Board Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
VIRGINIA STATE BAR BANKRUPTCY LAW SECTION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
March 15, 2006
Members in attendance: Rich Maxwell, Pete Zemanian, Brian Kenney, Robert Copeland,
James Schroll, Roy Terry, Jason Gold, Lynn Tavenner and Debera Conlon
The February minutes were approved.
Review of website and discussion on improvements:
Lynn Tavenner and Bob Copeland reported that they had spoken to representatives of the state bar regarding the state bar's web site. They learned that the state bar is employing the services of a consultant to update and maintain its web site. That option is available to our section. Bob and Lynn made list of potential features we might incorporate; most important appears to be enabling near real time access to recently decided bankruptcy decisions. Cases are available in one form or the other in each jurisdiction in the state. Another useful feature will be to add links to related web sites and to provide a bulletin board for sharing information among members. Implementation of these features may require funding from the Bankruptcy Section. Other items discussed were whether bulletin board could be set up as a blog; privacy concerns raised by bulletin board or blog feature; need for password protected access; distribution/posting of law news electronically as means of saving money and freeing it up for enhancement of web pace; advertising on web page as another source of funds; use of law news committee and/or law students to update web page. Bob Copeland indicated that he would obtain proposals from the State Bar's outside provider to deliver the enhancements we desire.
CLE Programs — Proof of Claims Seminar - Roanoke Rich Maxwell gave Malissa Giles's report: recent seminar in Roanoke was a big success; close to 100 people attended; speakers did an excellent job; there was lots of interest from credit union participants. The next seminar will be held in the Tidewater area. No specific timetable established yet.
Basic Annual Program — Pete Zemanian reported that the seminars were well received.
Summer Program — Tyler Brown reported that he is waiting to hear back from the State Bar re time slot and deadlines for materials.
Advanced Consumer Bankruptcy Conference — Rich Maxwell reported that there has been considerable progress since our last meeting. Agenda is set; April 28th date set in Richmond at Short Pump; Dale Pittman will speak on FDCPA and RESPA; Morgan King on bankruptcy tax and dischargeability issues; Donna Hall and Carl Bates and Judge Tice on trustee issues; Aaron White and Rich Maxwell re creditor issues, adequate protection and sovereign immunity; Judge Mitchell; Karen Lange, David Cox re everything you wanted to know about being debtor's counsel. It was noted that the VBA conference also begins on April 28th .
Western District Judge's Instruction — Malissa Giles is continuing to work with Judges Anderson and Tice.
Selection of nominating committee — Debera Conlon's term expires; Tyler Brown, David Cox and Malissa Giles are up for re-nomination; nominating committee must consist of five people; not more than two of whom can be board members; by acclamation, Roy Terry and ________will serve on the committee and will contact non-committee members from the Tidewater area to also serve on the committee.
Long Range Planning Committee — The members voted to table until May.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
James R. Schroll