NACBA's 33RD Annual Convention: Full Schedule

WELCOME TO NACBA’s 33RD ANNUAL CONVENTION!

arrow_back View All Dates

7:00am PDT

vLex Fastcase - An Overview of Your Legal Research Benefit

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Join us for a session designed to help you harness the full potential of vLex Fastcase, your legal research member benefit with the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys! Explore cutting-edge legal research tools, discover customizable features, and experience game-changing AI-driven insights, like Case Analysis with Headnotes. This session will provide actionable insights and tips to save time and supercharge your legal research process!

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salon 3 5th Level

7:30am PDT

Breakfast

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 1-2

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 1-2 5th Level

Food & Beverage

7:30am PDT

Convention Registration & Information Desk

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:30am - 5:30pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Entrance

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:30am - 5:30pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Entrance 5th Level

CLE Info

8:30am PDT

Newbie/Paralegal Session Part 1 Fee Agreements, Intake, Consultation, BK and NON BK Options, Red Flags

Saturday April 26, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salon 3

Starting Strong: Mastering the Bankruptcy Intake Process, Fee Agreements, and Consultations
Laying the foundation for a successful bankruptcy practice starts with an efficient intake process, clear fee agreements, and effective client consultations. This session will provide practical strategies for streamlining case management, ensuring compliance with key legal requirements, and building strong client relationships. Learn how to identify red flags, leverage digital tools for secure document management, and conduct consultations that set the right expectations from the start. Perfect for new practitioners and paralegals looking to enhance their bankruptcy practice.

Speakers

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 →

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 26, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salon 3 5th Level

Beginner, Fee Agreements

8:30am PDT

The U.S. Small Business Administration as a Creditor: Dealing with EIDLs, PPPs and Other SBA Loans In and Out Bankruptcy

Saturday April 26, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6

After the SBA granted 3.75 million COVID EIDLs (totaling more than $377 Billion), dealing with the SBA has become more common place. Even with an influx of income during the pandemic, many businesses still failed. This seminar will discuss the types of SBA loans made and options available to deal with them both in and out of bankruptcy.

Speakers

Lisa Thompson

Principal/Owner, Thompson Law Group, P.C.

Lisa C. Thompson has been practicing law for 29 years and earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Trade and Business in 1997. She is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, D.C. Lisa has been writing for Thomson West on business and debtor-creditor... Read More →

Deepalie Milie Joshi

Attorney, Joshi Law

Milie considers herself a bankruptcy lawyer through and through. As a California State Bar Certified Bankruptcy Law Specialist, Milie spends her time managing her law practice - Joshi Law Group (est. 2011); teaching bankruptcy law to future paralegals, and advocating for consumer... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6 5th Level

EIDL, Advanced

9:30am PDT

Newbie/Paralegal Session Part 2 Means Test & Chapter Selection

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salon 3

A concise overview of the Means Test in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, focusing on calculation of income, allowable expenses, and the application of IRS standards. Attendees will also learn how to identify and present special circumstances to ensure accurate and fair outcomes for the debtors.

Moderators

Alisa Admiral

Alisa Admiral is a consumer bankruptcy practitioner in the Central District of California. She has successfully representedthousands of debtors in chapter 7 and chapter 13 cases. She is a former board member of the Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association (CDCBAA... Read More →

Speakers

Michael Primus

Michael Primus has been practicing consumer bankruptcy since 1992 in the San Francisco Bay Area. He actively participates in his local bar association and teaches continuing education from time to time. He is a husband and father to two great kids. He and his wife enjoy live... Read More →

Nancy Clark

Partner, Borowitz & Clark, LLP

Nancy B. Clark is a Partner at Borowitz & Clark, LLP. She received her BA from Boston University where she double majored in History and Political Science. She received her JD from California Western School of Law. Ms. Clark has served on the Board of the Central District Consumer... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salon 3 5th Level

Beginner, Means Test

9:30am PDT

Litigation Part 1 {BASICS}

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6

Master the fundamentals of bankruptcy litigation in this two-part session designed to equip attorneys with the essential tools and strategies for navigating adversary proceedings and contested matters. Learn how to build a strong litigation toolkit, understand key procedural rules, manage client expectations, and effectively advocate for your clients in bankruptcy court. From pre-filing considerations to discovery, depositions, and trial preparation, this session will provide practical insights to enhance your litigation skills and ensure success in bankruptcy-related disputes.

