President’s Column
In my penultimate column as ABI President, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce the ABI Family to our ABI President-Elect, Hon. Bruce A. Harwood (ret.), who has been an ABI member since 1989. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of Judge Harwood joining in on our weekly ABI President calls along with ABI Executive Director Amy Quackenboss and ABI Chief Operating Officer Karim Guirguis.
It has been a pleasure to get to know Judge Harwood over the past year and follow his adventures since retiring from the bench. It was also nice to use the opportunity to move our calls back an hour to accommodate the time difference after he moved to California. I hope this conversation gives you insight into ABI’s bright future under Judge Harwood’s leadership.
Ward: Judge Harwood, for those in our membership that might not be familiar with your background, can you tell us a little about your life prior to taking the bench?
Judge Harwood: Thanks, Chris. Although I lived and worked in New Hampshire from 1987 until last August, I actually grew up in the Chicago area. I spent the first six years of my practice at the Chicago law firm of Schwartz, Cooper, Kolb & Gaynor. Unbeknownst to me when I started there, it was one of the premiere bankruptcy boutique firms in Chicago.
My first week on the job, I got involved representing a chapter 11 debtor that owned seven franchised McDonald’s restaurants. The case was filed on the eve of a state court hearing in which McDonald’s sought to terminate the franchise agreements, and it quickly became a “David vs. Goliath” battle, with McDonald’s’ two outside law firms and its in-house counsel against me and one or two other more senior lawyers at my firm. I learned an incredible amount about the chapter 11 “toolkit” in that case, and realized just how far-reaching bankruptcy practice can be. For a new lawyer like me, it was the perfect blend of breadth and depth of virtually all aspects of commercial law underneath a bankruptcy umbrella, and it just took off from there.
I moved to New Hampshire in 1987 as a card-carrying bankruptcy/insolvency specialist, and although I continued to focus on commercial cases, I was a chapter 7 trustee for about 10 years — a great introduction to the consumer side of the practice. In the process, I also did an increasing amount of work with the state of New Hampshire involving the rehabilitation and liquidation of insurance companies and trust companies.
Ward: I will ask the inevitable question: What made you want to become a judge?
Judge Harwood: My natural inclination has always been to want to consider things from all sides. Lawyers have to do that in representing clients and preparing cases, but their focus is also on advocating for their clients. I enjoyed doing that as a lawyer, but judges have the opportunity to take that one step further, and if the parties can’t resolve their disputes consensually, judges have the opportunity (and the authority) to determine a just and fair resolution.
In addition, judges have the opportunity to consider issues without regard to the amount of money at stake. That’s especially true in the consumer context, where lawyers (and their clients) may simply not have adequate resources to fully develop, research and argue — at trial and, perhaps, on appeal — some very interesting issues of bankruptcy law. Bankruptcy judges, with the aid of good law clerks, can sometimes more fully develop and decide those types of issues, which, at the very least, makes for a better basis for appellate review, especially if the initial reviewing court is a district court that might not have as much familiarity with the underlying bankruptcy law issues.
Most of all, I loved being the “face” of the bankruptcy system, an aspect that I also loved as a chapter 7 trustee. One of the most important things that judges can do is to ensure that everyone who appears before them feels that they have been heard, and that win or lose, the proceeding was fair. This notion motivated me every single day of my judicial career.
Ward: You previously served as ABI’s Vice President-Communications & Information Technology. What intrigued you most about that role, and how will it assist you in serving as ABI President?
Judge Harwood: I was actually a member of that committee (off and on) for approximately 10 years, and loved working with the other committee members and with ABI’s staff, especially Karim. ABI’s online products, platforms and technological capabilities have grown by leaps and bounds over the years and are, in my experience, second to none in our insolvency community. We are committed to continuing to grow those capabilities and to providing ever-enhanced services and capabilities to our members, and to the insolvency community at large. The future is very, very bright.
Ward: You are married to Hon. Hannah L. Blumenstiel (N.D. Cal.). How does it feel to be one of ABI’s power couples? How does Judge Blumenstiel complement your work in ABI and beyond?
Judge Harwood: Well, we don’t view ourselves as a power couple, or even as the “first couple.” We are really just two people who are committed to ABI, its membership, its staff and its mission — and we just happen to be married to each other. We talk about ABI matters all the time, and when we attend conferences together, it just so happens that we save ABI the cost of one hotel room.
Ward: As I noted in the introduction, you recently retired from the bench and moved from New Hampshire to California. Despite that career- and life-changing decision, you chose to take on the greater good and serve as ABI President. This is a monumental decision; can you give us some insight into your decision-making?
Judge Harwood: As you’ve often said, Chris, ABI is really like a family. The principal reason that I decided to retire early and move to the West Coast was to be able to be closer to my family — starting with my wife, who bore the brunt of much of the bicoastal travel for a very long time. I always intended to stay involved with ABI beyond retirement, and am grateful and honored beyond words to continue at an enhanced level.
Ward: You will be inducted as ABI President at the Annual Spring Meeting on April 25 in Washington, D.C. First, what are you most looking forward to during your term? Second, you have a tough act to follow; have you considered your outfit yet?
Judge Harwood: I’ve been involved in ABI leadership for a long time. I look forward to attending some of the conferences that I’ve never been able to attend before. I also look forward to helping to complete and implement ABI’s newest strategic plan, including expanding the roles and participation of members at all levels, from the newest to the more senior (like me). There is more than enough room in ABI for everyone.
Ward: As you know, I am a Jedi that serves on the Jedi High Council. I believe that you are a Trekkie. How can that possibly be?
