Some moments in a legal career feel like everything has come full circle. This is one of those moments for me.
Nearly 17 years ago, I was a newly minted bankruptcy attorney trying to find my footing in a complicated and often unforgiving area of law. Consumer bankruptcy isn't something you just pick up overnight. The code is dense, the procedures are exacting, and the stakes for clients are incredibly high. People come to you at some of the most stressful points in their lives, and they need you to know what you're doing.
Back then, one of the first resources I turned to was Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, published by the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education. That book became a constant companion. Dog-eared pages, highlighted sections, sticky notes everywhere. It helped me understand not just the what but the why behind bankruptcy procedures, and it gave me the confidence to build a Downers Grove, IL bankruptcy lawyer practice that actually served people well.
A New Chapter (Literally)
Fast forward to today, and I'm proud to share that I've now contributed to the 2025 triennial update of this same treatise. Specifically, I authored the first two chapters.
The first chapter tackles what every attorney needs to consider before initiating a consumer bankruptcy case. We're talking about the legal, procedural, and ethical questions that come up right at the starting line. What should you be asking your client? What should they be asking you? Where do the landmines hide?
The second chapter dives deep into the Means Test and explores the grounds for dismissal or conversion in Chapter 7 cases. If you've ever had to explain the Means Test to a client (or wrestled with it yourself), you know this isn't exactly light reading. But it's essential knowledge for anyone practicing in this space.
The remaining nine chapters are written by other practitioners I deeply respect, and together the book offers a thorough, practical guide to consumer bankruptcy law in Illinois.
Why This Matters
IICLE has long been one of the go-to legal publishers in this state. Their materials are written by people who actually practice law, for people who actually practice law. No fluff, no academic abstraction. Just useful, real-world guidance.
If you're a legal professional looking to sharpen your bankruptcy practice, I'd encourage you to check out the 2025 edition of Consumer Bankruptcy Practice. It's the kind of resource I wish I'd had even more of when I was starting out.
And if you're not an attorney but someone in the greater Chicago area facing financial difficulties, I hope you'll reach out. Bankruptcy law exists to give people a fresh start, and helping clients find that path forward is still the most rewarding part of what I do. Contact our dedicated team at Madden Law LLC to discuss your case and how we can help you with all of your legal and financial needs.