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Venue: Grand Ballroom clear filter
Friday, April 10
 

9:00am EDT

Welcome Remarks
Friday April 10, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am EDT
Speakers
avatar for Richard H. Nemeth

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

9:15am EDT

Keynote Speaker: Richard Dubois, Executive Director, National Consumer Law Center
Friday April 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT

Speakers
avatar for Richard Dubois

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

10:30am EDT

Legislative Update and Rules Update
Friday April 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
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
avatar for Ed Boltz

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 →
avatar for Ike Shulman

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 →
avatar for Krista D'Amelio

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

11:00am EDT

Case Law Update
Friday April 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
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
avatar for John Rao

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 →
avatar for Henry Sommer

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

12:00pm EDT

NACBA's Annual Awards Luncheon
Friday April 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Friday April 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom

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
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 missteps.
Join a panel of seasoned practitioners and trustees as they unpack:
  • The expanded applicability of Rule 3002.1 beyond traditional home mortgages, including reverse mortgages and claims paid in full through the plan.
  • The introduction of the Motion to Determine Status of Mortgage Claim, including who may file it and when, and the evidentiary implications for counsel.
  • Revised obligations for payment change notices and response deadlines—and the consequences of non-compliance.
  • The interplay between the amendments and local Chapter 13 procedures, standing orders, and servicer compliance regimes.
  • Strategic considerations for debtor and creditor counsel in light of increased transparency and sanction exposure.
You’ll leave this session with a clear understanding of how the 2025 amendments reshape mortgage claim administration and a practical framework for updating your firm’s systems, forms, and courtroom strategies before they take effect.
Speakers
avatar for Ryan Srnik

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 →
avatar for Beverly M. Burden

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 →
avatar for John Rao

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

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
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 missteps.
Join a panel of seasoned practitioners and trustees as they unpack:
  • The expanded applicability of Rule 3002.1 beyond traditional home mortgages, including reverse mortgages and claims paid in full through the plan.
  • The introduction of the Motion to Determine Status of Mortgage Claim, including who may file it and when, and the evidentiary implications for counsel.
  • Revised obligations for payment change notices and response deadlines—and the consequences of non-compliance.
  • The interplay between the amendments and local Chapter 13 procedures, standing orders, and servicer compliance regimes.
  • Strategic considerations for debtor and creditor counsel in light of increased transparency and sanction exposure.
You’ll leave this session with a clear understanding of how the 2025 amendments reshape mortgage claim administration and a practical framework for updating your firm’s systems, forms, and courtroom strategies before they take effect.
Speakers
avatar for Beverly M. Burden

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 →
avatar for Theodore O. Bartholow III

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 →
avatar for Ryan Srnik

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 →
avatar for John Rao

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 →
Friday April 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
 
Saturday, April 11
 

9:00am EDT

Views from the Bench
Saturday April 11, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Speakers
avatar for Jenny Doling

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 →
avatar for Hon. Elizabeth Gunn

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 →
avatar for Hon. Joan Feeney (Ret.)

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

10:30am EDT

Means Testing in 2026- Common Pitfalls and Recent Developments
Saturday April 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
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
avatar for Jim Haller

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 →
avatar for Koury Hicks

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

11:30am EDT

Lunch Session: Life Settlements & Bankruptcy: Unlocking Hidden Value in Life Insurance
Saturday April 11, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
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
avatar for Scott Etish

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

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
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
avatar for Stanley Tate

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

2:00pm EDT

Student Loan Adversary Proceedings and Getting Paid for Them
Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
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
avatar for Andrew C. Walker

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 →
avatar for Josh Cohen

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
 
Sunday, April 12
 

9:00am EDT

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

Speakers
avatar for Brian Flick

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

11:00am EDT

AI, Automation, and Ethics: The Future of Law Practice Under the Code
Sunday April 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
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
avatar for Jenny Doling

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 →
avatar for Hon. Elizabeth Gunn

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