Judge Harwood: I’ve been a lover of all things involving space and astronomy since I was in grammar school. I still remember reading Arthur C. Clarke’s short story “The Sentinel” years before the movie it inspired — 2001: A Space Odyssey — was released. I kept a scrapbook about the space program starting in fifth grade, using actual, physical scissors and paste (I can explain those to our younger members) to insert the newspaper and magazine articles, beginning with the Gemini program. I love sharing stories about astronomy, and hope to do some of that in my own monthly newsletters. As Yoda would say, “You must unlearn what you have learned about me. Pleasantly surprised, you will be.”
Ward: Judge Harwood, thank you for your time and your heartfelt responses. I am excited for a smooth transition of power. I hope you find your year as ABI President as fulfilling as I did! Godspeed.
Chris Ward is chair of Polsinelli’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice and managing partner of the firm’s Wilmington, Del., office. He previously served as ABI’s Vice President-Development.
Event Roundup
Consumer Practice Extravaganza 2024-2025 Concludes with Six January Sessions
ABI’s ever-popular virtual program just for consumer bankruptcy practitioners, the Consumer Practice Extravaganza (CPEX), wrapped up its fourth annual programming with six online sessions broadcast over Jan. 21, 22 and 24, which followed several sessions livestreamed Nov. 11-12. More than 400 consumer practitioners participated in January’s programming, which covered racial disparities in filing outcomes, proof-of-claim considerations, a consumer Rules update, how to successfully market a bankruptcy practice, subchapter V issues and mortgage updates. Attendees could earn up to 11.3 hours of CLE credit for the complete program, including all of the session recordings, which were available on demand through the end of January.
ABI is grateful to Stretto for sponsoring the 2024-2025 virtual conference, and thanks this year’s advisory board for putting together this well-received program: Hon. Martin R. Barash of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California (Woodland Hills), Jeffrey S. Fraser of ALAW (Tampa, Fla.), Hon. Elizabeth L. Gunn of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), Hon. Joshua P. Searcy of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Tyler) and Summer Shaw of Shaw & Hanover, PC (Palm Desert, Calif.). Stay tuned for a special announcement regarding next year’s expanded program.
International Caribbean Insolvency Symposium Returns to the Caymans
Nearly 200 attendees from throughout the Caribbean and U.S. hit the beach Jan. 23-25 for ABI’s International Caribbean Insolvency Symposium, held at Grand Cayman’s Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa on beautiful Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands. An Opening Reception co-sponsored by IWIRC and RISA Cayman kicked off the program, which featured sessions on Recent Border Crossings by Bankrupts: An International Insolvency and Chapter 15 Update; Where Jurisdiction Reigns Supreme: Planning a Cross-Border Proceeding Post-Purdue; Attorney/Client Privilege: Ethics Has No Borders; Alternatives to Bankruptcy, Including Receiverships and ABCs; Show Me the Money: Litigation Finance in International Insolvency — Challenges and Opportunities; Strategic Use of Chapter 15 and Its Intersection with § 363: Can a U.S. Court Sell a Foreign Debtor’s Assets Free and Clear?; Innovation vs. Insolvency: Current Issues in Fintech and Cryptocurrency Cases; Finding the Cure: Assessing the Ills Affecting the Health Care Industry; Choosing Your Battleground: Assessing the Appropriate Forum; and a Judges’ Roundtable. Up to 9.6/9.5 hours of CLE/CPE credit were available, including up to 1.2 hours of ethics.
ABI is grateful to this year’s advisory board for putting together the 2025 program, led by Judicial Chairs Hon. María de los Ángeles González of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Puerto Rico (San Juan) and Hon.Laurel Myerson Isicoff of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida (Miami), Co-Chairs Katherine R. Catanese of Foley & Lardner LLP (New York) and Alan R. Rosenberg of Markowitz Ringel Trusty & Hartog P.A. (Miami), and Sponsorship Co-Chairs Joel E. Cohen of Stout Risius Ross, LLC (New York) and Gemma Bellfield of Ogier (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands). We also thank the following firms for their generous sponsorship of this year’s symposium: agencyIP/Sherwood Partners, Inc.; Appleby; Axos Global Fiduciary Banking; BakerHostetler; Baker McKenzie; Berger Singerman LLP; Blank Rome LLP; Collas Crill; Cooley; Deloitte; Duane Morris LLP; Dundon Advisers; EisnerAmper LLC; Foley & Lardner LLP; Grant Thornton Advisors LLC; Harneys; IWIRC; Markowitz Ringel Trusty & Hartog, P.A.; Mourant; Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; Reid Collins & Tsai LLP; RISA; Sequor Law; Stout Risius Ross, LLC; Venable LLP; and Wilmington Trust.
Check back at abi.org/events for information on next year’s program as it becomes available.
Members in the News
Two attorneys with WilmerHale in Boston have been named to Boston Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” list. Benjamin W. Loveland has been an ABI member since 2008 and is co-chair of ABI’s Northeast Bankruptcy Conference. George W. Shuster has been an ABI member since 2003.
Waël Rostom of McMillan LLP (Toronto) has been recognized in the 2024 Lexpert special-edition directory on Insolvency and Restructuring. He has been an ABI member since 2021.
Elizabeth M. Aboulafia of Cullen and Dykman LLP (Uniondale, N.Y.) received a Top Woman Dealmakers Award from the 2024 U.S.A. Woman Leaders and Top Deal Maker Awards Winners Circle. She has been an ABI member since 2008.
