The beginning of 2021 was a busy time for the Bankruptcy Section ! We are excited that , despite all the COVID-19 challenges , the Bankruptcy Section has been able to remain a consistent and reliable source of continuing education events and community service projects .
The Bankruptcy Section and MACBAG joined together for a community service essential items drive benefiting the Atlanta Children ’ s Shelter . The Bankruptcy Section and MACBAG utilized a curated Amazon Wish List to solicit needed items , including children ’ s clothing , diapers , and toys for the Atlanta Children ’ s Shelter . Participation in the drive is easy , safe , and contact-free ! The Atlanta Children ’ s Shelter provides free , quality day care , emotional support , an educational curriculum for homeless children , and focused social services for their families . The drive runs through March 31 , 2021 . Members interested in donating can use the Amazon Wish List found through the link in the emails sent by the Bar . Thank you to all Bar members who have donated !
The Bankruptcy Section kicked off its 2021 schedule with a virtual lunch & learn program on the impact of COVID-19 upon state court filings . The event was held on Thursday , Friday January 15 , 2021 and was moderated by Nancy J . Whaley ( Standing Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 Trustee ). The presenters included Hon . Harold D . Melton ( Chief Justice , Supreme Court of Georgia ), Hon . Kristina Hammer Blum ( Chief Magistrate Judge , Gwinnett County Magistrate Court ), Hon . Berryl A . Anderson ( Chief Judge , DeKalb County Magistrate Court ), and Hon . Ashley Osby ( Judge , Fulton County Magistrate Court ). The event was attended by over seventyfive people . It was a highly informative and engaging program .
For the first time , the Bankruptcy Section held its Annual Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Year in Review in a virtual format . The program was held on Friday , February 5 , 2021 , and was attended by over ninety people . The attendees heard from the distinguished panelists on the most important bankruptcy and commercial law case developments from last year , covering both commercial and consumer bankruptcy cases , and business law cases . The morning session focused on bankruptcy cases and was presented by the Hon . Mary Grace Diehl ( Ret .), ( U . S . Bankruptcy Court , Northern District of Georgia ), Hon . Paul W . Bonapfel ( U . S . Bankruptcy Court , Northern District of Georgia ), Harris Winsberg , Esq . ( Troutman Pepper LLP ) and Beth Anne Harrill , Esq ., ( law clerk for Hon . Paul W . Bonapfel ). The afternoon session focused on developments in commercial law and was presented by C . Edward Dobbs ( Parker , Hudson , Rainer & Dobbs LLP ) and Alfred S . Lurey ( Kilpatrick Townsend LLP ).
Upcoming Events The Bankruptcy Section is busy planning a number of programs to help keep you informed and engaged .
• March - On March 31 , 2021 , the Bankruptcy Section will participate in the 2021 March Madness by holding a CLE event on the topic of “ Learning to Litigate in Bankruptcy Adversary Proceedings .” The program will be presented by Gregory M . Taube ( Nelson , Mullins , Riley & Scarborough LLP ) and John Mills ( Jones Walker ) and will offer professionalism credit for participants . Registration is now open online .
• April - the Bankruptcy Section and Construction Section are planning a breakfast seminar on the intersection between construction law and bankruptcy law .
• May - Please save the date for the 2020 / 2021 David W . Pollard Award & Spring CLE Program which will be held virtually on May 21 , 2021 .
Board of Directors The Officers and Board members for the 2020-2021 year are : Chair Bruce Z . Walker ( Cohen Pollock Merlin & Small , PC ), Vice Chair Gregory M . Taube ( Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough , LLP ), Secretary Doroteya N . Wozniak ( James Bates Brannan Groover , LLP ), Treasurer Alexandra “ CC ” Schnapp ( United States Bankruptcy Court ), Immediate Past Chair Melissa J . Davey ( Standing Chapter 13 Trustee ); and Members-at-Large Bryan Bates ( Parker Hudson Rainer & Dobbs , LLP ), Ashley Champion ( U . S . Bankruptcy Court ), Alaina C . Joseph ( King & King Law , LLC ), Maria Joyner ( Nancy J . Whaley , Standing Ch . 12 and 13 Trustee ), Taylor Mansell ( Shapiro Pendergast & Hasty , LLP ), Gai Lynn McCarthy ( KPPB Law ), and Aimee Pickett Sanders ( Alston & Bird , LLP ).
Contact Us If you have proposals for Bankruptcy Section activities or projects , please contact any of the officers or board members . We look forward to another great year and welcome your participation !
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38 February / March 2021