NABT 2026 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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7:00am EDT

Breakfast (Grab & Go)

Monday August 10, 2026 7:00am - 7:30am EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 7:00am - 7:30am EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

7:00am EDT

Registration Desk Open

Monday August 10, 2026 7:00am - 5:30pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 7:00am - 5:30pm EDT
TBA

General

7:30am EDT

Updates to Article 9/12

Monday August 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

TBA

This panel will explore recent and emerging developments under Articles 9 and 12 of the Uniform Commercial Code and their practical impact in Chapter 7 cases. Panelists will review key updates to Article 9 governing secured transactions, with a focus on recent issues that commonly arise in bankruptcy, including merchant cash advances. The discussion will also introduce Article 12, which addresses controllable electronic records, including digital assets, and examine how these provisions interact with existing secured lending and bankruptcy frameworks. Attendees will gain practical insights into how trustees should approach collateral, perfection, and avoidance issues in light of these changes.

Speakers

Ingrid Michelsen Hillinger

Professor, Boston College Law School

Ingrid Michelsen Hillinger is a Professor of Law at Boston College Law School. College of William & Mary. She has taught a variety of commercial law/bankruptcy subjects including Secured Transactions, Business Bankruptcy, Consumer Bankruptcy, Contracts and Payment Systems. She is... Read More →

Andrea O'Connor

Senior Counsel, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C.

Attorney Andrea M. O’Connor counsels businesses and individuals regarding their unique financial problems, offering alternative solutions to achieve their goals, relieve financial pressure and regain control over their financial lives. She graduated magna cum laude from Western... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track

7:30am EDT

Merchant Cash Advance Lenders: Usury, Fraud, and Plan Treatment

Monday August 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

TBA

Examining how bankruptcy courts are scrutinizing MCA lender claims, including enforceability of confessions of judgment, interest rate challenges, and classification and treatment under plans.

Speakers

Joseph P. Briggett

Shareholder, Baker Donelson

Mr. Briggett focuses his practice on bankruptcy and workout law, along with a diverse commercial practice that spans various areas, including bankruptcy and restructuring, creditors' rights, commercial litigation, transactions, loan documentation, and corporate law.

With a keen focus on bankruptcy matters, Mr. Briggett adeptly represents parties in pre-bankruptcy negotiations, state court insolvency proceedings, commercial foreclosures, and adversary proceedings. Beyond litigation and bankruptcy, he assists clients in resolving debtor/creditor... Read More →

James E. Cross

Owner, Cross Law Firm, PLC

James "Jim" Cross moved to the Phoenix area in 1980 after honorably serving his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard. Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business from The Ohio State University in 1980, graduating... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
TBA

Subchapter V Track

7:30am EDT

Finding, Pursuing, and Collecting On Preferences

Monday August 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

TBA

In this session will be discussing tips and tricks for finding preferences, whether scheduled or not; making demand and pursuing recovery of the funds; filing an adversary for collection; settlements; and collecting on demand/judgments.

Speakers

Lori L. Grahl

Paralegal, H Jason Gold, Trustee

Lori has worked as paralegal and trustee assistant for Robert H. Waldschmidt, Esq., Nashville, TN since 1985. Mr. Waldschmidt has retired from the trustee practice, but Lori continues to assist him in the wind down of his office. Her duties concentrated on commercial law and bankruptcy... Read More →

Melissa M. Macejko

Attorney/Trustee, Suhar & Macejko, LLC

Melissa M. Macejko is a partner with the law firm of Suhar & Macejko, LLC. She focuses her practice on the areas of bankruptcy, restructuring and insolvency. Melissa represents all of the different constituencies in commercial and consumer cases, including creditors, debtors... Read More →

Andrew W. Suhar

Attorney/Trustee, Suhar & Macejko, LLC

Andrew Suhar has served as a Chapter 7 panel bankruptcy trustee in the Northern District of Ohio since November 1995, and as a Chapter 12 bankruptcy trustee in the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division. He attended Kent State University and the University of Akron, School of... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
TBA

Trustee Assistant Track

8:30am EDT

Break with Our Sponsors

Monday August 10, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

9:00am EDT

The Trustee's Compass - Steering Clear of Liability Shoals

Monday August 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

This session will provide a refresher and a case law update on trustee liability issues. We will discuss sources of potential trustee liability including claims by debtors, creditors, third-parties and the government. We will review judicial and quasi-judicial immunity and trustee immunity under the Barton doctrine and the limits of immunity. We will also survey strategies for protecting trustees from personal liability including insurance coverages for the estate and the trustee, defense costs and the limitations of the UST bond.