Two ABI members have been elected to IWIRC’s 2025 Board of Directors. Evelyn J. Meltzer of Troutman Pepper Locke LLP (Wilmington, Del.), who has been elected chair, has been an ABI member since 2004 and is a member of ABI’s Board of Directors. Tara J. Schellhorn of Riker, Danzig LLP (Morristown, N.J.), who was elected secretary, has been an ABI member since 2011, is co-chair of ABI’s Emerging Industries and Technology Committee, is a coordinating editor for the ABI Journal, and is a 2019 ABI “40 Under 40” honoree.
Hon. Kevin Gross (ret.) will co-lead Richards, Layton & Finger, PA’s new Arbitration and Mediation Practice. Based in Wilmington, Del., he has been an ABI member since 1999.
Kenneth Pasquale of Paul Hastings LLP (New York) has been named a Litigation Star and National Practice Area Star by Benchmark Litigation USA for 2025. He has been an ABI member since 2001.
John W. Weiss of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, PC (Holmdel, N.J.) has been appointed to the Lawyers Advisory Committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. He has been an ABI member since 2004.
Caroline R. Djang of Buchalter (Irvine, Calif.) has been named among the Leaders of Influence — Women in Law 2024 by the Orange County Business Journal. She has been an ABI member since 2023.
Scott A. Griffin has joined Wiggin and Dana LLP’s Restructuring Practice in New York as a partner. He has been an ABI member since 2003.
Anthony W. Austin of Fennemore Craig PC (Phoenix) has been named the Maricopa County Bar Association’s Member of the Year. He has been an ABI member 2009.
Hailey Klabo has joined Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP’s Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Practice in Raleigh, N.C., as an associate. She has been an ABI member since 2022.
Two law partners with Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in Washington, D.C., have been named among the Washingtonian’s biennial 2024 Top Lawyers list. Michael L. Bernstein has been an ABI member since 1994 and is a past ABI Treasurer. Rosa J. Evergreen has been an ABI member since 2005 and is a 2018 ABI “40 Under 40” honoree.
Anthony J. Kochis of Wolfson Bolton Kochis PLLC (Troy, Mich.) has been elected chair of the Litigation Section of the Michigan State Bar. He has been an ABI member since 2009 and is an advisory board member of ABI’s Central States Bankruptcy Workshop.
Andrew G. Dietderich of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (New York) has been named a Law360 Bankruptcy MVP for the fifth time. He has been an ABI member since 2008 and is an advisory board member for ABI’s New York City Bankruptcy Conference.
Brittany S. Ogden of Quarles & Brady LLP (Madison, Wis.) has been selected to the Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance list by Monitor Magazine. She has been an ABI member since 2003 and is an advisory board member of ABI’s Central States Bankruptcy Workshop.
Jeffrey R. Dutson of King & Spalding (Atlanta) has been elected as a trustee for the American College of Investment Counsel. He has been an ABI member since 2009 and is co-chair of ABI’s Southeast Bankruptcy Workshop.
Gregory A. Kopacz of Sills Cummis & Gross PC (Newark, N.J.) has been promoted to member. He has been an ABI member since 2024.
Leslie A. Berkoff of Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP (New York) has been appointed as a council member of the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section for the 2024-28 term. In addition, she has been elected global chair of GGI | Global Alliance’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group for the 2024-27 term. Ms. Berkoff has been an ABI member since 2001 and is a coordinating editor for the ABI Journal.
James A. Lodoen of Spencer Fane (Minneapolis) has earned the 2024 Minnesota ICON Award from Minnesota Lawyer. He has been an ABI member since 1992 and is an advisory board member of ABI’s Central States Bankruptcy Workshop.
T. Emiliano Aguirre has joined Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP’s Business Transactions Practice Group as an associate in Phoenix. He has been an ABI member since 2024.
Douglas E. Spelfogel has joined Jenner & Block LLP as a partner and will co-chair the firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice in New York. He has been an ABI member since 2022.
Monique Jewett-Brewster of Hopkins & Carley LLP (San Jose, Calif.) has been elected Regent of the American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers. She has been an ABI member since 2023.
Heather L. Ries of Fox Rothschild LLP (West Palm Beach, Fla.) received the Florida Trailblazer Award for her leadership and commitment to IWIRC Florida. She has been an ABI member since 2006.
Joseph D. Frank has joined Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, PC in Chicago as a partner in the firm’s Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Practice. He has been an ABI member since 1995.
Destiney Parker-Thompson of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC (Raleigh, N.C.) has been selected by the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges as a Blackshear Presidential Fellow for 2024. She has been an ABI member since 2021.
James C. Fox of Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, PC (Boston) has been recognized among Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers of 2024. He has been an ABI member since 1996.
Matthew Bordwin of Keen-Summit Capital Partners LLC (Melville, N.Y.) has been named among the New York Real Estate Journal’s 2024 Ones to Watch — Innovators in Commerical Real Estate. He has been an ABI member since 2002 and is a past member of ABI’s Board of Directors.
