Brush up on bankruptcy trial skills and local court rules

Consumer bankruptcy filings surged in February, with 76,120 new cases nationwide, more than 10,000 from the year before, reports the American Bankruptcy Institute.

"February's bankruptcy spike - the highest single month since the 2005 law changes - forecasts the start of more to come for the balance of 2008," says ABI Executive Director Samuel J. Gerdano.

This could be good time to check out the Litigation Skills Symposium sponsored by the ABI, and the Tulane University Law School at New Orleans. Space is limited.

Locally, there's an April 11 seminar to review and discuss changes (effective May 5) to the Eastern District of Michigan Local Bankruptcy Rules. Two sessions will available at the Trott Financial Center, 31440 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills: business bankruptcy rules from 1 to 2:45 p.m. and consumer bankruptcy rules from 3:15 to 5 p.m. Registration info here. The cost is $35 if you don't have a copy of the new rules, $30 if you do. Helpful hint: download the new rules here.

The seminar is sponsored by Consumer Bankruptcy Association, the Debtor/Creditor Rights Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association - Debtor/Creditor Section.