LEGISLATIVE FORUM
ROOM: Clark

PANELISTS: Peter C. Califano, Niesar & Vestal, LLP, San Francisco, CA; Beau Hays, Hays & Potter, LLP, Peachtree Corners, GA; Jeffrey N. Schatzman, Schatzman & Schatzman, PA, Miami, FL; Gilbert M. Singer, Marcadis Singer P.A., Tampa, FL

CLLA panelists will provide a review of CLLA legislative and government affairs’ efforts during the past year, inform members about the political make-up of the current Congress and possibilities for legislation impacting commercial law, and educate attendees about the legislative process; including drafting legislation and policy positions for consideration by members of Congress and aligned interested parties and organizations.

BEST PRACTICES: GOOD FORWARDING GETS BETTER
ROOM: Clark

PANELISTS: Robert Ash, Radius Global Solutions, Ramsey, NJ; Brandon James, Tucker Albin & Associates, Inc., Richardson, TX; Christopher S. Young, BTLG, Columbia, MD

Join us for another practical discussion between a panel of agencies and attorneys as we talk about the appropriate and soundest practices in Forwarding and Receiving claims. We’ll be discussing the preferred methods for the entire process from placing to closing a claim, and what should and often happens in between. The focus will be on the handling of cases, situations, and circumstances in direct relation to what are the best practices for the relationship.

HOT TOPICS IN BANKRUPTCY CASE LAW 
ROOM: Avenue

SPEAKER: Kirk B. Burkley, WH Burkley, LLP, Pittsburgh, PA

This will be an overview of the most recent bankruptcy cases around the country, covering hot topics.

UCC FILINGS – MAKE YOUR COMPANY A PAYMENT PRIORITY
ROOM: Clark

SPEAKER: Alec Papesch, NCS Credit, Cleveland, OH

Gain a strategic edge with a clearer understanding of the UCC process. This session from NCS Credit explores how secured transactions and perfected UCC filings can protect assets, strengthen credit positions, and reduce exposure in the event of customer insolvency. You will learn how the UCC supports sound risk management and why it is an essential tool for safeguarding company interests in complex financial environments.

This session offers valuable insights not only for credit professionals but also for attorneys advising clients on secured transactions and risk mitigation.

Other discussion topics include:

• Leverage UCC filings as part of a broader credit risk and asset protection strategy
• Understand how secured creditor status affects recovery in bankruptcy and default
• Identify key filing requirements that determine enforceability and priority
• Mitigate financial exposure through proactive credit and legal coordination
• Use UCC tools to support stronger governance and financial resilience

WATCH OUT! THE JUDGES TELL IT LIKE IT IS: Case Splits Catching Creditors Off Guard in Subchapter V Bankruptcies
ROOM: Avenue

PANELISTS: Hon. Judith K. Fitzgerald, Tucker Arensberg PC, Pittsburgh, PA; Hon. Thomas Lynch, US Bankruptcy Court, North District of IL, Rockford, IL; Hon. Mary Ann Whipple, US Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of OH

New disagreements in the courts over how to interpret and apply certain sections of Subchapter V bankruptcies are rife to catch creditors off guard. Two sitting bankruptcy judges will take on hot topics and discuss topics such as (1) When can/should a court appoint a creditors committee in a Sub V?; (2) Has the 1111(b) election been abrogated by virtue of section 1190(2)?; (3) How should a court determine that a plan is fair and equitable and what remedies to apply to protect creditors if plan payments are not made under 1191(c)(3)(B)?; (4) Are sub V corporate debtors entitled to discharge certain debts allegedly involving fraud and other bad acts under section 523(a)?; (5) What constraints apply when the Sub V Trustee serves as a mediator in the case?; and more. Learn about standard orders that some courts are issuing when the Sub V case is filed and how that affects creditors’ concerns and deadlines. This presentation on current events in Sub V cases is something that every lawyer who has a client involved in a Sub V case should attend.