Eight ABI members have been elected to IWIRC Greater Philadelphia’s 2025 Board of Directors. Co-Chair Lauren P. Berret of EisnerAmper (Philadelphia) has been an ABI member since 2021. Co-Chair Kate Deringer Sallie of Pillar+Aught (Harrisburg, Pa.) has been an ABI member since 2006. Vice Chair Rebecca Earl of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District for the District of New Jersey (Trenton, N.J.) has been an ABI member since 2019 and is an advisory board member of ABI’s Mid-Atlantic Bankruptcy Workshop. Secretary Mariam Khoudari of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP (Philadelphia) has been an ABI member since 2024. Sponsorship Chair Katherine Dute of Robinson & Cole LLP (Wilmington, Del.) has been an ABI member since 2021. Membership Chair Elisa Hyder of Polsinelli (Philadelphia) has been an ABI member since 2024. Event Co-Chair Julie M. Murphy of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP (Cherry Hill, Pa.) has been an ABI member since 2020. Member-at-Large Leslie B. Baskin of Spector, Gadon & Rosen, PC (Philadelphia) has been an ABI member since 1988.
Harold D. Israel of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC (Chicago) has been recognized among Crain’s Chicago Business’s 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders. He has been an ABI member since 2009.
Hon. Brian F. Kenney has been appointed and designated to serve as Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He has been an ABI member since 1997 and is based in Alexandria, Va.
Amber M. Carson of Gray Reed (Dallas) has received the 2024 American Inns of Court Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Professional Service, which honors an American Inn of Court member in practice 10 years or fewer for their excellence in public interest or pro bono activities. She has been an ABI member since 2016, is a 2022 ABI “40 Under 40” honoree and is a member of ABI’s Board of Directors.
Two law partners with Brown Rudnick LLP have been recognized in the Lexology Index (formerly known as Who’s Who Legal) for 2024. William R. Baldiga, who was recommended for restructuring and insolvency by the publication, has been an ABI member since 1992 and is based in Boston. Jeffrey L. Jonas, who was named a thought leader and recommended for restructuring and insolvency by the publication, has been an ABI member since 1995 and is based in New York.
Antonia Mottironi of Ardenter Law (Geneva, Switzerland) has been recognized as a Global Elite — Thought Leader by Lexology Index, formerly Who’s Who Legal (WWL). She has been an ABI member since 2024.
Five attorneys with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw & Pittman LLP in New York have been singled out as “names to know” in Global Restructuring Review’s eighth annual GRR100 guide for 2024. Andrew M. Troop has been an ABI member since 1994 and is a coordinating editor for the ABI Journal. Rahman Connelly has been an ABI member since 2021. Patrick Fitzmaurice has been an ABI member since 2019. Hugh M. McDonald has been an ABI member since 2018. John Pintarelli has been an ABI member since 2008. Three attorneys also were recognized by the publication as leading partners. Dania Slim in the firm’s Palm Beach, Fla., office has been an ABI member since 2009 and is an advisory board member of ABI’s Caribbean Insolvency Symposium. Patrick J. Potter in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office has been an ABI member since 2012 and is Education Director of ABI’s Real Estate Committee. Hugh M. Ray has been an ABI member since 2012 and is based in Houston.
Two attorneys with Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP in Wilmington, Del., have been elected to partnership. Allison Mielke has been an ABI member since 2022. Joseph Mulvihill has been an ABI member since 2016.
Daniel Halperin of Sequor Law (Miami) has been appointed vice chairman of the Claims and Priorities Subcommittee of the Business Bankruptcy Committee under the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section. He has been an ABI member since 2024.
Laura E. Baccash of White & Case LLP (Chicago) has been named a partner in the firm’s Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Practice. She has been an ABI member since 2023.
Hon. Harlin D. Hale (ret.) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas (Dallas) received the 2024 Fellows Justinian Award from the Dallas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees. He was a judge from 2002-22 and has been an ABI member since 2003.
Nicholas A. Griebel of Polsinelli (St. Louis) has been elected shareholder. He has been an ABI member since 2017.
What’s Happening at ABI
ABI Mediation Committee to Hold Webinar on Amending Rule 9031
ABI’s Mediation Committee is hosting a webinar on March 3, “Amending Bankruptcy Rule 9031: Recent Efforts to Expand Bankruptcy Judges’ Toolboxes.” The webinar features Hon. Michael B. Kaplan of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (Trenton), Merril Hirsh of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals (Tallahassee, Fla.) and Sylvia A. Mayer of S. Mayer Law (Houston).
The panelists will be discussing efforts currently underway to amend Bankruptcy Rule 9031 to expand judges’ toolboxes and allow for the appointment of special neutrals (a.k.a. special masters), and also will be focusing on practical considerations in evaluating such an amendment. A recording will be available at cle.abi.org.
ABI and Debtwire Launch “Women in Restructuring” Podcast
ABI and Debtwire recently collaborated to launch a “Women in Restructuring” podcast series featuring leading women in the industry, who discuss key issues in a variety of insolvency sectors and talk about their paths in the profession. Host Sarah Foss of Debtwire talks with some of the top women in restructuring about their career journeys, insights on key areas of the profession, and thoughts on the future of the industry. The inaugural episode of the new podcast series features an engaging conversation between Foss and Alice Eaton of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Look for the podcast at abi.org/podcasts, and like and subscribe to your favorite podcast service!
ABI Releases Update to Choppy Waters: Navigating the Intersection of Bankruptcy and Intellectual Property
Choppy Waters: Navigating the Intersection of Bankruptcy and Intellectual Property, Second Edition explores the complex and often challenging issues that arise when bankruptcy law and intellectual property law intersect within the U.S. legal system. This book is designed for legal professionals with a foundational understanding of either U.S. bankruptcy law or intellectual property law who seek to navigate the unique challenges that emerge when these two legal frameworks interact. This thorough resource provides (1) a foundational discussion of both intellectual property and bankruptcy law; (2) a compendium of different types of intellectual property; (3) an overview of the unique claims and disputes that can arise in intellectual property-related litigation; and (4) a thorough discussion of key issues that often arise when intellectual property rights collide with the bankruptcy process, including the treatment of intellectual property license agreements as executory contracts in bankruptcy and the sale of intellectual property assets in bankruptcy proceedings. This second edition expands on key topics with updated discussions, including the impact of the Copyright Alternative in Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act) and issues related to computer software and artificial intelligence. It also incorporates recent court opinions issued since the first edition. Visit store.abi.org to order your copy today.
