Update on ABJA Bankruptcy Conference

Hi Everyone —

I am writing you this from San Antonio, Texas where I am attending the ABJA Conference to obtain my certification as a Bankruptcy Specialist. Today was spent studying for the exam. The day began with Judge Douglas D. Dodd who provided us with an excellent class on legal ethics. Judge Dodd was a fantastic speaker who made understanding very easy for his audience. For example, he explained the legal term ex-parte in this manner:

Johnny comes running into the house and says: Mom, Suzie hit me. But before Mom accepts Johnny’s story as fact, she calls in Suzie and asks her if she hit Johnny. Suzie replies: Yes, I hit Johnny but he pushed me off the swing first.

In the same manner, the Judge takes the role as Mom. One attorney takes the role as Johnny and another takes the role of Suzie. In order for the Judge to remain impartial and not be swayed into making a one-sided decision, ex-parte rules exist. Ex-parte rules encompass rules like preventing a Judge from having contact with one attorney unless the other attorney is present, etc. This ensures the Judge renders a fair decision.

Another fact that Judge Dodd covered was Model Rule 5.3(b) and (c) (1). This Rule of Professional Conduct deals with the responsibility of the Attorney for the conduct and decisions regarding non-attorneys. I get questions quite frequently from virtual bankruptcy assistants who ask if they need insurance to protect them as they prepare bankruptcy petitions. The answer is no. And you can see for yourself the reason why. Just visit the American Bankruptcy Institute website and read the Model Rules for yourself at:
http://www.abanet.org/cpr/mrpc/rule_5_3.html

Next, Tamara Blenkhorn, Esq. presented her workshop on legal research. I am not very good when it comes to this subject because I rarely use legal research in no asset Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions. However, I did pick up some useful tips such as how to properly use the Blue Book. The Blue Book is the official rule book outlining the standards of legal citation. If you want to order a copy visit http://www.legalbluebook.com/

After returning from lunch, Claude Lightfoot, Jr., Esq. presented his workshop on the subject of grammar usage and writing. This workshop lasted the rest of the afternoon and covered a review of nouns, pronouns, verbs and the correct sentence structure to use in legal writing.

The first day of workshops ended around 5:00pm and we all had time to enjoy the Riverwalk. My friend, Maureen Joyce, and I found a little New York style deli that we liked; but there is everything from steak restaurants, pizza parlors and seafood shops, all within walking distance of the Westin Hotel where the conference is being held. So far, San Antonio is one of the neatest cities I have ever been in. It is as large or larger than Atlanta, Georgia and there is so much to see. I plan to go to the IMAXX Theatre and watch the history of the Alamo before I leave on Thursday. I also am taking some photos, which I will make into a slideshow and place on the 713Training.Com website as soon as I return to Columbus, Ohio.

Keep me in your prayers. I will report more to you tomorrow when I take the actual Bankruptcy Exam. Have a great evening.

Victoria Ring
CEO, 713Training.Com