Bankruptcy 101: A Practical Program on Chapters 7 and 13 (WA)

Moderators:

For the past 12 years, Audrey E. Gervasi has served as a career law clerk for a federal bankruptcy judge at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington at Tacoma and the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit.  Prior to becoming a law clerk, Ms. Gervasi was an associate in private bankruptcy practice with a Seattle law firm.  Ms. Gervasi graduated from Seattle University School of Law, magna cum laude, in 1996, where she served as a Law Review Note and Comment Editor.

Faculty:

Ms. Burdette was appointed as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee in 1997.  She also serves as a Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 Trustee.  Prior to her appointment as trustee, Ms. Burdette’s practice was devoted exclusively to representing debtors in consumer bankruptcy cases, with an emphasis on Chapter 13.  She is a frequent speaker on consumer bankruptcy issues, including the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, Northwest Bankruptcy Institute, and the U.S. Trustee National Training Seminar.  Ms. Burdette has also taught Consumer Bankruptcy at the University of Washington Law School. 

Tom’s investigative approach has allowed him to become one of the leading experts in the areas of real estate, and creditor’s rights and remedies law.  Using the lens of experience that comes from 24 years of specialized practice in the areas of real estate transactions and financing, judicial and non-judicial real property foreclosures, real estate contract forfeitures, evictions, and the representation of creditors in bankruptcy court proceedings, Tom is known for finding resolution in often difficult cases.  A good communicator, with an in-depth knowledge of Washington state and federal bankruptcy law, Tom works closely with his clients to develop sensible and strategic plans that he executes with a capable hand.  His expertise, forensic approach, ability to think outside the box, and track record of success for problem cases has made him a sought after speaker and educator on creditor’s rights and remedies, and bankruptcy in particular.  As a result, Tom is often called upon by others to provide counsel and insight on highly specialized cases that cross over into emerging law. 

Tom received his B.A. degree, magna cum laude, in History from the University of Washington where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa.  He earned his J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of  Washington School of Law.  He is a past chair of the Washington State Bar Association CLE Committee, and a past chair of the King County Bar Association Bankruptcy Section.

Kim received her law degree in 1986 from the University of Puget Sound (now known as Seattle University).  She earned her undergraduate degree in 1983 from the University of Washington.

From mid-1986 until 1998, Kim was in private practice, concentrating primarily in representation of debtors in consumer and small business bankruptcies.  Kim began working as a Staff Attorney for the Seattle Chapter 13 Trustee’s office in 1998, and served as Senior Staff Attorney for K. Michael Fitzgerald, the Seattle Chapter 13 Trustee, from 1999 until September, 2009.

On September 14, 2009, Kim opened the Law Offices of Kimberly J. MacLeod, P.C., located in downtown Edmonds.  Kim’s practice focuses on the representation of debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.

Alan J. Wenokur has been a sole practitioner since 1991, emphasizing bankruptcy and debtor/creditor law.  He regularly represents debtors and creditors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, as well as creditors in Chapter 11 cases.  He also focuses on representation of Chapter 7 trustees, often in cases featuring undisclosed assets or other questionable conduct.  A member of the state creditor/debtor section and the American Bankruptcy Institute, Mr. Wenokur frequently speaks on bankruptcy law issues at professional seminars.

Mr. Wilson-Aguilar is Senior Staff Attorney and Legal Department Manager in the Chapter 13 Trustee’s Office.  He was previously Vice President and Counsel in the Home Loans and Consumer Lending Division of Washington Mutual Bank’s Legal Department.  Mr. Wilson-Aguilar has represented both debtors and creditors in consumer bankruptcy cases in Washington and Oregon.  He is a frequent writer and speaker on bankruptcy and mortgage lending topics.  B.A., University of Oregon; J.D., Lewis and Clark Law School.