ABI Endowment Fund Update
Future MLB Stars to Face Off in “Battle of the Beltway” at April Endowment Event!
The ABI Endowment event at this year’s Annual Spring Meeting in Washington, D.C. (April 24-26) will feature a match-up between two young and talented DC-area teams: the Baltimore Orioles vs. the Washington Nationals. On April 23 at 6:45 p.m. at Nationals Park, watch such rising stars as the Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Colton Cowser, and the Nationals’ Dylan Crews, James Wood and MacKenzie Gore, take the field — all from the comfort of a luxurious private suite!
Tickets are $300, which includes food and beverages. Sponsorship tickets are $1,000 and include two tickets plus acknowledgment. The luxury suite has been generously donated and sponsored by BakerHostetler. If your firm would like to sponsor this event, please contact ABI Endowment Manager Erin Green at egreen@abi.org.
Join Our Regional Committee and Make a Difference!
ABI’s Anthony H.N. Schnelling Endowment Fund continues to grow and strengthen its efforts. Key among these efforts has been the Endowment’s Regional Committee. We are excited to invite passionate individuals like you to join in this wonderful opportunity to make an impact by shaping programs, initiatives and events that benefit our community and beyond.
Why Join?
- Influence Regional Initiatives: Your insights and ideas can help guide key projects.
- Connect with Leaders: Collaborate with a diverse group of professionals dedicated to meaningful change.
- Make a Difference: Be part of a team committed to advancing the ABI Endowment’s mission and goals.
What Is Involved?
As a committee member, you will attend quarterly virtual meetings; provide input on regional programming and engagement strategies; and serve as an ambassador, sharing our mission with your network.
Whether you are a longtime Endowment supporter or are newly interested in becoming more involved, we would be thrilled to have your voice at the table. To express your interest or to learn more, please reach out to ABI Endowment Manager Erin Green at egreen@abi.org, and we will follow up with next steps.
Together, we can continue to build a strong and vibrant community. Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute in such an impactful way.
ABI Founders Society: Another Way to Give to the Endowment
By becoming a member of the ABI Founders Society, you can continue to support the Endowment and ABI for years to come through estate-planning. All the proceeds benefit the Endowment Fund and are 100 percent tax-deductible. When you include ABI in your estate plan, your generosity helps provide additional funding for the Endowment so that it can continue to support current and future industry members.
Please visit the Founders Society section on ABI’s website at abi.org/endowment for more information. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to ABI Endowment Manager Erin Green at egreen@abi.org.
Levels of Support for the ABI Endowment
Diamond Level $80,000-$100,000
Platinum Level $65,000-$79,999
Millennium Level $50,000-$64,999
30th Anniversary Circle $30,000-$49,999
Century Council Member $25,000-$29,999
Visionary Member $20,000-$24,999
Legacy Member $15,000-$19,999
Lifetime Member $10,000-$14,999
Benefactor $5,000-$9,999
Sustaining Member $2,000-$4,999
Leadership Club $1,000-$1,999
Donor $100-$999
Donate online at abi.org/endowment. Donations are tax-deductible and can be paid over five years. Contact Erin Green at egreen@abi.org for more information.
New Members
October (partial list)
Andrew Magaziner
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor
Wilmington, Del.
Tejal Majethia
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D.Del.)
Wilmington, Del.
Paul R. Marr
Paul Reece Marr, PC
Sandy Springs, Ga.
Monika Mazurczyk
Karina Pia Lucid, Esq. LLC
Bridgewater, N.J.
Caitlin McIntyre
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Burlington, Ont.
Colin A. Meehan
Richards, Layton & Finger, PA
Wilmington, Del.
Jesse Mighton
Bennett Jones LLP
Toronto
Alex Mihalov
Perkins Thompson, PA
Portland, Maine
Keith Miller
SRS Acquiom
London
Richard Morgner
Jefferies LLC
New York
Haddon Murray
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Toronto
Kimberly Neureiter
PBGC
Washington, D.C.
Jesse L. Noa
Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP
Wilmington, Del.
McKenna Novack
Development Specialists, Inc.
Chicago
John O’Brien
Development Specialists, Inc.
Chicago
Julia A. Osmolia
Stearns Weaver Miller, et al.
Miami
Dante S. Pavan
DOJ-Civil Division
Wind Gap, Pa.
Clifton P. Prophet
Gowling WLG
Toronto
Yi Qian
Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
Wilmington, Del.
John L. Reed
DLA Piper LLP (US)
Wilmington, Del.
Shane M. Reed
Medline Industries
Franklin, Wis.
Linda Richenderfer
Office of the U.S. Trustee
Wilmington, Del.
John R. Rizzardi
Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS
Seattle
Michael Roeschenthaler
Raines Feldman Littrell LLP
Pittsburgh
Luke S. Russell
GLAS USA
New York
Evan S. Saruk
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor
West Chester, Pa.
Maria Aprile Sawczuk
Goldstein & McClintock LLLP
Wilmington, Del.
James T. Schmidt, Jr.
Baird Holm LLP
Shawnee, Kan.
Rahaman Sheriff, Sr.
