors, predatory lending, and wrongful repossessions. Maddi’s path into consumer law was shaped by... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom A

ABLI, Litigation

9:00am EDT

Pre-Con: Mind, Money, and Management: The Psychology Behind a Profitable Consumer Practice

Thursday April 9, 2026 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom B

This session requires a separate registration from the main convention. This is an add-on session.Understanding client psychology isn’t just good bedside manner — it’s good business.This all-day intensive brings together experts in psychology, marketing, and law firm management to explore how emotional intelligence and behavioral insights can transform your bankruptcy practice. From the...
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Speakers

Scott F. Waterman

Chapter 13 Trustee, Eastern District of Pennsylvania Chapter 13 Trustee Office Reading

Mr. Waterman graduated from Tufts University in 1991 with a dual major in history and political science. He received his J.D. from Temple University School of Law in 1994. He is a Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and his office is located in... Read More →

Michael Gouveia

Owner, Law Office of Michael Gouveia

Michael Gouveia represents consumer debtors in Riverside, California. This is the fourth time
that he has presented at the NACBA Convention.
Mike teaches newer attorneys as the mentoring chair for the Central District Consumer
Bankruptcy Attorney Association in Los Angeles, CA and a... Read More →

Kara Gendron

Owner, Mott & Gendron Law

Kara K. Gendron is a bankruptcy attorney and co owner of Mott and Gendron Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She has practiced exclusively in bankruptcy law since 2001 and is board certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification. Kara is also a certified... Read More →

Reed Allmand

Owner, Allmand Law Firm PLLC

Shawn Orcutt

Attorney, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt, P.C.

Shawn Orcutt is a consumer bankruptcy attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he practices in the Eastern District of North Carolina with the Law Offices of John T. Orcutt. Admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 2011, Shawn focuses his practice on helping individuals... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom B

Intermediate

2:15pm EDT

Circuit Meeting 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH & DC

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Gardner (THIRD FLOOR)

The circuit community breakout sessions will feature a review of recent case law from the Circuit Courtof Appeals, the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, Federal District Courts, and local Bankruptcy Courts withineach circuit, the application of state exemption statutes in bankruptcy cases, plus a review of localbankruptcy rules and procedures, other recent practice developments and any other topic of...
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Speakers

Mike Assad

Attorney, Sadek Law Offices, LLC

Mike Assad is an associate attorney with Sadek Law Offices LLC, where he represents individual and corporate debtors and creditors in reorganizations and liquidations in the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the District of New Jersey and the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania... Read More →

Kristen Nardone

Attorney, Nardone Law Firm

Kristen Scott Nardone is the founding member of Nardone Law Firm, PLLC in Concord, North Carolina. She graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2001. She served as a law clerk for the Honorable J. Craig Whitley in the WDNC and Thomas W. Waldrep, Jr. in the MDNC. She... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Gardner (THIRD FLOOR)

Circuit Meeting

2:15pm EDT

Circuit Meeting 5TH & 11TH

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Hampton (THIRD FLOOR)

Speakers

Shayna Steinfeld

President, Steinfeld & Steinfeld PC

Shayna Steinfeld, Board Certified by the American Board of Certification in both Consumer and Business
Bankruptcy Law, is a shareholder of Steinfeld & Steinfeld, PC, and practices with her husband, Bruce, a Fellow of
the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Her practice involve... Read More →

Theda W. Page

Attorney, The Page Law Firm

I'm the Reconstructionist™

I help people who are going through difficult situations reconstruct their lives. The filing of a bankruptcy gives them the opportunity to get rid of debilitating debt and sets them on a trajectory for a fresh start.

In my free time I like to read and k... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Hampton (THIRD FLOOR)

Circuit Meeting

2:15pm EDT

Circuit Meeting 6TH & 7TH

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Fairfax (THIRD FLOOR)

Speakers

Kurt O'Keefe

Michael Maloney

Managing partner, Watton Law Group

Michael J. Maloney is the managing partner of the Watton Law Group which has offices in Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Little Rock. Watton Law Group is one of the largest filers of Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the country. . Mr. Maloney was included... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Fairfax (THIRD FLOOR)

Circuit Meeting

2:15pm EDT

Circuit Meeting 8TH & 10TH

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Berkeley (THIRD FLOOR)

Speakers

Jill Michaux

Managing Partner, Neis Michaux Law Office

Jill A Michaux is the managing partner of Neis Michaux Bankruptcy Law Office in Topeka, KS. She specializes in representing consumer debtors and small proprietors in Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy. Her primary focus is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. She has been board certified in consumer bankruptcy... Read More →

Sam Turco

Managing Attorney, Sam Turco Law Offices, P.C.

