It Makes No Sense to Act Ugly to the People Charged with Your Safety

By Academy Staff

By Memorandum Opinion dated April 5, 2018, The Honorable Kevin R. Huennekens, United States Bankruptcy Judge, Eastern District of Virginia, imposed sanctions against veteran attorney Richard O. Gates by barring him from practicing law before that court for six months. Gates will also be banned during that period from even entering the Courthouse.

So, what did Mr. Gates do to incur disbarment for half a year? Temper tantrums. Multiple temper tantrums. Not in court. Not in the zealous representation . . .

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How to Manage Unprofessional and Discourteous Attorneys

The NACTT Emeritus Trustees

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Many have had the unpleasant experience of coping with an ill-mannered and disrespectful opposing counsel. Unnecessary motions are filed and unfounded allegations are asserted. Relief requested has no basis in fact or law. Temperatures rise. The volume of argument is loud. Your staff and you are upset. What to do?We asked the Emeritus Trustees and here are some recommendations: First,...

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From the Editor – Claims

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By The Honorable William Houston Brown (Retired) Disgorgement of fees for nondisclosure. The Tenth Circuit held that the “default sanction” for an attorney’s failure to satisfy disclosure obligation is full disgorgement of fees paid. While full disgorgement may not be required in particular circumstances, the “default sanction” principle required reversal and remand. The bankruptcy court, affirmed by the BAP, had...

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Henry E. Hildebrand, III

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There is a presumption that the trustee will make disbursements under a confirmed Chapter 13 plan and the debtor bears the burden of demonstrating sufficient grounds to justify acting as her own disbursing agent.

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Six Things Taxpayers Should Know About the Sharing Economy and Their Taxes

May 5, 2019

From renting spare rooms and vacation homes to car rides or using a bike…name a service and it’s probably available through the sharing economy. Taxpayers who participate in the sharing economy can find helpful resources in the IRS Sharing Economy Tax Center on IRS.gov. It helps taxpayers understand how this activity affects their taxes. It also gives these taxpayers information...