SSBM Geneva
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Elle Soros
Harris Law, PC
Alpena, Mich.
Julia H. Spencer
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
New York
Katie Spewak
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
St. Louis
Jake G. Starr
Pryor Cashman LLP
Syosset, N.Y.
Graham Streich
Baker & McKenzie LLP
New York
Jenny Swinerton
LeaderStat
Powell, Ohio
Darius Tay
BlackOak LLC
Singapore
Robert Toscano
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.)
Concord, N.H.
Georgia Tsignopoulos
U,S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D.N.Y.)
Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Conner B. Verreaux
Murphy & King, PC
Boston
John W. Viggers
Cushman & Wakefield
West Des Moines, Iowa
Dean R. Vomero
Applied Business Strategy LLC
Cleveland
William R.Waller
Teneo
New York
Hunter G. Waters
Herrick Feinstein LLP
New York
Jeffery Wheat
Wheat Legal PLLC
Seattle
Robert White
Jefferies LLC
New York
Rebecca Wicks
Buchalter Nemer, PC
Irvine, Calif.
Erin L. Williamson
Ballard Spahr LLP
Wilmington, Del.
Frank M. Wolff
Nardella & Nardella PLLC
Orlando, Fla.
Tianyi “Alice” Zhu
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.J.)
Jersey City, N.J.
November
Deana Alegi
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Fla.)
Tampa, Fla.
Arielle C. Ambra-Juarez
Cooley LLP
New York
Eytan Anisfeld
Revelation Machinery
Deerfield, Ill.
Richard J. Arbuckle
Synovus Bank
Peachtree City, Ga.
Andrew D. Bates
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
New York
Stephanie Benishai
Osgoode Hall Law School
Toronto
Alban Beqiri
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D. Tex.)
Mcallen, Texas
Laura S. Bouyea
Venable LLP
Baltimore
Matthew Brash
Newpoint Advisors Corp.
Rosemont, Ill.
Siobhan Briley
Pugh Hagan Prahm PLC
Coralville, Iowa
Blake M. Bryan
Gray Reed
Dallas
Abby M. Carr
Provo, Utah
Amanda Carrizales
Engelman Berger PC
Phoenix
Sarah J. Crouch
U.S. Trustee Program
Dunlap, Ill.
James Drury
Interpath
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Nicholas Engel
Smith Kane Holman LLC
Malvern, Pa.
Matthew English
Arch + Beam
Belmont, Calif.
Francine Falchook
Reorg
New York
Ross J. Fiedler
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
New York
William Finkle
Sacramento, Calif.
Landon W. Foody
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Chicago
Jennifer Fox
Ogier
Camana Bay, Cayman Islands
Chris Francis
Inspira Financial
Oak Brook, Ill.
Thomas Garvey
Atlanta
Jennifer C. Hayes
Finestone Hayes LLP
San Francisco
Jared C. Hoffman
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan, et al.
Wilmington, Del.
Peter Hurwitz
Dundon Advisers LLC
Harrison, N.Y.
Elisa Hyder
Polsinelli
Philadelphia
Rey Jomarron
Inspira Financial
Oak Brook, Ill.
Alan Julien
Causey & Ye
Iowa City, Iowa
Salim Kafiti
Resolute
Charlotte, N.C.
Michael Kelly
Inspira Financial
Oak Brook, Ill.
Katherine C. Kerwin
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Tallahassee, Fla.
Demetri Lahanas
Realty Income
San Diego
Dilina Lallani
Cozen O’Connor
Oakville, Ont.
Christopher A. Leach
U.S. Air Force
Wichita Falls, Texas
Jose A. Leon-Landrau
Leon-Landrau
Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Juan C. Leuchter
AlixPartners LLP
New York
Spencer W. Lichtman
Atlanta
George Liddicoat
McCue Law Office, LLC
Hampden, Maine
Micah E. Marcus
McDonald Hopkins LLC
Highland Park, Ill.
Grant Marshall
Marietta, Ga.
Brian McElroy
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D.N.Y.)
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Nate McOmber
G2 Capital Advisors
Holladay, Utah
Trenton Meriwether
Thompson Burton PLLC
Nashville, Tenn.
Teresa Mkhitarian
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Cal.)
Valley Glen, Calif.
Brendan Mockler
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Holliston, Mass.
Ramona Morel
City Bar Justice Center
New York
Joshua Nahas
Dundon Advisers LLC
Fair Lawn, N.J.
Brian M. Ortiz
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Ind.)
South Bend, Ind.
Jerome C. Payne
Payne Law Firm
Memphis, Tenn.
Ricardo Silva Pereira
PLMJ
Lisbon, Portugal
Jaclyn Dunbar Perkins
Young Conaway Stargatt, et al.
Waxhaw, N.C.
Nico G. Pizzo
Law Offices of Avrum J. Rosen
Huntington, N.Y.
Eliana Putman
FTI Consulting, Inc.
Houston
Jason Raclaw
Business Contract Technologies
Park Ridge, Ill.
Nathaniel Rayle
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
Washington, D.C.
Andrew D. Rebholz
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP
Columbus, Ohio
Antonin Robbason
Ryan Smith & Carbine Ltd.
Rutland, Vt.
Adam Scarpati
BDO USA PC
Smithtown, N.Y.
Eric L. Scherling
PJM Interconnection
Malvern, Pa.
Tancred Schiavoni
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
New York
Rick M. Shelby
Phelps Dunbar LLP
New Orleans
Matthew T. Smith
King & Spalding
New York
Stephen Smith
Polsinelli
Wilmington, Del.
