Creditor Debtor Rights Section
The Creditor Debtor Rights Section encourages the research, study, and initiation of proposals for changes and reforms in all areas of law that may impact the creditor/debtor relationship. The Section aids and educates members and the public by reviewing pending legislation and development of proposed statutory enactments to improve and to facilitate the administration of justice. Section members represent a diverse array of individuals and businesses who are debtors, debtors-in-possession, secured and unsecured creditors, creditors' committees, receivers, trustees, asset purchasers, and examiners in all facets of creditor-debtor law.
The Section provides benefits to members by developing resources, including a newsletter and bankruptcy case law digest, and sponsoring several CLEs each year. Since 2004, the Section has maintained an annual grants program to financially assist community service programs statewide that provide legal services in the area of creditor/debtor law.
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Shape Your Section for the Future: Apply Today to Become a Section Leader
Applications have closed.
The following section executive committee positions are open for applications. All terms begin Oct. 1, 2023.
- At-Large Member Pos. 5 King County (one position open): two-year position beginning Oct. 1, 2023, and ending Sept. 30, 2025.
- At-Large Member Pos. 7 Southern Division of Western District (one position open): two-year position beginning Oct. 1, 2023, and ending Sept. 30, 2025.
- At-Large Member Pos. 8 Eastern District (one position open): two-year position beginning Oct. 1, 2023, and ending Sept. 30, 2025.
- At-Large Member Pos. 9 Western District (one position open): two-year position beginning Oct. 1, 2023, and ending Sept. 30, 2025.
To learn more about roles and expectations for serving on the section executive committee, review this volunteer position description, which provides a general overview of section executive committee positions and may differ for each section.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be a current section member and should be eligible to vote in accordance with the section’s bylaws.
Application Process: Go to the myWSBA portal to complete the online application for open executive committee positions. The Section has requested that each applicant submit a statement of interest with your application. This document can be uploaded with your online application (PDF format only). Please be advised that application materials may be posted on this website for public viewing.
Note: If you are applying for more than one position on this or multiple sections’ committees, you must complete and submit all applications at the same time, as you will not be allowed back into the portal at a later time. Please make sure you are completing the applications within the application window for all of the relevant sections.
Nomination Process: The Chair shall annually appoint a nominating committee of not less than three members of the Section, not members of the executive committee, who shall make nominations of not less than two candidates for each open position not less than two months prior to the scheduled election for the members of the executive committee to succeed those whose terms will expire at the close of the fiscal year. The persons nominated for the executive committee may place a statement on the ballot (or in their online application) of not more than 100 words summarizing their qualifications to serve on the executive committee prior to the election.
Alternate Nomination Process: The executive committee will approve a list of nominees for each open position, provided that the ballots for the election shall also contain blanks for write-in candidates by the section members.
Elections Process: All voting members of the section will receive an electronic ballot sent to their email in June 2023. Visit this webpage in early June for election updates and voting instructions.
Questions?For more information about the Section, its executive committee roles, and elections process, please review the Section’s bylaws. You may also contact any member of the current Section Executive Committee or email sections@wsba.org.
NEW! Liens Webinar, Register Now In-Person, Webcast
Presented in partnership with the WSBA Creditor and Debtor Rights Section
Join the Creditor/Debtor Rights section for this year’s installment of a helpful and timely program on Liens. Understand some important effects that bankruptcy and the UCC can have on liens and key concepts related to deeds of trust and mortgage. Learn about updates ranging from personal property to construction. Gain tips for writing, perfecting, and effecting liens both for yourself, as practitioner, and for your clients.
When: Dec. 7, 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. PT
Credits: 7.0, L&LP 6.25, Ethics 0.75
Tuition:
$245 — Creditor Debtor Rights Section Members;
$275 — Standard/Non-Standard Members
Join the Creditor Debtor Section ($30) and register at the discounted rate ($245)
Faculty:
Michael M. Sperry, Schweet Linde & Coulson, PLLC, Seattle; Matt Green, Green & Norwood, Seattle; Elizabeth Norwood, Green & Norwood, Seattle; Magnus Andersson,
Hanson Baker Ludlow Drumheller PS, Bellevue; Kenneth Weil, Law Office of Kenneth C. Weil, Issaquah; Amit Ranade, Snell & Wilmer LLP, Bellevue; Thomas S. Linde, Schweet Linde & Coulson,
PLLC, Seattle; Arthur J. Lachman, Attorney at Law, Lake Forest Park; John Knapp, Niller Nash LLP, Seattle
Register Online for In-Person Here, and Webcast Here
The Fall 2022 Newsletter Is Out Now!
New! Creditor Debtor Rights Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
The Creditor Debtor Rights Section recognizes the importance for all individuals to have access to legal services. Many Section members are actively involved in making their expertise available to low-income individuals, both through direct representation
and/or educational programs. While financial constraints and/ or other limitations may deter individuals from seeking legal services, it is important that community services exist to assist with such issues. Established in 2004, the purpose
of the Creditor Debtor Rights Section’s Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to the ongoing operation of community service and legal aid programs.
Deserving organizations are encouraged to complete the current grant application form and submit it to the Grant Program Chair by Nov. 14, 2022. A copy of the application can be found below:
Creditor Debtor Rights Grant Application 2022-2023
Congratulations to the following 2022-2023 grant recipients:
- Chelan-Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services
- Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid
Executive Committee
Chair: Bruce Medeiros (2022-2024) Chair-Elect: Todd Tracy (2022-2024) Secretary/Treasurer: Jennifer Faubion (2022-2024) Immediate Past Chair: William Malaier (2022-2024) Young Lawyer Liaison*: Nicole Springstroh (2022-2024) Board of Governors Liaison*: Matthew Dresden (2022-2023) and Erik Kaeding (2022-2023) Pos. 1 Eastern District Pos. 2 Eastern District Pos. 3 Northern Division of Western District Pos. 4 King County | Pos. 5 King County Pos. 6 Southern Division of Western District Pos. 7 Southern Division of Western District Pos. 8 Eastern Division At-Large Pos. 9 Western District At-Large Newsletter Editorial Board Members* *Nonvoting member |
Please contact subcommittee member for details on their upcoming meeting dates and locations.
Join Our List Serve
To join the Section list serve and for general questions, please contact sections@wsba.org. For questions about the Section and to get involved, please contact Section Chair Bruce Medeiros.
Questions?
Feel free to contact any member of the current Section Executive Committee or email sections@wsba.org.