Speakers

Hon. James Boyd

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

James W. Boyd was appointed as a United States Bankruptcy Judge, Western District of Michigan, in May 2014. He current presides over bankruptcy matters in Grand Rapids, Marquette, and Traverse City. Prior to his judicial service, he was a partner with the Traverse City law firm of... Read More →

Kenneth W. Gordon

Chapter 7 Trustee, Kenneth W Gordon

Ken Gordon was appointed in the Western District of New York ( “GO BILLS!”) as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee in 1996 and is wrapping up his final few cases. He has lectured regularly on bankruptcy topics for NABT and serves on the NABT Conference Planning Committee. Ken lives outside... Read More →

Gary F. Seitz

Partner, Gellert Seitz Busenkell & Brown LLC

Gary is an accomplished attorney with a proven track record of success in matters related to bankruptcy, business finance, transportation and commercial litigation. Gary has special expertise in maritime recovery and vessel arrests.

Gary Seitz served as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track

9:00am EDT

Subchapter V Case Law Update

Monday August 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

A panel reviewing the most influential subchapter V opinions over the past year with an emphasis on splits, trends, and trustee impact.

Speakers

Hon. Elizabeth L. Gunn

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Brittany B. Falabella

Attorney/Chapter 7 Trustee, Hirschler Fleischer, P.C.

Britt Falabella is a partner in Hirschler’s litigation group, where her practice focuses on bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditor’s rights. She represents multiple players in the bankruptcy process, including individual and corporate debtors, secured and unsecured creditors... Read More →

Michael L. Martinez

Member, Grier Wright Martinez PA

Michael L. Martinez is a member of Grier Wright Martinez, PA in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a Certified Specialist in Business Bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification and the North Carolina State Bar, commonly representing federal equity receivers, state court receivers... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Subchapter V Track

9:00am EDT

Protecting & Liquidating Estate Assets

Monday August 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

This session will provide practical guidance on identifying, securing, and liquidating estate assets in Chapter 7 cases. Drawing on real-world trustee and counsel perspectives, the panel will address common asset issues, working with professionals, protecting estate property, navigating turnover and enforcement challenges, and maximizing recoveries while minimizing risk to the estate.

Speakers

Ross R. Hartog

Shareholder / Chapter 7 Trustee, Markowitz, Ringel, Trusty & Hartog

Ross Hartog operated and managed commercial shopping center with anchor tenants that included Winn Dixie, Foot Locker, AutoZone, as well as other national and local businesses. Operated and managed 90-unit apartment complex and confirmed a plan of reorganization. Operated and managed... Read More →

Joshua D. Silver

Partner, Markowitz, Ringel, Trusty & Hartog

Throughout his legal career, Joshua has developed extensive experience representing bankruptcy trustees in all facets of estate administration, including the litigation of adversary proceedings, liquidation of assets, objections to claims, preparation of civil and criminal referrals... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Trustee Assistant Track

10:00am EDT

Break with Our Sponsors

Monday August 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

10:30am EDT

Case Law Update Part I

Monday August 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

TBA

This year’s conference, once again, will bring you the Annual Case Law Update with our well-regarded panel of judges and practitioners highlighting for you the most recent cases of interest to Trustees. The panel will discuss not only the publicized Supreme Court decisions like Keathley v. Buddy Ayers Construction, Inc., (Argued to the Court on March 24, 2026) that addresses the hotly contested issue of the preclusive effect of not disclosing a claim in a bankruptcy petition but also the lesser known opinions coming out of the Bankruptcy Courts as they grapple with, for example, the epidemic of cases caused by Merchant Cash Advance transactions. There is always something for everyone in the survey of court wide ranging opinions brought to the table by this panel.

Speakers

Hon. Mary Grace Diehl

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Hon. Elizabeth D. Katz

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Judge Elizabeth D. Katz was appointed to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts on March 13, 2017, and is assigned to the Western and Central Divisions. On April 17, 2018, Judge Katz was appointed to the First Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel. On December... Read More →

Andrea Dobin

Partner, McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC

Andrea Dobin is a partner in the law firm of McManimon Scotland and Baumann, resident in the firm’s office in Trenton, New Jersey. Andrea has served as a Chapter 7 Trustee since 1999 and as New Jersey’s primary Chapter 12 Trustee since 2005. Her practice consists largely of representing... Read More →

Ronald Peterson

Of Counsel, Jenner & Block LLP

A fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, Ron is a prolific lecturer and writer on bankruptcy and commercial law issues. He contributes to this area of law by his involvement in several initiatives and organizations. Ron served on the panel of the Chapter 7 Trustees for the... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track

10:30am EDT

Judges Panel

Monday August 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

TBA

This panel of bankruptcy judges will discuss emerging issues, best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and how trustees can best assist the court and the parties in Subchapter V cases.