Speakers

Rashad Blossom

Thad Bartholow

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 →

Karen Kellet

Partner, Kellett & Bartholow, PLLC

KAREN L. KELLETT obtained her B.B.A. from Texas A&M University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1984, and her law degree from the University of Texas, where she graduated with honors in 1987. Ms. Kellett was an attorney at Thompson & Knight from 1987-1994. She represented... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6 5th Level

Litigation, Advanced

10:30am PDT

Coffee Break

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 1-2

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 1-2 5th Level

Food & Beverage

11:00am PDT

Newbie/Paralegal Session Part 3 Best Practices, Petition Prep, Bank Statements

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salon 3

Navigating bankruptcy documentation and petition preparation can be overwhelming for new practitioners and paralegals. This session will provide a step-by-step guide to document collection, client intake, and petition preparation while ensuring compliance with the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. Attendees will learn best practices for verifying debtor identity, handling bank statements, organizing financial records, and preparing clients for the meeting of creditors. Whether you're new to bankruptcy or looking to refine your workflow, this session will equip you with essential skills to streamline case preparation and ensure accuracy in filings.

Moderators

Mike Gouveia

Owner, Law Office of Michael Gouveia

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

Speakers

Richard 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 →

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 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salon 3 5th Level

Beginner, Best Practices

11:00am PDT

Litigation Part 2 {BASICS}

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6

Speakers

Rashad Blossom

Thad Bartholow

Partner, Kellett & Bartholow PLLC

Karen Kellet

Partner, Kellett & Bartholow, PLLC

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6 5th Level

Litigation, Advanced

12:00pm PDT

Keynote Luncheon: Bankruptcy Filings: The New Norm or the Calm Before the Storm

Saturday April 26, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

Hollywood Ballroom

With bankruptcy filings at historic lows despite economic uncertainty, is this the new reality, or are we on the verge of a filing surge? This session, led by Hon. Kevin R. Anderson, will analyze key economic indicators, including unemployment trends, foreclosure rates, consumer debt, and inflation. Attendees will gain insights into the forces shaping the bankruptcy landscape and explore whether current conditions signal long-term stability or an impending financial storm.

Speakers

Hon. Kevin R. Anderson

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Utah

Prior to his appointment as a bankruptcy judge for the District of Utah in September of 2015, Judge Anderson served for seventeen years as the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the District of Utah. During this time, he administered over 70,000 Chapter 13 cases.  Judge Anderson was... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Hollywood Ballroom Mezzanine Level

Food & Beverage

1:30pm PDT

Newbie/Paralegal Session Part 4 341 Meetings, Post Filings, Redemption, Trustee Compliance

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salon 3

Ever wonder what the chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee does in your bankruptcy case?
Now is the time to learn at an informal chat with Larry Simons, Chapter 7 Trustee for the
Riverside Division of the Central District of California.
Topics include:
Questions asked at the meeting of creditors;
Documents needed post-filing;
What is a redemption; and
What the trustee needs to complete the case;
And much more!
Join us for this interactive discussion.

Speakers

Mike Gouveia

Owner, Law Office of Michael Gouveia

Larry Simons

Managing Attorney, Janus Law

Larry D. Simons is the managing attorney of Janus Law, with offices in Riverside and the San Fernando Valley. Mr.Simons’ represents all parties before the bankruptcy court, including debtors, creditors and trustees.Larry was appointed to the panel of Chapter 7 Trustees for the Riverside... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salon 3 5th Level

Beginner, Best Practices

1:30pm PDT

HOT TOPIC! Unmasking Deed Fraud: Lessons from the Graceland Case for Everyday Consumers

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6

Deed fraud is not just a celebrity issue. In this eye-opening session, experts will dive into the recent Graceland case to uncover how this scheme plays out and, crucially, how we can protect everyday consumers who lack the resources of major estates. Join us to explore practical steps and effective legal strategies to help defend against this growing threat.

Speakers

David L. Fleck

David L. Fleck is a Partner in the Los Angeles office of Manning Kass. He is a member of the Governmental Entity Liability team.Mr. Fleck received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he competed for the university on its... Read More →

Kwixuan Maloof

Assistant District Attorney, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6 5th Level

Deed Fraud, Advanced

2:30pm PDT

Chapter 13 Draft Plans

Saturday April 26, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salon 3

This panel will discuss the dos and don’ts practitioners should consider when drafting the
debtor’s plan. Panelists will discuss issues relating to feasibility of the debtor, dealing with
creditor claims, good faith, liquidation analysis and the means test and how all these things can
impact confirmation of a plan.

Speakers

Akihito Koyama

Akihito “Aki” Koyama is the senior staff attorney for Chapter 13 Trustee Kathy A. Dockery from the Central District of California, Los Angeles Division. In 1998, He started his legal career as a bankruptcy associate representing primarily debtors and moved to the Trustee’s... Read More →

Carey Ebert

Standing Chapter 13 Trustee, Office of the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee

Ms. Ebert received her B.A. degree from H. Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University, cum laude in Public Policy in 1982. She received her J.D. in 1985 from Texas Tech University. She was been a member of the firm, Ebert Law Offices, P.C. since 1989 until 2019. Ms. Ebert is admitted... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salon 3 5th Level

Chapter 13

2:30pm PDT

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Student Loans in Bankruptcy Practice

Saturday April 26, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6

Student loan policy is rapidly evolving, with significant changes that impact bankruptcy practitioners and their clients. This panel will provide a comprehensive update on recent developments, including major reforms to income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, the status of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and emerging legislation affecting student loans.
Panelists will also examine the Department of Justice’s guidance on student loan discharge in bankruptcy, discussing the program's success and what the future may hold for the dischargeability of loans. Attendees will gain practical insights into advising clients on student loan options, identifying opportunities for discharge, and navigating the intersection of bankruptcy and student loans in an increasingly complex environment.

