NACBA's 33RD Annual Convention: Full Schedule

WELCOME TO NACBA’s 33RD ANNUAL CONVENTION!

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

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

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

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

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