Speakers

Hon. Heather Z. Cooper

Chief Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Heather Z. Cooper, Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont was appointed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on March 14, 2022. Judge Cooper received her J.D. degree from South Texas College of Law, magna cum laude, in... Read More →

Hon. John W. Kolwe

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

John W. Kolwe was appointed United States Bankruptcy Judge by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, effective August 12, 2015. He was sworn in by Bankruptcy Judge Robert R. Summerhays and served in the Alexandria and Monroe Divisions of the Western District of... Read More →

Hon. James J. Tancredi

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

James Tancredi was appointed to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and took the oath of office on September 1, 2016. Prior to his appointment, he was a partner at the law firm of Day Pitney, LLP (f/k/a... Read More →

Ryan J. Richmond

Partner, Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC

Ryan is a partner at the New Orleans, LA-based law firm of Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC where he leads the firm's bankruptcy section. He is also the current chairman of the bankruptcy section of the Baton Rouge Bar Association.

Ryan earned his JD from LSU in 2006. He also ear... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
TBA

Subchapter V Track

10:30am EDT

Common Audit Issues and What To Do About Them

Monday August 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

TBA

Speakers

Steve Bridgett

Bankruptcy Engagement Manager, LLK, LLC

Steve has worked for Jeoffrey L Burtch since 2006 and worked with a former Chapter 7 Trustee for four years prior to 2006. Steve has been a member of NABT since 2002 and served as Trustee’s Assistant Liaison to the Board from 2014 through 2016. He has been active in a number of... Read More →

Lori L. Grahl

Paralegal, H Jason Gold, Trustee

Christy Weiss

NC Certified Paralegal, Davis Hartman Wright

Christy Weiss is a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Early American History. She received her paralegal certification from Old Dominion University in April 2001. Prior to her employment with... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
TBA

Trustee Assistant Track

11:30am EDT

NABT Awards Luncheon sponsored by Stinson LLP

Monday August 10, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

1:00pm EDT

Case Law Update Part II

Monday August 10, 2026 1:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

TBA

Speakers

Hon. Mary Grace Diehl

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Hon. Elizabeth D. Katz

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Andrea Dobin

Partner, McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC

Ronald Peterson

Of Counsel, Jenner & Block LLP

Monday August 10, 2026 1:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track

1:00pm EDT

Accounting for Subchapter V Trustees

Monday August 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Subchapter V Track

1:00pm EDT

Handbook and Supplemental Materials Panel

Monday August 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Speakers

Darlene G. Anderson

Director of Trustee Operations, Robert Furr and Marc Barmat Trustees

Darlene G. Anderson is currently the Director of Trustee Operations for trustees, Robert C. Furr and Marc P. Bamat. She also holds the position of Firm Administrator for the law firm, Furr Cohen PA, where she has worked for the past 31 years. Prior to joining Furr Cohen PA, Ms. Anderson... Read More →

Chantaal Arnold

Trustee Administrator, Marshack Hays Wood LLP

Chantaal Arnold is a Trustee Assistant in Irvine, California working for Marshack Hays Wood LLP. She is Trustee Assistant to Chapter 7 Trustee Richard A. Marshack, and started training for the position just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. She is also a Trustee Assistant to Subchapter... Read More →

Lawrence Dockery

Legal Assistant, Fava Firm

Lawrence is a Trustee Assistant to Will Fava, who was appointed in the Northern District of Mississippi in 2019 and in the Western District of Tennessee in 2022, but he has been doing bankruptcy debtor work since 2014. Outside of bankruptcy, Lawrence has been a soccer referee since... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Trustee Assistant Track

1:30pm EDT

Express Talk - Trustee Business Judgement Rule

Monday August 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

In this Express Talks session, Judge Diehl will trace the development of the business judgment rule and explain how it is applied to Chapter 7 trustees. She will review the statutory duties imposed on trustees and examine how courts apply the business judgment standard in bankruptcy matters, including § 363 sales and Rule 9019 settlements. Judge Diehl will also address the doctrine’s limits, the fiduciary constraints that shape trustee decision making, and will illustrate these principles through practical litigation examples and key cases.

