What does NACBA actually do for bankruptcy attorneys—beyond conferences and listserv emails? NACBA board member Tara Salinas breaks down what getting involved really looks like in practice. Here are the three key takeaways:
- Getting involved with the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys helps attorneys grow their practice and improve how they serve clients.
- NACBA provides education, collaboration, and leadership opportunities for consumer bankruptcy attorneys at every stage of their career.
- Participation in NACBA can lead to real change in the bankruptcy system, from legislative reform to improving case law across the country.
From sharing ideas with attorneys across the country, to improving client outcomes, growing a stronger practice, and even shaping bankruptcy law at the state and national level, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how NACBA works for the lawyers who show up. We talk about why many consumer bankruptcy attorneys choose to get involved, how collaboration across districts helps everyone get better, and the lesser-known ways NACBA supports attorneys through education, advocacy, and appellate resources.
If you’ve ever wondered whether NACBA membership is worth your time—or how other attorneys are using it to improve their practice—check out the video, or keep reading for FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should bankruptcy attorneys get involved with NACBA?
- What benefits do attorneys receive from NACBA membership?
- How does NACBA help bankruptcy attorneys grow their practices?
- What role does NACBA play in legislative advocacy?
- What is the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center (NCBRC)?
- How can attorneys contribute to NACBA without serving on the board?
FAQ: Why should bankruptcy attorneys get involved with NACBA?
Bankruptcy attorneys should get involved with NACBA because it provides opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, improve their practice, and contribute to the future of consumer bankruptcy law.
Many consumer bankruptcy attorneys work in small firms or solo practices, which can sometimes feel isolating. NACBA creates a nationwide network where attorneys can share ideas, discuss emerging issues, and learn from one another. That collaboration can lead to new strategies for handling cases, improving client service, and managing a practice more effectively.
For some attorneys, involvement begins with attending conferences, watching webinars, or participating in listserv discussions. Over time, many discover that they have something valuable to contribute. Some attorneys begin speaking at conferences, hosting webinars, or mentoring newer practitioners. Others contribute by writing articles, helping organize advocacy efforts, or participating in leadership roles.
The organization creates a space where attorneys who care about helping debtors can learn from each other while strengthening the profession as a whole.
FAQ: What benefits do attorneys receive from NACBA membership?
Attorneys who join NACBA gain access to education, professional networks, and practical resources that help them improve their bankruptcy practice.
One of the most valuable benefits is the NACBA listserv, where attorneys from around the country discuss legal questions, procedural issues, and practical strategies. Because these attorneys practice in different jurisdictions, they are often willing to share ideas openly without worrying about local competition.
NACBA also offers conferences, workshops, and webinars that provide continuing legal education focused specifically on consumer bankruptcy practice. These events allow attorneys to learn about new developments in bankruptcy law while connecting with colleagues who face similar challenges in their own districts.
Many attorneys also find that these relationships lead to referrals, collaborative problem solving, and the exchange of practical tools such as intake forms, fee agreements, and litigation strategies.
FAQ: How does NACBA help bankruptcy attorneys grow their practices?
NACBA helps bankruptcy attorneys grow their practices by creating an environment where attorneys can share successful strategies and learn from colleagues across the country.
Attorneys frequently exchange ideas about marketing, case strategy, client communication, and practice management. Because the participants practice in different states, they can speak openly about what works and what does not without worrying about competing for the same clients.
These conversations often lead to practical improvements. An attorney might learn about a new intake process, a better way to handle student loan cases, or a strategy for improving Chapter 13 practice. Many attorneys implement ideas they learned from colleagues and discover that those changes help them better serve clients while also strengthening their firm financially.
In this way, NACBA functions as a national think tank for consumer bankruptcy practice, where attorneys continuously refine the way they work.
FAQ: What role does NACBA play in legislative advocacy?
NACBA plays an important role in helping bankruptcy attorneys advocate for better laws that protect debtors and improve the bankruptcy system.
In some states, NACBA members have organized legislative efforts to improve exemption laws and other protections for debtors. These efforts often involve working with local attorneys, identifying legislative sponsors, and coordinating advocacy campaigns.
For example, attorneys in Colorado successfully worked to increase their state’s exemption protections through a coordinated effort supported by NACBA’s legislative resources. NACBA helped provide guidance, strategic support, and connections to professionals who understand how to navigate legislative processes.
These types of initiatives allow consumer bankruptcy attorneys to improve the legal landscape for their clients, not only within their own state but sometimes across the country.
FAQ: What is the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center (NCBRC)?
The National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center is a nonprofit organization that helps bankruptcy attorneys challenge harmful legal decisions and develop stronger case law for consumer debtors.
When a bankruptcy court issues a decision that could negatively affect debtors, attorneys may want to appeal the ruling but lack the resources or experience necessary to pursue the case effectively. NCBRC provides assistance in these situations by helping attorneys prepare appellate briefs, develop legal arguments, and prepare for oral arguments.
In some cases, the organization files amicus briefs supporting appeals that could shape important areas of bankruptcy law. This work helps ensure that harmful legal precedents do not spread unchecked through the court system.
Although NCBRC operates as a separate nonprofit organization, it was founded by members of NACBA and works closely with the consumer bankruptcy bar to protect debtor rights.
FAQ: How can attorneys contribute to NACBA without serving on the board?
Attorneys can contribute to NACBA in many ways without serving on the board, including teaching, writing, mentoring, and participating in advocacy efforts.
Some attorneys share their expertise by presenting webinars or speaking at NACBA conferences. Others contribute by writing articles for publications such as the Consumer Bankruptcy Law Journal. Attorneys who enjoy advocacy may participate in legislative initiatives that improve bankruptcy protections in their state.
There are also opportunities to support appellate work through collaboration with the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center. Even simple participation in discussions, sharing ideas, and mentoring younger attorneys helps strengthen the community.
For many members, the most meaningful contribution comes from sharing the knowledge they have gained through years of practice. When attorneys openly exchange ideas and resources, the entire consumer bankruptcy bar becomes stronger and better equipped to serve clients.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Watching our videos and reading our blogs does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney or financial professional about your situation.