COLLECTIONS, AI IN THE LAW & HOW TO USE IN OUR INDUSTRY
ROOM: Clark

SPEAKERS: Salene Kraemer, Mazur Kraemer Law Group, Pittsburgh, PA; Neeraj Mendiratta, KnovaOne, Wellington, FL; T. Britt Rudman, Law Offices of T. Britt Rudman, Tarzana, CA; Marguerite DeVoll, Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP, McLean, VA

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how collections and bankruptcy professionals work — from document automation and workflow streamlining to research, drafting, and compliance management. This session brings together three leading women in collections and bankruptcy law, plus a global legal service provider, for a practical look at how AI is being used right now in the credit-to-collection lifecycle.Learn how tools such as Lexis+ AI, Spellbook, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot are transforming back-office operations, legal drafting, and communication, while raising new ethical, confidentiality, and billing considerations. The panel will share real-world examples of RPA, generative AI, and voice-based automation in practice, plus strategies for maintaining accuracy, oversight, and compliance with FDCPA, FCRA, and professional standards.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights — and confidence to adopt AI responsibly and effectively in their own firms and agencies.

UK COLLECTIONS AND ACCESSING THE GLOBAL MARKET
ROOM: Clark

SPEAKERS: Liam Worthington, CCI Credit Management Ltd., Porthmadog, UK; David Bevan, CCI Credit Management Ltd., Porthmadog, UK

This session explains how strong debt collection practices in the UK can help American businesses grow internationally. We will cover how UK collections work, why they are effective, and how they can improve cash flow and reduce financial risk. You will learn how partnering with UK-based collection services or applying their strategies can give your business the stability and confidence to expand into global markets.

RETHINKING AVOIDABLE TRANSFERS:
The Rise of Intangible and Non-Monetary Value
ROOM: Avenue

SPEAKERS: Randall Woolley, Darcy & Devassy, PC, Chicago, IL; Candice Kline, Univ. of Toledo College of Law, Maumee, OH; Eyal Berger, Akerman LLP, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

The panelists will discuss recent developments in bankruptcy avoidance actions, including avenues for recovery of intangible assets. The panelists will address avoidance of terminated contractual rights to payment and avoidance of licenses where the debtor is licensor. The panelists will also provide updates on application of the Golden Creditor rule extending look back periods and on avoiding Crypto as a commodity or currency. The panelists will further discuss recent case law concerning whether an injury to creditors is required to recover for an intentionally fraudulent transfer.

THE UNIFORM ASSIGNMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF CREDITORS LAW IS HERE.
Will it or Won’t it Become Law in Every State?
ROOM: Avenue

SPEAKERS: Wanda Borges, Borges & Associates, LLC, Syosset, NY; Marc D. Miceli, S Mitnick Law PC, Oldwick, NJ

Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors proceedings (“ABCs”) are popular alternatives to bankruptcy filings under certain circumstances. However, unlike federal bankruptcy, state court ABCs can differ drastically from one state to another. In an attempt to address this issue, in 2022, a Study Committee on ABCs commenced its work to develop a uniform law that could be adopted in each state. After several years of hard work, the Uniform Law Commission adopted a proposed Uniform Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors Act at its annual meeting in July 2025. This panel will discuss this new proposal focusing on some of the provisions which were heatedly discussed and the resolutions reached. Some of the key points that will be discussed include:

• The structure of the new ABC statute
• Whether or not, or when Court Oversight will be required
• Claims Procedure
• Rights of the Assignor
• Rights of the Assignee
• Rights of the Creditors

MANAGING THE PRACTICE: Insights from Legal Operations Veterans
ROOM: Avenue

SPEAKERS: James T. Hart, Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA, Cincinnati, OH; James Kozelek, Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA, Dublin, OH; Jeffrey S. Nicolet, Wagner, Falconer & Judd, Ltd, Minneapolis, MN

Being a good attorney does not mean you know how to manage a law practice. Join a panel of seasoned law firm leaders as they share tips, tricks, and best practices on the business side of legal practice. Topics will include hiring, developing, and managing talent (both attorneys and staff), building, and sustaining firm culture, compensation and benefits, and retention strategies. We will also dive into how technology, automation and process optimization can improve efficiency, reduce burnout, and help your firm run smarter—not just harder.