Learn the nuts and bolts of filing Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy from the debtor's point of view! Using hypothetical clients and bankruptcy scenarios, experienced practitioners lead you through each step of the process with sample forms, schedules, means tests, repayment plans, and code citations. If you're new to the bankruptcy field, this basic, how-to instruction will give you the practical knowledge necessary to guide your clients through the complex Chapter 7 and 13 filing processes. Order today!

1. Chapter 7 or 13: Selecting the Right Chapter for Your Client
2. Chapter 7: Step-by-Step Procedures
3. The Trustee's Viewpoint
4. Chapter 13: Step-by-Step Procedures
5. Tips From the Pros
6. Ethical Obligations for Debtors' Counsel

CHAPTER 7 OR 13: SELECTING THE RIGHT CHAPTER FOR YOUR CLIENT
9:00 - 10:00, Ralph Scott Bowie Jr.

An overview of Chapter 7 and 13 comparing the high level differences and advantages of each. You'll emerge from this presentation with a clear understanding of which route to choose depending on your client's needs.

CHAPTER 7: STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES
10:15 - 11:00, R. Michael Bolen and Frances Hewitt Strange

Using a carefully-crafted scenario, experienced faculty will lead you through the nuts and bolts of filing Chapter 7 – from the client interview and means test through filing the actual case. The presentation will focus on procedures while highlighting pitfalls and citing statutes and bankruptcy code.

THE TRUSTEE'S VIEWPOINT
11:00 - 12:00, Lucy G. Sikes

Take a closer look at means test calculating and determining abuse through the eyes of the trustee. Discover the trustee's biggest pet peeves and how to get a favorable recommendation for your client.

CHAPTER 13: STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES
1:00 - 2:15, Ralph Scott Bowie Jr.

The Joneses' current monthly income triggered the presumption of abuse and their case must be converted to a Chapter 13 filing. Using this hypothetical, experienced faculty will lead you through each step of filing Chapter 13 with sample forms, petitions and schedules along with an in-depth look at structuring the repayment plan and negotiating with creditors. The presentation will focus on procedures while highlighting pitfalls and citing statutes and bankruptcy code.

TIPS FROM THE PROS
2:15 - 3:15, R. Michael Bolen, Ralph Scott Bowie Jr., Lucy G. Sikes and Frances Hewitt Strange

Get tips and insider advice from our panel of seasoned practitioners. Discuss pertinent case law and regulatory updates, along with case management tips, software considerations, credit counseling services, the keys to preparing your client, and valuable resources for your bankruptcy questions.

ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS FOR DEBTORS' COUNSEL
3:30 - 4:30, Lucy G. Sikes and Frances Hewitt Strange

Join faculty for a frank discussion on ethical obligations, including required certification, disclosure issues, the attorney/client relationship, retainer fees, and tough situations that can arise during the case.

R. MICHAEL BOLEN was appointed as United States Trustee for Louisiana and Mississippi (Region 5), on June 2, 2002. Mr. Bolen had served in the U.S. Trustee Program as a senior attorney in the Jackson, Mississippi, office since 1988. Before joining the program, he was an estate administrator for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Mississippi from 1984 to 1988. Mr. Bolen was a member of the Booneville, Mississippi, firm of Gifford, Moore & Bolen from 1979 to 1984, and an assistant city prosecutor for Booneville from 1981 to 1984. Mr. Bolen received his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law and his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi in Oxford. During his career, Mr. Bolen has served as president of the Mississippi Bankruptcy Conference and the National Association of Estate Administrators.

RALPH SCOTT BOWIE JR. is a shareholder with the law firm of Daye, Bowie & Beresko, APLC, where he practices law in the areas of bankruptcy, insolvency, commercial law, corporate law, banking law, oil & gas litigation, environmental law and personal injury. Mr. Bowie is certified as a consumer bankruptcy specialist and as a business bankruptcy specialist by both the American Board of Certification and the Louisiana Bar Association Board of Legal Specialization. He earned his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 1973, his M.B.A. from the University of West Florida in 1978, his B.A. degree in Accounting from the University of West Florida in 1980 and his J.D. degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 1983. Mr. Bowie worked for seven years as a process engineer for Mansanto Chemical Company and is a licensed professional engineer in Louisiana. He is admitted to practice law in Louisiana and before the U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit.

LUCY G. SIKES is the Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Western District of Louisiana, covering Shreveport and the surrounding seven parishes. She was appointed Chapter 13 Trustee in 2008. Prior to that, Ms. Sikes served as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Monroe Division for seven years. She earned a B.A. degree from Louisiana State University, and a J.D. degree from Loyola Law School, New Orleans. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Shreveport Bar Association, the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, and the Harry V. Booth and Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court. She also serves as Assistant Bar Examiner for the Louisiana State Bar.

FRANCES HEWITT STRANGE is an assistant United States Trustee with the Trustees Office U.S. Courthouse. Ms. Strange is a member of the Louisiana State, Shreveport (for 10 years) and Federal bar associations. She earned her B.S. degree from Louisiana Tech and her J.D. degree from Paul M. Hebert Law Center LSU.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com