Amanda Tortorelli
Inspira Financial
Oak Brook, Ill.
David Turner
Inspira Financial
Oak Brook, Ill.
Bridget Underhill
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Royal Oak, Mich.
J. Spencer Ward
Merchants Bonding Co.
West Des Moines, Iowa
Peter Welsh
Inspira Financial
Oak Brook, Ill.
Jessica Williams
Harneys
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Joshua Williams
Newton, Mass.
Stephen M. Wolpert
Dechert LLP
New York
December
Merve Aktas
Paris, France
Luke Almond
Ernst and Young Ltd.
Road Town, British Virgin Islands
Najeeb Aminyar
Rochelle McCullough, LLP
Dallas
John A. Anthony
Anthony & Partners, LLC
Tampa, Fla.
Sabena Arora-Akarte
Acadia Lodging Brokers
Garden City, N.Y.
Bryan Avila
Avila Consulting
Huntington Park, Calif.
Nicole Banks
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.M.)
Albuquerque, N.M.
Danielle Barav-Johnson
Eversheds Sutherland LLP
Atlanta
Tina Barga
Chapter 13 Trustee
Columbus, Ohio
David P. Bart
David Bart & Associates LLC
Skokie, Ill.
Mohamad Batal
New Haven, Conn.
Alan Bercow
Appleby
Camana Bay, Cayman Islands
Dong Bin
St. Louis
John Blake
Somerville, Mass.
Steven J. Boyajian
Robinson & Cole LLP
Providence, R.I.
Kelsey E. Burgess
Trenam Law
Tampa, Fla.
Joshua Campbell
Borah Goldstein Altschuler, et al.
New York
Diane Carter
Barron and Carter, LLP
Fairview, Texas
Michael Cassel
Wachtell, Lipton, Rose & Katz
New York
Sophie Chang
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
John Churchill
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Hartsdale, N.Y.
Ruthleona Clement
Bond, Schoneck & King, PLLC
Bronx, N.Y.
Guy A. Davis
FTI Consulting, Inc.
Richmond, Va.
Matthew De Fanti
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Rachel Degenhardt
Octus
New York
Shiv Dhar
New York
Erin Edwards
Young Conaway Stargatt, et al.
Wilmington, Del.
Randall Felice
FTI Consulting, Inc.
Glen Head, N.Y.
Logan Frank
SC&H Capital
Sparks Glencoe, Md.
Thomas C. Frost
Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee
White Plains, N.Y.
Marissa Gendason
Boca Raton, Fla.
Ava Goldberger
Mandelbaum Barrett PC
New York
Alexandra Golden
Zephyrhills, Fla.
John Gosselin
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.)
Boston
Travis Graga
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.J.)
Trenton, N.J.
Shane Harris
Hopkinton, N.H.
Monique D. Hayes
DGIM Law
Miami
Tyler Hazen
Champaign, Ill.
Theodore S. Heckel
Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP
Houston
William C. Heuer
Westerman Ball Ederer, et al.
Uniondale, N.Y.
Trevor Hoffmann
Cozen O’Connor
New York
Brian Hubick
SC&H Capital
Chicago
Michael E. Isakoff
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Ohio)
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Lisa Janis
Chappaqua, N.Y.
David M. Johnson
Resolution Financial Advisors
Los Angeles
Mary Johnson
U.S. Trustee Office
Albuquerque, N.M.
Sharad J. Kodianthara
New York
David J. Kozlowski
Morrison Cohen LLP
New York
Cameryn Lackey
Anthony and Partners
Tampa, Fla.
Mark Lammey
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D. Pa.)
Elverson, Pa.
Vanessa Lantin
Admin. Office of the U.S. Courts
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Reema Lateef
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D.N.Y.)
New York
Jeph Ledda
Stretto
Irvine, Calif.
Bernice C. Lee
Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton
Miami
Aleksandra Luca
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D. Mich.)
Commerce Twp., Mich.
Wai Laam Lui
Naperville, Ill.
Cuong Quoc Mai
Philadelphia
Anna R. Marks
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D. Pa.)
Reading, Pa.
Isaac M. Martin
Munster, Ind.
Jonathan Miller
Travelers Casualty and Surety Co.
Hartford, Conn.
Robert Minkoff
Cedar Glade Capital LLC
New York
Joseph T. Moldovan
Morrison Cohen LLP
New York
Lauren B. Moran
Hartford, Conn.
Theodore Muth
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mont.)
Missoula, Mont.
Ryan Nadick
McDonald Hopkins LLC
Chicago
Ben T. Nicholson
Fortis Business Advisors
Alpharetta, Ga.
Jiangang “James” Ou
Archer & Greiner, PC
Bellaire, Texas
Tanya Panossian-Lesser
Ridgewood, N.J.
Tyler Parker
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Ohio)
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Margie D. Parra-Woodall
Woodbridge, Va.
Kristhy M. Peguero
Jackson Walker LLP
Houston
Jonathan Pincince
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. R.I.)
Providence, R.I.
Chase Preston
Anthony & Partners, LLC
Tampa, Fla.
Sandra Epperson Rich
Epperson & Rich, PLLC
Tampa, Fla.
Holly Robins
Chesterfield, N.H.
William P. Rossini
Kaplan & Cruz, PLLC
Dallas
Rhett B. Rowe
Bridge Business Credit
Troy, Mich.
Andrew M. Rutherford
FFP
Carleton Place, Ont.
John Ryan
Law Offices of John Ryan, Ltd.