Sam Turco graduated from Creighton University in 1989 with a degree in accounting and from the Nebraska College of Law in 1992. He represent clients in Chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13 bankruptcy cases throughout Nebraska and Iowa. He frequently writes on the topic of bankruptcy la... Read More →

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Berkeley (THIRD FLOOR)

Circuit Meeting

2:15pm EDT

Circuit Meeting 9TH

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Common Wealth (THIRD FLOOR)

Speakers

Ike Shulman

Shulman Law Offices

In 1992, Ike Shulman led the effort to organize the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys ("NACBA") to provide consumer debtors with an effective voice in the legislative process. Mr. Shulman was elected NACBA’s first president, and served in that position through... Read More →

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 →

Thursday April 9, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Common Wealth (THIRD FLOOR)

Circuit Meeting

3:00pm EDT

State of Bankruptcy Marketing 2026

Thursday April 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom A

What’s changing, what’s breaking, and where the real opportunities are for consumer bankruptcy attorneys going forward.Every attorney who attends in person and registers will receive five free, qualified leads.Each lead will meet ALL of the following criteria:The individual has explicitly requested to speak with a bankruptcy attorneyThey have at least $8,000 in dischargeable debtThey...
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Sponsors

720 System Strategies

Bankruptcy Marketing Experts

Thursday April 9, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom A

Sponsor Session, Sponsor & Exhibitor Meet & Greet

3:00pm EDT

Sponsor & Exhibitor Meet and Greet

Thursday April 9, 2026 3:00pm - 6:30pm EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Thursday April 9, 2026 3:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

4:00pm EDT

Human in the Loop: Ethical AI for End-to-End Bankruptcy Case Management

Thursday April 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom A

AI is increasingly capable of handling the “grunt work” of bankruptcy cases, but it should never replace professional judgment. In this session, we’ll examine how AI can responsibly support bankruptcy workflows from intake through filing, noticing, and calendaring, while keeping humans firmly in control. We’ll cover best practices for review, validation, and risk management, and...
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Sponsors

Glade.ai

Glade

Thursday April 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom A

Sponsor Session, Sponsor & Exhibitor Meet & Greet

5:00pm EDT

NACBA Welcome Reception

Thursday April 9, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Grab a drink, a hors d'oeuvre or two and come say hello to NACBA's Sponsors and Exhibitors. Badges required.

Thursday April 9, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Food & Beverage, Sponsor & Exhibitor Meet & Greet

8:00am EDT

Breakfast

Friday April 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Friday April 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Food & Beverage

8:00am EDT

Convention Registration & Information Desk

Friday April 10, 2026 8:00am - 3:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom Foyer

Friday April 10, 2026 8:00am - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Foyer

CLE Info

9:00am EDT

Welcome Remarks

Friday April 10, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am EDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Richard H. Nemeth

Co-Managing Partner, Nemeth & Perry, LLC

Mr. Nemeth has been representing consumers and small businesses in bankruptcy proceedings in Northern Ohio and elsewhere for over 30 years. In April, 2013 Mr. Nemeth was the first recipient of the NACBA Hammes-Shulman Award for his significant achievements in legislative advocacy... Read More →

Friday April 10, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary

9:15am EDT

Keynote Speaker: Richard Dubois, Executive Director, National Consumer Law Center

Friday April 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Richard Dubois

Executive Director, National Consumer Law Center

Richard Dubois, Executive Director, National Consumer Law CenterRichard Dubois has been Executive Director of the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) since 2016. During his tenure, NCLC has continued to be the preeminent advocacy organization for low-income consumers and has grown considerably: NCLC currently has a staff of 65, including more... Read More →

Friday April 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary

10:00am EDT

Coffee Break

Friday April 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Friday April 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Food & Beverage

10:30am EDT

Legislative Update and Rules Update

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

Grand Ballroom

This program offers a comprehensive overview of the most current developments in bankruptcy legislation and federal bankruptcy rules updates. We will discuss the impact of upcoming legislations, efforts to favorably amend state exemption statutes, and the newly styled federal rules of bankruptcy procedure to take effect in December 2025.

Speakers

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 →

Ike Shulman

Shulman Law Offices

Krista D'Amelio

Director of Government Affairs & Communications, NACBA

Krista D’Amelio joined NACBA in April 2017 as Director of Government Affairs and Communications. D’Amelio's work focuses on strengthening relationships and increasing advocacy reach with state and federal elected officials, government agencies, and allies to enhance their understanding... Read More →

Friday April 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary, Legislation, Advocacy

10:30am EDT

Paralegal to Practice Manager to Attorney: Career Growth

Friday April 10, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Independence Ballroom

Leadership skills
Delegation & training junior staff
Law Firm's Role in Supporting Career Advancement

Speakers

Michael Gouveia

Owner, Law Office of Michael Gouveia

Michelle Alston

Michelle L.P. Alston ([email protected]) is the firm’s bankruptcy and litigation paralegal. She has been a paralegal for over 32 years, 25 of them with David Madoff. Ms. Alston has worked as a bankruptcy paralegal for Cohn Khoury Madoff & Whitesell LLP in Boston; Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie & Lougee, LLP and Jillian... Read More →

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 →

Friday April 10, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Independence Ballroom

Plenary, Legislation, Advocacy

11:00am EDT

Case Law Update

Friday April 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

John Rao

Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center, Inc.

