Theme: Elevating The Practice of Consumer Bankruptcy Law

Features:

1. Roitburg/Branson Column — Explains how 2022 DOJ guidance has made student loan discharge in bankruptcy more attainable, illustrated with real client stories.
2. Wilson-Aguilar (Supporting Plan Success) — Argues that Chapter 13 trustees, despite tension with debtors’ counsel, play a critical role in helping debtors successfully complete their repayment plans.
3. Jury (ED CA chapter 13 fees) — Examines the Eastern District of California’s new local rule tying chapter 13 attorney flat fees to plan progress and success, and the policy goals behind it.
4. In Memoriam: Lee Landreneau — An obituary honoring longtime NACBA member Lee Landreneau for his legal career, community service and devotion to the NACBA community.
5. Tate (A Filing Deadline No Rule Contains) — Argues that reopening a bankruptcy case for a first-time student loan dischargeability complaint is a question of procedural allocation, not case outcome, contrary to how many courts treat it.
6. Berry-Santoro (The Work Behind the Awards) — Profiles NACBA’s 2026 award recipients to highlight the range of work — litigation, education, mentorship and advocacy — underlying consumer bankruptcy relief.