Las Vegas
Ryan Schopke
Nampa, Idaho
Lauren J. Schumann
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. S.C.)
Charleston, S.C.
Krista Shaheen
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.J.)
Trenton, N.J.
Jaryl Shao
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Madeleine L. Sharp
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Del.)
Philadelphia
Dmitry Shishkin
Tampa, Fla.
Julianna Simpson
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Md.)
Baltimore
Jenna C. Sniffen
Brandon, Fla.
Dawn Sudama
Morrison Cohen LLP
New York
Sunny Sun
Philadelphia
Ellie Taranto
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Conn.)
Bridgeport, Conn.
Benjamin Taylor
BakerHostetler
Orlando, Fla.
Nicholas Teo
EY Parthenon
Nassau, Bahamas
Harriet Ter-Berg
Appleby
Camana Bay, Cayman Islands
Venkatesan Thirumalai Vinjamur
Redmond, Wash.
Julia G. Traina
Anthony & Partners LLC
Tampa, Fla.
Alexandra Trombitas
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D.N.Y.)
New York
Clark Turek
SC&H Capital
Chicago
Nathan W. Vanderheyden
Iowa School of Law
Iowa City, Iowa
Neha Vasagiri
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Del.)
Wilmington, Del.
Catherine T. Via
Burr Forman LLP
Birmingham, Ala.
Patrick Walsh
Cedar Croft Consulting Inc.
New York
Leonard K. Welsh
Law Offices of Leonard K. Welsh
Bakersfield, Calif.
Vick Xu
San Francisco
Kaile A. Zagger
Province, LLC
Westport, Conn.
Sharon M. Zieg
Young Conaway Stargatt, et al.
Wilmington, Del.
January (partial list)
Jordan M. Allen
Stetson University
Pinellas Park, Fla.
Nicole Allgor
University of New Hampshire
Concord, N.H.
Anthony Amabile
Skadden, Arps, Slate, et al.
New York
Alexandria Anderson
Axos Bank - Global Fid. Banking
San Diego
Amber Anderson
McDermott Will & Emery
New York
Barbara D. Atkinson
Everbank
Des Moines, Wash.
Helin Azizoglu
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D.N.Y.)
New York
Christopher M. Badger
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (W.D.N.C.)
Charlotte, N.C.
David J. Ball
Bracewell LLP
New York
Leon Barson
Barson Advisory LLC
Haverford, Pa.
Kate Belt
University of Idaho
Nampa, Idaho
Michelle Bergen
SRS Acquiom
Denver
Agustina Berro
Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes
New York
Lori Black
Gray Reed
Dallas
Mickey Brozek
Northwestern University
Chicago
Casey Burda
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter, et al.
Dallas
Sumner Camp-Martin
University of New Hampshire
Concord, N.H.
Amy Caton
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel
New York
Christie Cecares
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter, et al.
New York
Marcia Cerqueira
DLA Piper
New York
Christina Codrington
Michigan State University
Lansing, Mich.
Rachel G. Cohen
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
New York
Kandis Coleman
Ohio Northern University
Ada, Ohio
Chase Conderman
University of New Hampshire
Concord, N.H.
Camila Crepaldi Macchia
Stetson University
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Seth Crone
Argent Institutional Trust Co.
Beaumont, Texas
James Crump
Callahan Law Firm, LLC
Kansas City, Mo.
Linda Deos
Deos Law, PC
Sacramento, Calif.
Fernando Barboza Dias
University of São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil
Ari Drayman
Univ. System of New Hampshire
Dalton, Mass.
Gary Morris Dreyer
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel
New York
Alicia Engle
Alvarez & Marsal
New York
Faith Z. Evans
J. David Rosenberg College of Law
Lexington, Ky.
Mandana Arabpour Fathabadi
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
Deandra Fike
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
New York
Colm Flanagan
Nelsons Legal
George Town, Grand Cayman
Benjamin Fleury
Univ. System of New Hampshire
Concord, N.H.
Sandra Galvin
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
New York
Elizabeth Garri
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Lydia Gazda
Kelly Remick, Chapter 13 Trustee
Tampa, Fla.
Zulima González
PÈrez Correa González
Mexico City
William M. Gooding
Jones & Walden, LLC
Atlanta
Marilee Greene
B. Riley Advisory Services
Atlanta
Neema Griffin
Teneo (Cayman) Ltd.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Nicholas Herrod
Maples and Calder (Cayman) LLP
George Town, Grand Cayman
Mckay Holley
Spencer Fane
Las Vegas
Sean Horner
B. Riley Advisory Services
New York
Daniel Houck
ArentFox Schiff LLP
New York
Daniel R. Janel
Yeshiva University
White Plains, N.Y.
Dewayne Johnson
Stretto
Norwalk, Iowa
Sherry Meyer Kelsey
S.M.K. Administrative Services
New Haven, Conn.
David Kieffer
Stapleton Group, part of J.S. Held
Los Angeles
Taeyeong Kim
King & Spalding LLP
Atlanta
Julie Kirschnick
BakerHostetler
Washington, D.C.
Marcin Miroslaw Kubiczek
Getin Noble Bank SA
Warsaw, Poland
Scott Kunitz
East West Bank
Pasadena, Calif.
Adrianna Lago
Berger Singerman LLP
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Deborah B. Langehennig
Memphis, Tenn.
Candi Larsen
University of Idaho
Firth, Idaho
Alexandria G. Lattner
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter, et al.
Costa Mesa, Calif.
Amy Leitner
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Cal.)
San Francisco.
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