NACBA eNewsletter
January 21, 2025
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NACBA’s 33rd Annual Convention is rolling out the red carpet—join us in Hollywood for an event you won’t want to miss!
 
Dates: April 24-27, 2025
Location: Loews Hotel Hollywood, Hollywood, CA 
 
Whether you want to deepen your expertise, grow your practice or engage with industry professionals, NACBA’s Convention is the ultimate opportunity to elevate your skills and expand your network—all in a spectacular setting.
 
NACBA has secured a special low rate of only $259 a night. The inventory is limited. Room rate will expire on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, or until sold out.
 
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Featured Webinar
 
Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
1-2 PM (ET)
FREE MEMBER BENEFIT WEBINAR
 
Fastcase has been upgraded to vLex Fastcase; this webinar is your first look at the all-new legal intelligence platform brought to you in partnership with the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. vLex Fastcase offers a plethora of legal research tools and content, plus many new features including a custom news feed, a citator called Cert and AI-driven features such as Case Analysis with Headnotes. Dive into the new platform with T.J. Diggins, your customer success representative with vLex!
 
Professional Development
 
Thursday April 24, 2025
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM (PDT)
 
Join us for a comprehensive, all-day continuing education program designed for bankruptcy attorneys eager to deepen their understanding of the intersection between bankruptcy and tax law. In this intensive session, you’ll gain crucial insights into the nuances of discharging tax liabilities in bankruptcy—a complex process that, when mishandled, can expose your practice to significant malpractice risks. Learn how to navigate these challenges with confidence and precision, while also mastering strategies to give your clients viable pathways for tax debt resolution. This intensive pre-conference session will help you master how to handle tax liens and the risk they pose in Chapter 7 because the homestead exemption does not apply to the IRS. It will cover the various approaches to proposing Chapter 13 plans, when to propose interest, when to file claims for taxing authorities, whether you can seek damages for a stay or discharge violation by a taxing authority, and how to get liens released after bankruptcy.

With expert-led sessions, this program not only equips you with the tools to prevent costly missteps but also empowers you to build a recession-proof law practice. Discover ways to leverage tax knowledge in bankruptcy cases to expand your service offerings, stay resilient in economic downturns and create long-term value for your clients. Perfect for attorneys looking for a more in-depth understanding of how to deal with tax issues in their practice and stay competitive, this event is a must-attend for anyone serious about elevating their expertise in bankruptcy and tax law.
 
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Latest Bankruptcy News
 
NACBA takes great pride in acknowledging the outstanding efforts of our members who go above and beyond in the field of consumer bankruptcy, a tradition that allows us to recognize and celebrate excellence within our community. This year we are excited to add a new award, The Dragon Slayer Award!
 
Awards Luncheon at the 33rd Annual Convention: All award recipients will be honored at NACBA's 33rd Annual Convention Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 25. We warmly welcome convention guests accompanying NACBA members to attend this memorable occasion. In true Hollywood fashion, we’ll roll out the red carpet for an unforgettable experience. Dress to impress—black tie optional!
 
Nomination Categories:
1. The Champion of Consumer Rights: In recognition of and appreciation for extraordinary service in protecting American Consumers and, in particular, the recipient’s critical role in preserving the rights of consumer debtors in need of bankruptcy relief.
2. The Distinguished Service Award: In recognition of and appreciation for extraordinary contributions to the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the recipient’s many years of invaluable service to our organization.
3. The Hammes-Shulman Award: In recognition of the leadership and commitment demonstrated by Norma Hammes and Ike Shulman, the Hammes-Shulman honor significant legislative and advocacy contributions made by a NACBA member.
4. The K. Colleen Nunnelly Award: In October 2011, NACBA lost a wonderful colleague and long-term NACBA Member, K. Colleen Nunnelly. Ever a strong supporter of NACBA’s mission, always a positive voice within NACBA and an outstanding State Chair, Colleen will be greatly missed. In recognition of her contributions to NACBA, we have created the K. Colleen Nunnelly Award to honor a NACBA member whose collegiality and support for NACBA’s mission embodies Colleen’s spirit, quiet leadership, enthusiasm and positive contributions to NACBA.
5. Outstanding Young Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Award (NEW): In recognition of a new bankruptcy attorney, in practice less than five years, who has shown excellence in the practice of consumer bankruptcy, achieved a critical milestone or who was recognized for a special achievement, award, appellate success, etc.
6. Outstanding Achievement Award (NEW): In recognition of two accomplished bankruptcy attorneys acknowledging and celebrating the notable achievements of a distinctive event.
7. The Dragon Slayer Award (NEW): Awarded to a NACBA member who has successfully defended the rights of consumer bankruptcy debtors and/or attorneys against formidable opposition, and thereby demonstrated their leadership, courage, ability and devotion that are in the finest tradition of the legal profession.
 
Member Benefit Highlight
We are thrilled to announce the launch of NACBA’s Paralegal Membership Level, designed exclusively for paralegals employed by our valued NACBA members! NACBA is sensitive to the problem with bankruptcy petition preparers. That’s why no independent paralegals may join this exclusive membership. This new membership category is a great way to extend NACBA’s resources and benefits to the talented paralegals supporting consumer bankruptcy practices. This paralegal membership is designed with the increased filings in mind. Attorneys need competent and experienced staff. NACBA is here to promote valuable paralegal training and networking consistent with the goals of its attorney members.
 
Paralegal Membership Details:
1. Eligibility: Paralegals must be employed by a current NACBA member. 1099 Independent contracted paralegals are not eligible.
2. Annual Dues: $200 per paralegal.
3. Enterprise Pricing: For firms with four or more paralegals, contact admin@nacba.com to learn about discounted group rates.
 
Exclusive Membership Benefits:
1. NACBA Connect Access: Engage with peers and participate in paralegal-specific discussions in our exclusive, online-monitored paralegal forums.
2. Membership Discounts: Enjoy reduced pricing on NACBA educational programs and resources.
3. Educational Opportunities: Attend NACBA’s renowned educational programs and earn course completion certificates. Learn how to excel as a bankruptcy paralegal providing the support your attorney needs to grow their practice and increase profitability. Attend paralegal focused webinars.
4. Valuable Networking Opportunities: Harness the power of networking with other paralegals, sharing referrals and bringing value to your firm. Attending conferences allows the paralegal face-to-face time with vendors, software providers and tools to increase efficiency.
Law Offices of Michael C. Seamands, LLC