Thursday October 10

2024

Introduction to Consumer Bankruptcy

Overview: This training will introduce advocates to the basics of personal bankruptcy law and how the bankruptcy process works to protect low-income clients from lawsuits, judgments, garnishments, foreclosure and eviction. Topics include determining client’s eligibility to file, an overview of the bankruptcy code chapters, exemptions, the liquidation process, and preparing the petition and schedules. Additionally, the training will review counseling tips for clients and common questions and misconceptions about bankruptcy as well as recent developments on the discharge ability of student loan debt in bankruptcy.

Learning Objectives:

I. Determine client’s eligibility to file

II. Understand the various chapters and the implications

III. Understand how to conduct intake meeting/address concerns/dispel myths

IV. How to prepare pleadings and file cases

V. How exemptions work/protecting client's assets

VI. How to litigate discharge ability of student loan debt in bankruptcy court

Trainer:

Natalie Jean-Baptiste - Staff Attorney - The Legal Aid Society

Moderator:

Johanna Ocana - Senior Coordinating Attorney of Pro Bono Initiatives - Feerick Center for Social Justice - Fordham University School of Law

CLE Credits: Areas of Professional Practice: 1.50 

CLE Suitability: Content appropriate for both experienced and new attorneys.