Business Details
39 Years
experience
Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association
Founded in 1987, the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association has established itself as a premier voluntary bar association for bankruptcy practitioners in Florida. Our organization fosters professional excellence through monthly continuing legal education luncheons, specialized seminars, and direct engagement with local bankruptcy judges. With over 260 members representing debtors, creditors, trustees, and legal professionals, we maintain a balanced approach to bankruptcy practice while promoting ethical standards and judicial collaboration.Our initiatives include the Pro Se Assistance Clinic, which provides free legal guidance to underserved individuals, and the Credit Abuse Resistance Education program targeting financial literacy in youth. Through quarterly publications like The Cramdown and regular networking opportunities, we ensure members stay informed about evolving bankruptcy practices while maintaining our founding mission of improving communication between bench and bar.
Services
CLE Luncheons
Pro Se Assistance Clinic
Judicial Engagement Programs
Bankruptcy Publications
Community Education Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer monthly CLE luncheons with Florida Bar continuing education credit
- Our Pro Se Assistance Clinic provides free legal guidance to underserved individuals
- Balanced membership includes debtors, creditors, and trustee representatives
- Direct judicial involvement in educational programs since our 1987 founding
- Community initiatives include financial literacy programs for youth
Services
CLE Luncheons
Monthly luncheon programs featuring bankruptcy judges and legal experts provide Florida Bar continuing education credit. These sessions cover current bankruptcy issues, practice pointers, and judicial perspectives while fostering professional networking among practitioners in the Middle District of Florida.
Pro Se Assistance Clinic
Free legal information clinic operating every Wednesday afternoon at the Federal Courthouse. Staffed by volunteer attorneys, this program helps self-represented debtors navigate bankruptcy procedures while providing valuable pro bono opportunities for our members.
Judicial Engagement
Regular interactions between bankruptcy judges and practitioners through luncheons, panels, and informal meetings. This unique access promotes better understanding of court procedures and fosters professional relationships that improve case administration outcomes in Tampa Division bankruptcy proceedings.
Bankruptcy Publications
Quarterly Cramdown publication featuring scholarly articles, practice updates, and court news. Our members receive timely information about bankruptcy developments alongside advertising opportunities that support the organization's self-sustaining model.
Community Education
Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) program delivering financial literacy presentations to schools and youth organizations. This initiative helps prevent future financial distress by teaching responsible credit practices to middle school, high school, and college students.
People
Nicole Mariani
Chair
Leading the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association with extensive experience in bankruptcy law. Committed to advancing professional standards while maintaining accessible membership programs for legal practitioners in the Middle District of Florida.
Ryan Reinert
President
President of the association with a focus on expanding educational opportunities. Works to strengthen relationships between bankruptcy practitioners and the judiciary while ensuring quality programming for the Tampa legal community.
Angelina Lim
Vice President
Vice President dedicated to improving member engagement. Brings expertise in bankruptcy litigation to help shape the association's strategic direction and programming initiatives for legal professionals.
Dan Fogarty
Treasurer
Manages financial operations while promoting ethical bankruptcy practices. Contributes practical experience from daily practice to enhance the association's financial sustainability and programming effectiveness.
Erik Johanson
Secretary
Ensures accurate record-keeping and compliance with organizational standards. Combines private practice experience with administrative responsibilities to support the association's operational efficiency and member services.
Questions
How do I join the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association?
Visit our website and complete the membership application. Choose from available membership categories and submit payment through our secure online portal.
Are CLE programs available for non-members?
While most programs require membership, select events like the Consumer CLE series are open to non-members with advance registration.
How can I participate in the Pro Se Clinic?
Contact Jeff Schlerf through our website to sign up for volunteer slots. The clinic operates every Wednesday afternoon at the Federal Courthouse.
What publications does TBBBA offer?
Our quarterly Cramdown publication features legal articles, court updates, and member news. Back issues are available in our online archive.
Can I advertise in The Cramdown?
Yes, advertising opportunities are available. Contact our publications committee for current rates and specifications for print and digital placements.
How are committee positions filled?
Members can volunteer for committees through our website. Committee chairs coordinate activities and report to the board on member initiatives.
