Annual Consumer Bankruptcy Seminar (11/12/25)

This seminar will explore two critical issues shaping today’s legal landscape. Topics will include practical strategies for managing student loan debt and the role of bankruptcy in achieving relief, ethical considerations when using artificial intelligence that lawyers must navigate to stay competent and compliant and finally, how Ai is transforming the landscape for attorneys, both in practice and in the industry. 

Topics and Speakers:
Navigating Student Loans and Bankruptcy
This presentation will focus on practical strategies for managing and reducing student loan debt—both inside and outside of bankruptcy. Rae Kaplan will cover recent legal developments, income-driven repayment options, and how bankruptcy can intersect with federal and private student loans to provide meaningful relief.
Rae Kaplan, Kaplan Law Firm 

AI & Law: Advancing the Practice of Law Ethically
Artificial intelligence is transforming how lawyers communicate, research, and serve clients. But with innovation comes new ethical challenges. In this thought-provoking presentation, Mark C. Palmer explores how attorneys can harness AI’s potential while maintaining professionalism, client trust, and ethical integrity.

Drawing from real-world examples and the latest developments in legal technology, Palmer
examines how GenAI Tools are reshaping law practice.  Through the lens of the Illinois Rules of 
Professional Conduct, he offers practical guidance on issues of competence, confidentiality, 
supervision, bias and transparency, helping lawyers stay compliant while embracing progress.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of:
-How to evaluate and safely integrate AI tools into legal workflows.
-The meaning of “technological competence” under modern ethical standards.
-How to avoid pitfalls such as unauthorized practice of law and overreliance on automation.
 -Best practices for maintaining professional judgment at a data-driven environment 
Mark C. Palmer, Chief Counsel of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism 

Data-Driven Growth and the Future of Legal Marketing
In this engaging and practical session, Drew Vaughn explores how law firms can harness data, technology, and strategy to attract ideal clients and build sustainable growth. Attendees will gain insights into aligning firm marketing with client expectations, leveraging AI responsibly, and creating measurable, ethical marketing systems that actually work. Drew draws on his experience as both a practicing attorney and a marketing innovator to bridge the gap between traditional legal practice and modern business development. Participants will leave with actionable steps to refine their client acquisition strategy and position their firms for long-term success.
Drew Vaughn, Founder, Deviant Marketing 

Moderators:
Jason Shimotake, The Shimotake Law Firm, LLC; Chair, CBA Bankruptcy and Reorganization Committee
Rigoberto Garcia, Feldman Garcia Leshinsky & Miljus; Member, CBA Bankruptcy and Reorganization Committee

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Live CBA Committee meetings and seminars will take place via Zoom webinar.  You will click on "view video" and be directly connected to the meeting/seminar on Zoom.  (You will not receive a Zoom link.)

You MUST have Zoom Desktop Client on your Mac or PC to view a live program. If using a mobile device, you must have the Zoom App (available in the App Store or Google Play).

System requirements for Mac & PC can be found here. System requirements for mobile devices can be here.  

Please note that audience members do not need video or audio access.  Audience members are able to submit questions via the chat or Q & A features of Zoom. 

Chat: Open in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to and send a message to the host, panelists, and attendees (if permitted). Question & Answer: Open the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live.