Even though they have tried multiple collection efforts, your clients still haven't been paid a debt they're owed. That's when they turn to you for help. However, debt collection today is nothing like it was in the past, and smart professionals know they tread a fine line. How can you get the money owed, while staying in compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act? We know – and can show you how. Order today!

1. Pre-Suit Collection Strategies
2. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
3. Filing the Lawsuit - Developing Definitive Strategies
4. Collecting the Judgment
5. The Impact of Bankruptcy on Collections
6. Avoiding Ethical Tangles in Collections

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. PRE-SUIT COLLECTION STRATEGIES
   9:00 - 10:00, Gerald H. Groon Jr.
1. How to Decide Whether to Pursue Collection
2. Preventative Collection - Collecting Without Filing a Lawsuit
3. Designing a Collections System
4. How to Discover Assets - Finding Property From Which to Collect
2. THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
   10:15 - 11:15, Gerald H. Groon Jr.
1. Statutory Background and Preemption
2. Scope of the FDCPA
3. Understanding the Actions Permitted or Restricted by the Act
4. Liability and Defenses
3. FILING THE LAWSUIT - DEVELOPING DEFINITIVE STRATEGIES
   11:15 - 12:15, Gerald H. Groon Jr.
1. Knowing the Debtor
2. How to Effectively Get the Debtor's Attention
3. Avoiding Counterclaims
4. Obtaining Judgment
4. COLLECTING THE JUDGMENT
   1:15 - 2:15, Jeff D. Rogers
1. Use of Judgment Liens on Real Property
2. Use of Judgment Liens on Personal Property
3. Self-Help Repossession
4. Writs of Execution, Seize and Sale by Sheriff, Creditor Priority
5. Wage Garnishment
6. Attachments
7. Exemptions by Debtor
8. Fraudulent Conveyances
5. THE IMPACT OF BANKRUPTCY ON COLLECTIONS
   2:30 - 3:30, Neil D. Jonas
1. Steps to Take When a Debtor Files Bankruptcy
2. Chapter 7 – Liquidation, Automatic Stay, Dischargeability
3. Chapter 13 – Reorganization, Automatic Stay, Dischargeability
4. Means Testing and "Abusive Filing"
5. Exemption Planning
6. 707(a) and 707(b) Dismissal
6. AVOIDING ETHICAL TANGLES IN COLLECTIONS
   3:30 - 4:30, Jeff D. Rogers
1. Eliminating Ethical Problems From Your Practice
2. Zealous Representation or Vexatious Practices
3. Lawyer Liability
4. Attorneys' Fees

GERALD H. GROON JR. is a partner with the Raleigh law firm of Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of collections and civil litigation. Mr. Groon has completed the requirements for certification in the field of Creditors' Rights Law by the American Board of Certification. He is the former North Carolina state chair of the American Collectors Association Members' Attorney Program, a member of the Commercial Law League of America and an associate member of the International Association of Commercial Collectors, Inc. Mr. Groon earned his B.S. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his J.D. degree at Campbell University.

NEIL D. JONAS is an attorney with the Law Firm of William Joseph Burns. His primary area of practice is bankruptcy, including debtor, creditor, and bankruptcy trustee representation. Mr. Jonas earned his B.A. degree from the University of North Carolina and his J.D. degree from Wake Forest University. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association (member, Bankruptcy Section).

JEFF D. ROGERS is a partner with the Raleigh law firm of Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of creditor litigation, bankruptcy and foreclosure. He has an extensive trial practice at the state court level and has broad experience appearing before the bankruptcy courts for all Federal districts in North Carolina. Mr. Rogers has been a frequent lecturer on the topic of collection law, in addition to foreclosure and bankruptcy. He received his B.A. degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his J.D. degree from Campbell University School of Law. Mr. Rogers is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association.

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