John RaoNational Consumer Law Center, Inc.
Attorney
Boston MA 02110-1245

John Rao is a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, Inc. focusing on consumer credit, mortgage servicing, and bankruptcy issues. Mr. Rao has served as a panelist and instructor at numerous bankruptcy and consumer law conferences, has served as an expert witness... Read More →

Henry Sommer

Henry J. Sommer has litigated many major cases involving bankruptcy, consumer law, civil rights and other issues. Previously, he was the head of the Consumer Law Project at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, where he worked for over 21 years and Supervising Attorney at the... Read More →

Friday April 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary, Caselaw Update

12:00pm EDT

NACBA's Annual Awards Luncheon

Friday April 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

Friday April 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Food & Beverage

1:30pm EDT

3002.1 Reimagined: Navigating the 2025 Amendments and Their Impact on Mortgage Claims in Chapter 13 Part 1

Friday April 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

Significant amendments to Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 3002.1 take effect December 1, 2025, and will meaningfully alter how mortgage payment changes, post-petition fees, and plan cure determinations are handled in Chapter 13 practice. This session offers a deep dive into the upcoming revisions—what’s changed, why it matters, and how to protect your clients and your record from costly...
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Speakers

Ryan Srnik

Associate Attorney, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt

Beverly M. Burden

Chapter 13 Trustee, Chapter 13 Trustee, E.D. Ky.

Beverly M. Burden, Lexington, Kentucky, has served as the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Eastern District of Kentucky since 1999. Before her appointment as trustee, she clerked for the late Bankruptcy Judge Joe Lee. She has presented at numerous national, regional, and local bankruptcy... Read More →

John Rao

Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center, Inc.

Friday April 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Advanced

1:30pm EDT

Subchapter V in the Real World: Strategy, Structure, and Survival

Friday April 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom

Subchapter V was designed to make reorganization accessible—but its practical use demands strategic skill. Join experienced Chapter 11 practitioners as they walk through recent cases, best practices in plan drafting, and traps for the unwary. Learn how to balance cost efficiency with procedural compliance and how to position your clients for success from filing through confirmation.

Speakers

David B. Madoff

partner, Madoff & Khoury LLP

David B. Madoff previously practiced with the New York law firm of Hughes Hubbard & Reed and was a partner of Cohn Khoury Madoff & Whitesell LLP in Boston. He received his B.A. in 1985 from Columbia University and his J.D. in 1988 from Boston University School of Law, where he served... Read More →

John Sommerstein

Owner, Law Offices of John F. Sommerstein

John F. Sommerstein has been a member of the Massachusetts Bar since 1989. Since that time a considerable portion of Mr. Sommerstein’s practice has been devoted to bankruptcy work and bankruptcy related matters. Mr. Sommerstein is a 1985 cum laude graduate of University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a 1989 graduate of Suffolk University Law School where he served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association. Between 2009 and 2011, and again in 2016 through 2018 he served as co-chair of the Boston Bar Association's ("BBA... Read More →

Friday April 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom

Intermediate

1:30pm EDT

Paralegal & New Practitioner Workload & Burnout Prevention

Friday April 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Independence Ballroom

Time-block, template, and sanity-saving tricks

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 →

Michael Gouveia

Owner, Law Office of Michael Gouveia

Friday April 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Independence Ballroom

Newbie/Paralegal

2:15pm EDT

Coffee Break

Friday April 10, 2026 2:15pm - 2:30pm EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Friday April 10, 2026 2:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Food & Beverage

2:30pm EDT

3002.1 Reimagined: Navigating the 2025 Amendments and Their Impact on Mortgage Claims in Chapter 13 Part 2

Friday April 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Beverly M. Burden

Chapter 13 Trustee, Chapter 13 Trustee, E.D. Ky.

Theodore O. Bartholow III

Partner, Kellett & Bartholow PLLC

Ryan Srnik

Associate Attorney, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt

John Rao

Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center, Inc.

