Review of ABI's Inaugural Professional Development Program
by Richard J. Corbi
Proskauer Rose LLP; New York
Kathryn Pamenter
The Garden City Group, Inc.; Chicago
As a result of the suggestion of one of its young/new members, ABI hosted its Inaugural Professional Development Program in Chicago on May 28, 2009. The program was designed for mid-level insolvency professionals with a dual focus on CLE programs and interactive breakout sessions on how to develop business, network and advance in one’s own law firm.
The full-day conference began in the morning with CLE presentations on the following topics: the importance of understanding fiduciary duties; identifying financial distress; and valuation methodologies of distressed assets and companies. The afternoon session began with a panel discussing how to advance at one’s firm and within one’s profession. Afterward, the attendees were divided into three breakout groups that participated in interactive workshops on building relationships to generate business, putting the “working” in networking and enhancing influence skills to get what you want. The conference concluded with an opportunity to put the learned networking skills to practice while bowling.
Sponsors for the program included Bridge Associates LLC, Development Specialists Inc., Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Jenner & Block LLP, RSM McGladrey Inc., Epiq Systems, High Ridge Partners, Shaw Gussis Fishman Glantz Wolfson & Towbin LLC and Ungaretti & Harris LLP.