Trends in Consumer Bankruptcy Filings: Leading Lawyers on Understanding the Current Bankruptcy Landscape, Navigating the Filing Process, and Educating Clients (Inside the Minds)

Trends in Consumer Bankruptcy Filings provides an authoritative, insider's perspective on advising clients in today's bankruptcy environment. Featuring experienced attorneys from around the country, this book guides the reader through the recent developments in the consumer bankruptcy arena, including how the current economy and the continuing effects of BAPCPA are impacting clients and cases. These top authors outline their strategies for interviewing clients effectively, determining a client's goals, filing a successful petition, and communicating with trustees. From innovative promotional strategies to internal best practices, they also reveal proven tips for developing a thriving consumer bankruptcy practice. Additionally, these leaders discuss how to approach cases from the perspective of the client, the attorney, and the trustee. The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great legal minds of today, as these experienced lawyers offer up their thoughts on the keys to success within this ever-evolving field. Inside the Minds provides readers with proven business intelligence from C-Level executives and lawyers (Chairman, CEO, CFO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and firms nationwide. Each chapter is comparable to an essay/thought leadership piece and is a future-oriented look at where an industry, profession, or topic is heading and the most important issues for the future. Each author has been selected based upon their experience and C-level standing within the professional community. Chapters Include: 1. Michael L. Detzky, Partner, Detzky & Hunter LLC - "Current Challenges and Strategies for Chapters 7 and 13" 2. David P. Leibowitz, Managing Member, Lakelaw - "Advocacy in Consumer Bankruptcy Cases" 3. Howard S. Rabb, Partner, Dworken & Bernstein Co. LPA - "Representing Bankruptcy Clients during the Current Economy" 4. Leon D. Bayer, Partner, Bayer, Wishman & Leotta - "You'll Need a Box of Tissues: This and Other Key Strategies for Managing a Twenty-First-Century Consumer Bankruptcy Case" 5. Mark M. Kratter, Managing Partner, Kratter & Gustafson LLC - "Undertaking Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Filings in a Changing Environment" 6. Bud Stephen Tayman, Principal, Bud Stephen Tayman PA - "Successful Strategies for Handling Consumer and Small Business Bankruptcy Cases" 7. Sari Karson Kurland, Principal, The Law Offices of Sari K. Kurland LLC - "Focusing on Clients during the Consumer Bankruptcy Process" 8. James R. Brown, President, Castle Law Office of St. Louis PC - "From Client Education to Innovative Marketing: Rethinking Consumer Bankruptcy" Appendices Include: Appendix A: Agreement to Provide Legal Services for Consumer Bankruptcy Case Appendix B: Means Test Information Gathering Sheet Appendix C: Means Test Information Gathering Sheet (Married, Only One Spouse Filing) Appendix D: Sample Deadlines and Calendar Reminders Appendix E: Initial Interview Sheet Appendix F: New Bankruptcy Client Letter Appendix G: Expense Sheet Appendix H: Written Fee Agreement Appendix I: Things You Should Know About Bankruptcy Appendix J: Exemption Analysis