Heartfelt Thanks
his sister and had two years of sobriety, but employers, upon seeing his debt-ridden credit report, refused to hire him. Carl had attempted to file bankruptcy before coming to D10, but the attorney took his fee and never finished the bankruptcy.
D10 helped him complete his online counseling and liaised with his prior attorney, who would not supply the electronic file but provided the paper file. Carl has maintained his sobriety, got his last conviction reduced, and is on his way to getting his life back.
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Della is a 60-something widow who was downsized from her job after adopting one of her grandchildren, whose parents have addictions. Della also has a hearing problem and does not feel comfortable using the internet. D10 went through the counseling with her. During the bankruptcy the engine of her car, secured by a loan Della was expecting to reaffirm, died. The bankruptcy discharged the car loan, and a D10 law student bugged the lien holder until they gave Della title to the car, allowing her to sell the car for a few hundred dollars. She is now working on adopting another grandchild.
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Michael L. Cook Extraordinary Grant
On March 19, 2016 the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation announced that it has established its first extraordinary grant in honor of Michael L. Cook, whose two-year term as Chair of the American College of Bankruptcy concluded that weekend.
Mr. Cook, a New York-based partner in the law firm of Schulte, Roth & Zabel, served as Chair and President of the College and Chair of its Board of Regents during the period from 2010-2016, and as Chair of the Pro Bono Committee from 2008-2010. “During both his many years of exemplary service to the College and his long and distinguished career, Mike has been a tireless advocate, visionary leader and relentless fund-raiser on behalf of programs that provide pro bono legal services throughout the United States,” said G. Christopher Meyer, who succeeds Mr. Cook as Chair of the College.
“Under Mike’s leadership of the College, the past several years have seen unprecedented growth for the Foundation,” said Foundation Chair Mark D. Bloom. “It was only fitting that we recognize Mike’s exceptional influence by creating our first-ever extraordinary grant in his name. The 'Michael L. Cook Extraordinary Grant' will be awarded from time to time to a legal services organization that offers an innovative and exemplary approach to a previously under-served area of need.”
The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation is believed to be the nation’s largest provider of funding and resources to legal services organizations offering pro bono bankruptcy services to consumer debtors. The Foundation maintains an active website for donations and grant requests, located at www.americancollegeofbankruptcy.com/foundation.
Mark D. Bloom (left) and G. Christopher Meyer (right) present Michael L. Cook (center) with a framed Extraordinary Grant resolution
G. Christopher Meyer (left) presents Michael L. Cook (right) for his years of service to the College