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Bankruptcy Law

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Judge Hoffman Overrules Trustee's Objection to Federal Homestead Exemption in Debtors' Second Home

Monday, May 14, 2012
In the case of In re Lawrence , No. 11-42045-MSH (Bankr.D.Mass. 2012) Judge Hoffman recently confronted the issue of whether the federal "homestead" exemption found in 522(d)(1) could be used to protect equity in a second home. The following was the scenario. The debtors owned two properties and had moved from their Massachusetts home to a Maine property a couple of days before filing their bankruptcy petition.
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Event Photos: 4/12 Consumer Bankruptcy Committee Lunch Bunch Roundtable Gathering

Tuesday, May 01, 2012
On April 12, the Consumer Bankruptcy Committee held an informal Lunch Bunch Roundtable Gathering at the John W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse. Featuring Judge William C. Hillman, the event was an informal get together to discuss present day-to-day problems facing consumer bankruptcy practitioners, and a unique opportunity for practitioners to ask questions of a Bankruptcy Judge.
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Bankruptcy Law Committees

  • Bankruptcy Communications Committee
    This committee publishes information relevant to the bankruptcy bar. If you are interested in an editorial position or writing for the newsletter or blog, contact the Co-Chairs.

    Contact Information

    Kathleen A. Rahbany

    Craig and Macauley Professional Corporation

    (617) 367-9500

    John G. Loughnane

    Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC

    (617) 342-6885

  • Bankruptcy Education Committee
    Help develop relevant and innovative educational sessions led by a diverse group of talented speakers who cover both business and consumer bankruptcy issues. This committee promotes and oversees the educational programs for the Bankruptcy Section, including the monthly Brown Bag Lunch speaker series and several in-depth seminar programs.

    Contact Information

    Daniel J. Carragher

    Day Pitney LLP

    (617) 345-4638

    Ann Brennan

    Ann Brennan Law Offices

    (781) 878-6900

  • Bankruptcy Membership Committee
    This committee aims to increase participation in the Section through outreach activities.

    Contact Information

    Gina M. Barbieri

    Mirick O'Connell - Westborough Office

    (508) 860 1483

    Meg McKenzie Feist

    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

    (617) 526-6000

  • Bankruptcy Pro Bono Committee
    This committee focuses on practice-specific pro bono projects to engage Section members.

    Contact Information

    Leslie F. Su

    (978) 494-4695

    Patrick P. Dinardo

    Sullivan & Worcester LLP

    (617) 338-2800

  • Bankruptcy Public Policy Committee
    The BBA is very active on the legislative front. Often times, bankruptcy attorneys are asked to lend their expertise.

    Contact Information

    Lesley Varghese

    Nixon Peabody LLP

    (617) 345-1037

    Diane N. Rallis

    Holland & Knight, LLP

    (617) 305-2104

  • Commercial Finance Committee
    This committee focuses on lending capital in commercial transactions.

    Contact Information

    Ethan Jeffery

    Murphy & King, P.C.

    (617) 226-3410

    Christopher J. Lhulier

    Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C.

    (617) 542-6000

  • Consumer Bankruptcy Committee
    This committee updates practitioners regarding changes and developments in Ch. 7 and Ch. 13 cases. In addition, it helps coordinate pro bono bankruptcy services in consumer matters.

    Contact Information

    Deirdre Keady

    Harmon Law Offices, PC

    (781) 398-4807

    Jenny Yandell

    Parker & Associates

    (781) 729-0005

  • Consumer Finance Committee
    This a joint committee between the Financial Services and Bankruptcy Sections. This committee represents a collaborative effort to study, educate and review consumer finance products.

    Contact Information

    Mark Rossi

    Esher Rossi LLC

    (617) 956-0956

    Thomas P. Quinn

    Hudson Cook, LLP

    (774) 365-4758

  • Financial Literacy Committee
    By volunteering for the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program, you will help high school students across Massachusetts learn to make informed and effective decisions regarding their finances through educational and experiential opportunities. You can become involved by working on the committee to develop and grow the program or teaching at a school.

    Contact Information

    Jeanne P. Darcey

    Sullivan & Worcester LLP

    (617) 338-2997

    Joan N. Feeney

    U.S. Bankruptcy Court

    (617) 748-5300

  • New Bankruptcy Lawyers Committee
    A part of the Bankruptcy Law Section, the New Bankruptcy Lawyers Committee addresses issues faced by new or relatively new practitioners of bankruptcy law.

    Contact Information

    Benjamin W Loveland

    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

    (617) 526-6641

    Ashley S. Whyman

    The Gordon Law Firm LLP

    (617) 261-0100

  • Practice and Procedure Committee
    This committee serves as a liaison with the office of the Clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts and considers local practice issues.

    Contact Information

    Alex Frank Mattera

    Demeo & Associates, PC

    (617) 263-2600

    Lisa Ellen Herrington

    Choate Hall & Stewart LLP

    (617) 248-4000

  • Steering Committee
    The leadership committee of the Section organizes programs and discusses policy. To inquire about opportunities, please contact the Section Co-Chairs.