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)