Speakers

Hon. Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux

The Honorable Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux is a bankruptcy judge for the CentralDistrict of California, Riverside Division.Prior to her appointment, she managed Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Projectand was an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School. She was also an elected memberof... 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 →

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 →

Saturday April 26, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6 5th Level

Student Loans

3:30pm PDT

Coffee Break

Saturday April 26, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 1-2

Saturday April 26, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 1-2 5th Level

Food & Beverage

4:00pm PDT

Insights into Bankruptcy Appeals: Make Your Record, Draft Your Brief, and Argue Your Appeal

Saturday April 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salon 3

This session offers a rare and invaluable opportunity to hear directly from Bankruptcy
Appellate Panel Judges and a seasoned bankruptcy attorney who also clerked for a
BAP judge. The panelists will share their perspectives on the most pressing issues in
bankruptcy appeals, from making a record and drafting your brief to arguing your
appeal. They will also cover the standards of review and winning strategies. With
firsthand insights into how the appellate courts evaluate and decide cases, this
discussion will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of appellate procedures.
This session is a must-attend for both practitioners and legal scholars alike.

Speakers

Hon. Laura Taylor

Judge Taylor has served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of California since January 2008. She ended a seven year term as Chief Judge in October of 2019.In January 2013, Judge Taylor was appointed to a seven year term on the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate... Read More →

Hon. Meredith Jury (Ret.)

UCLA Law 1976. Best Best & Krieger, Riverside, CA 1976-1997. Bankruptcy Judge Central District of California, Riverside Division 1997-2018. 9th Cir. BAP 2007-2017, Chief of BAP 2015-2017. Retired doing pro bono mediations and consumer appellate work.

M. Jonathan Hayes

Partner, Resnik Hayes Moradi LLP

I am Senior Counsel to RHM Law LLP in Encino, CA. I have practiced bankruptcy law for 43 years representing debtors and creditors including litigation and appeals. Most recently I took a two-year sabbatical and served as a Law Clerk to Judge Laura Taylor sitting on the 9th Circuit... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salon 3 5th Level

Appeals

4:00pm PDT

HOT TOPIC! Navigating Homestead Exemption Issues in Consumer Bankruptcy

Saturday April 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6

Join us for an insightful discussion on the complexities and nuances of the homestead
exemption in consumer bankruptcy cases. Our expert panel will explore key legal
strategies, recent case law developments, and practical tips for effectively leveraging
the homestead exemption to protect our clients' most important asset. Specifically, we
will address the issues concerning 11 U.S.C. ' 522(m), (o), (p), and (q), the objective
and subjective factors to prove the validity of the debtor’s homestead exemption,
problems with renting out the homestead or a portion thereof (ABNB, VRBO, ADU,
duplex, outbuilding, etc.), and pushing back on trustee carve-out issues when a debtor
technically has no equity in the homestead property. So, whether you are dealing with
high-value properties, intricate state-specific rules, or the evolving legal landscape, this
session will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways for bankruptcy
attorneys. Do not miss this opportunity to enhance your practice and stay ahead of the
curve in homestead exemption matters.

Speakers

John Rao

Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center, Inc.

John RaoNational Consumer Law Center, Inc.AttorneyBoston MA 02110-1245John 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... 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 Consumer... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Dolby Ballroom Salons 4-6 5th Level

Homestead Exemption

5:30pm PDT

NACBA Museum Takeover: Madame Tussaud's {Dinner & Drinks Included}

Saturday April 26, 2025 5:30pm - 11:00pm PDT

Madame Tussaud's

Join Us for an Exclusive Evening at Madame Tussaud's!Event Details:

Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Madame Tussaud's
Note: Closed to the public—NACBA is taking over the entire museum!

What to Expect:

Full access to the entire Madame Tussaud's museum
Experience the thrilling Marvel 4D Adventure
Test your skills in the action-packed Robot Riot 7D Game
Enjoy a delicious dinner buffet
Savor a variety of drinks from the wine and beer bar
Includes access to the Hollywood Rooftop Bar to take in views of Hollywood Blvd

Ticket Pricing:

Adults (ages 12 & up): $125 each
Children (ages 5-11): $50 each {Email us at admin@nacba.com to purchase tickets for your kids}
Children (4 & under): Free

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of fun, food, and entertainment!
Reserve your tickets now and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Saturday April 26, 2025 5:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
Madame Tussaud's

Group Event