Friday April 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Advanced

2:30pm EDT

The AI Advantage: Practical Tools for the Modern Bankruptcy Attorney

Friday April 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Constitution Ballroom

Artificial intelligence and automation are no longer on the horizon—they’re in your inbox, your browser, and increasingly, your law practice. Join this eye-opening session to see how AI is transforming the way consumer bankruptcy attorneys work, think, and advocate for their clients.Discover how today’s AI tools can:• Streamline client intake and document preparation.• Generate routine...
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Speakers

Tara Salinas

Managing Attorney, Salinas Law Group, LLC

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 →

Jenny Doling

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

Friday April 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Constitution Ballroom

Advanced

2:30pm EDT

Bankruptcy Intake Masterclass

Friday April 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Independence Ballroom

How to gather, screen, and verify client information
Identifying red flags early (tax issues, business interests, transfers, etc.)

Speakers

Reed Allmand

Owner, Allmand Law Firm PLLC

Michelle Alston

Shanna Dinkins

Paralegal, Allmand Law

Shanna Dinkins grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. At age 12, she began work at a family-owned diner, Dairy Isle, selling burgers and shakes. She worked so she could save up enough money to buy a horse.

Upon graduating from L.D. Bell High School, she attended Tarrant County College for... Read More →

Friday April 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Independence Ballroom

Newbie/Paralegal

4:30pm EDT

🦆 NACBA Group Event: Boston Duck Boat Tours

Friday April 10, 2026 4:30pm - 6:30pm EDT

Join your fellow NACBA attendees for one of Boston’s most iconic experiences—a Boston Duck Boat Tour! On Friday, April 10 at 4:30 PM, we’ll climb aboard these legendary amphibious vehicles for a lively, narrated tour of Boston’s historic streets before splashing into the Charles River for unbeatable skyline views.This fun, relaxed group outing is the perfect way to unwind after a full day...
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Friday April 10, 2026 4:30pm - 6:30pm EDT

Group Event

8:00am EDT

Breakfast

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Food & Beverage

8:00am EDT

Convention Registration & Information Desk

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:00am - 4:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom Foyer

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Foyer

CLE Info

9:00am EDT

Ethics for Paralegals

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

Independence Ballroom

Avoiding UPL
Confidentiality & communication rules

Speakers

Tara Salinas

Managing Attorney, Salinas Law Group, LLC

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

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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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...
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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

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...
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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

Breakfast

Sunday April 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

TBA

Sunday April 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
TBA

Food & Beverage

9:00am EDT

Zombie Mortages

Sunday April 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Brian Flick

Partner; Managing Attorney, Bankruptcy Practice and Consumer Litigation Practice, DannLaw

Sunday April 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom

Beginner, Best Practices

9:00am EDT

Beyond the Balance Sheet: Valuing Intangible Assets in Consumer Bankruptcy

Sunday April 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Constitution Ballroom

As technology, digital income streams, and nontraditional property interests expand, consumer bankruptcy attorneys are increasingly confronted with assets that can’t be easily appraised, touched, or sold — yet may have real value to the estate.This session, presented in collaboration with NCLC, explores the growing challenge of identifying and valuing intangible assets in bankruptcy practice....
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Speakers

Robert Girvan

Ashley Morgan

Attorney, Ashley F. Morgan Law, PC

Sunday April 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Constitution Ballroom

Litigation, Advanced

9:00am EDT

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: A Roundtable Discussion on What Works and What Doesn't

Sunday April 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Independence Ballroom

In the fast-paced world of consumer bankruptcy, paralegals are often the frontline problem-solvers who keep cases moving, clients supported, and attorneys informed. This interactive roundtable brings together experienced consumer-bankruptcy paralegals to openly discuss the practices, workflows, and tools that truly make a difference—along with the recurring challenges that complicate even the...
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Speakers

Kelli Stanley

Paralegal, Law Offices of John T. Orcutt

Tara Salinas

Managing Attorney, Salinas Law Group, LLC

Sunday April 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Independence Ballroom

Newbie/Paralegal

10:30am EDT

Coffee Break

Sunday April 12, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT

Back Bay Ballroom

Sunday April 12, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Back Bay Ballroom

Food & Beverage

11:00am EDT

AI, Automation, and Ethics: The Future of Law Practice Under the Code

Sunday April 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Grand Ballroom

As AI tools, automation, and document generators become mainstream, bankruptcy attorneys must understand where convenience ends and ethical risk begins. This session explores issues of confidentiality, accuracy, unauthorized practice, and client consent in a rapidly changing digital environment — including the do’s and don’ts of using AI to draft filings, letters, and marketing materials.

Speakers

Jenny Doling

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

Hon. Elizabeth Gunn

Bankruptcy Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Columbia

Sunday April 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

Plenary, Ethics

8:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

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4:30pm EDT

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2:00pm EDT

8:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

10:30am EDT

11:00am EDT

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