Speakers

Hon. Mary Grace Diehl

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Monday August 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track

2:00pm EDT

Break with Our Sponsors

Monday August 10, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

2:30pm EDT

Following the Money: Forensic Accounting and Expert Evidence for Trustees

Monday August 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

TBA

Trustees routinely encounter commingled funds, incomplete records, and financial statements that do not reflect economic reality—often in cases where estate resources are limited. This panel provides a practical overview of forensic accounting methods used to investigate transfers, trace assets, and identify misstatements in balance sheets and profit-and-loss statements, with a focus on common commingling scenarios involving debtors and spouses or partners. Panelists will also explain how these analytical frameworks can be scaled and applied by trustees in smaller cases without funding for professionals, and will offer a concise, trustee-focused discussion of expert-evidence requirements under Rule 26(a)(2), Federal Rules of Evidence 702 and 703, and Rule 1006, equipping attendees with a working understanding of how expert reports are prepared, evaluated, and admitted.

Speakers

Melissa Davis

CPA, KapilaMukamal, LLP

Melissa Davis is a Partner at KapilaMukamal, LLP, a boutique CPA firm located in South Florida. Melissa provides forensic accounting, litigation support and insolvency advisory services to clients. She has conducted large scale fraud investigations, including forensic and securities... Read More →

Michael Lessne

Attorney, Lessne Hoffman, PLLC

Michael is a bankruptcy and creditors' rights and restructuring attorney and a business and commercial litigator. Michael provides counsel to businesses and individuals in a broad array of bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Michael represents bankruptcy trustees and other fiduciaries... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track

2:30pm EDT

Voting, Cramdown, and the Consensual Plan: Strategies to Encourage Plan Confirmation

Monday August 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

TBA

The chapter 11 practitioners on the panel will provide an overview of strategies to successfully confirm a subchapter V plan. Their presentation will include an in-depth analysis of section 1191 of the Bankruptcy Code. They will discuss voting requirements (including dealing with non-voting classes), confirmation hurdles and cram down procedures. The panelists will also discuss specific tips on achieving a consensual plan including proper utilization of the subchapter V trustee to facilitate confirmation.

Speakers

Peter Barrett

Partner, Kutak Rock LLP

Peter J. Barrett, a partner in Kutak Rock’s Richmond, Virginia office, concentrates his practice on financial restructuring matters. Mr. Barrett represents unsecured and secured creditors, trustees, equity holders, distressed investors and corporate debtors in insolvency matters... Read More →

John-Patrick M. Fritz

Partner, LEVENE, NEALE, BENDER, YOO & GOLUBCHIK L.L.P.

John-Patrick Fritz is a partner at Levene, Neale, Bender, Yoo & Golubchik L.L.P., a Los Angeles-based law firm specializing in bankruptcy and restructuring. He is also a subchapter V trustee and, to date, has been appointed in more than 100 cases. John-Patrick began his bankruptcy... Read More →

Brian Ryniker

Member, RK Consultants

Brian Ryniker has extensive experience in matters involving business restructurings, bankruptcy and insolvency, transaction due diligence and accounting and forensic investigations. Mr. Ryniker has been involved in many complex bankruptcies and work-out situations representing unsecured... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA

Subchapter V Track

2:30pm EDT

Learning Labs

Monday August 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA

Trustee Assistant Track

3:30pm EDT

Break with Our Sponsors

Monday August 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

3:30pm EDT

UST Liaison Meeting (by invitation only)

Monday August 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track

4:00pm EDT

Jeopardy Ethics

Monday August 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

TBA

Get ready for an ethics battle worthy of prime time! Judge Norton will lead this Jeopardy style ethics showdown as moderator and resident ethics guru, with Judges Collins and Gunn (“Team Sharks”) facing off against Trustees Bircher and Garrett (“Team Minnows”). If you’ve ever wanted to test both your Jeopardy instincts and ethical judgment, this session is your chance. The game will challenge your knowledge of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct and the real world ethical duties that arise in bankruptcy practice across a range of practical categories. Expect a lively, fast paced learning and challenging experience—and walk away with memorable insights you won’t forget long after the buzzer sounds.

Speakers

Hon. Daniel P. Collins

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Hon. Elizabeth L. Gunn

Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Hon. Cynthia A. Norton

Chief Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court

Chief Judge Cynthia A. Norton graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kansas in 1981 with a double major in French and Art History. She received her law degree from the same institution in May 1984. She clerked for the Hon. John E. Rees of the Kansas Court of Appeals, and... Read More →

Monday August 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA

Chapter 7 Track Subchapter V Track Trustee Assistant Track

5:30pm EDT

New Trustee Happy Hour sponsored by Verita

Monday August 10, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

7:00pm EDT

Platinum Sponsor Dinners (by invitation only)

Monday August 10, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm EDT

TBA

Monday August 10, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
TBA

Networking-Social

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