We can all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic changed our world, not only as human beings, but more specifically as insolvency professionals. Several trusteeships have staff members working remotely some or all of the time; Meetings of Creditors conducted by Zoom have now become the standard; and many members of our judiciary continue to hold some portion of their dockets either telephonically or by video conference. Arguably, remote meetings and hearings have increased office efficiency for all bankruptcy stakeholders, and have made the bankruptcy system more accessible. But through inadvertence, we have practically lost the human perspective that came with our practice. Gone are the days of running into colleagues and settling matters in the hallway before you walk into the courtroom, or just simply catching up with them and knowing they are well. Gone are the days of sitting in court waiting for your case to be called, listening to all those who came before you and learning from their arguments. Gone are the days of knowing your adversaries not just by a signature block on an email, but by recognizing them because you actually saw them in person with some degree of frequency.
In some ways, I have mourned that loss of human perspective as those personal connections are truly what made me better at what I do. Because of those experiences over the first 20 or so years of my bankruptcy career, I am more knowledgeable, more patient, and perhaps more compassionate. But what I learned this past week at the NACTT Annual Seminar in Boston is that those connections are truly not lost. We just have to be willing to adjust, which is not unlike many other aspects of our lives that were forever changed by the pandemic.
As many of you know, the NACTT Annual Seminar brings together judges, trustees, creditors’ counsel, debtors’ counsel, and their staff. Many of those colleagues also bring partners, children, and other friends or family members. It is a reunion of sorts – a golden opportunity to reconnect in person with those who have been reduced to a signature block for a number of years. So many of us scan the attendee list in advance, taking note of familiar names with some degree of excitement in the knowledge that we are likely to run into colleagues that we have “known” for years. There are a group of attorneys that are mostly my age with whom I have worked in various capacities over the past couple decades. One might say that we grew up together in the bankruptcy profession. We all started in various roles as entry level debtor or creditor attorneys, and we have all grown professionally and excelled because we all believe in what we do. It was such a blessing to see so many of them in Boston, and to have the opportunity to talk shop and catch up during the session breaks, at the receptions, and over dinner. Some of us even ventured out together on the 4th of July to the Charles River Esplanade to enjoy listening to the Boston Pops and watching the spectacular fireworks display. One could literally feel the history of the city while walking along the streets of Boston on July 4th.
Attending the NACTT Annual Seminar provided the opportunity to catch up with Chapter 13 colleagues from around the country who are quickly becoming good friends; and to build relationships with colleagues who have recently joined our niche’ of the bankruptcy field. It also provided an opportunity to bid farewell and thank a retiring colleague for whom I am extremely grateful, as she has taught me more than she will ever know. This organization has a certain benevolence about it that encourages forging and maintaining lifelong collegial relationships. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the seminar itself. The presentations were top quality, as can be expected. Just as importantly, the sessions were entertaining. Attendees were engaged and participated; and speakers were lively and energetic. There really wasn’t a dull moment! Kudos to all who worked tirelessly to deliver this year’s seminar, and thanks to all who chose to spend their Independence Day with the NACTT in Boston.
