Tag Archives: COVID-19

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser Examines Consumer Bankruptcy Trends During the Pandemic in Business Law Today

alan hochheiser

July 7, 2021 — Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser has written an article for the American Bar Association’s news magazine Business Law Today in which he takes a closer look at consumer bankruptcy developments during the COVID-19 pandemic including filing trends, Supreme Court cases, proposed legislation and the arena of consumer protection cases in bankruptcy proceedings.

In “Consumer Bankruptcy in the Age of COVID-19,” he writes, “The last year and half was a time to be remembered in Bankruptcy Law. It started with an eye on increasing the ability of small businesses to utilize the Chapter 11 process in a more efficient and less expensive way, which led to record number of commercial filings, a reduction in consumer filings, and a test of the bankruptcy system.”

“Six months into 2021, we have not seen the feared tsunami of consumer bankruptcy filings. Bankruptcy courts are not overwhelmed. This lack of an increase in bankruptcies could extend for a substantial period of time as businesses reopen, COVID restrictions are released, consumers begin to spend and travel, and certain states and the government look to resume foreclosure and eviction moratoriums. We optimistically wait to see what the second half of 2021 brings,” he writes.

Alan Hochheiser is a principal at national business and financial services law firm Maurice Wutscher LLP, where he advises and represents businesses, regional and national banks, credit unions, equipment lessors and other lenders, as well as secured and unsecured creditors. Mr. Hochheiser chairs the ABA Business Law Section’s Consumer Bankruptcy Committee. He has been named to ALM’s list of Cleveland’s Top-Rated Lawyers and is peer-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the worldwide guide to lawyers.

Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice Speaks on State of Debt Collection in the UK During Podcast

Sept. 15, 2020 — As the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, debt collectors in the United Kingdom are adjusting their operations in response. Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice speaks to industry leaders about the state of debt collection in the U.K. during The State of Business podcast. 

During the podcast, Mr. Maurice additionally gives guidance on how collectors can responsibly continue their operations during the emergency.

The podcast is produced by Adam Wood of GCS Credit, a membership of international credit and debt collection professionals.

Mr. Maurice provides counsel to businesses and financial services companies, successfully litigating matters in state and federal courts in individual and class actions. He also counsels clients in data privacy and other regulatory compliance matters and provides advice and counsel to attorneys in matters of professional responsibility and attorney ethics.

The podcast is available here.

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser Discusses Potential Surge in COVID-19 Eviction Cases

Aug. 19, 2020 ­— Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser is quoted in a Cleveland Jewish News article regarding a potential eviction crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s executive order 2020-08D requested that landlords suspend rent payments for 90 days for small businesses facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, Mr. Hochheiser explains that evictions at all levels are now able to proceed, which may lead to a surge in eviction cases. However, Mr. Hochheiser advises parties to explore other options over legal proceedings.

“One of the biggest things is for tenants to try and have a discussion with their landlord on how they can make payments or work together on the issue,” Mr. Hochheiser says. “As moratoriums are lifted, the landlord has the right to evict the tenants should they have not paid. But, there are a few things to look at from a business standpoint. Say the landlord evicts a tenant, there are not a lot of people out there with the financial wherewithal to rent an apartment. So, I think it’s about having a conversation to do a payment plan as the economy improves and leases end.”

Alan Hochheiser is a leading practitioner in the areas of creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law. He advises and represents businesses, regional and national banks, credit unions, equipment lessors and other lenders, as well as secured and unsecured creditors.

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser to Discuss Business Bankruptcies Under SBRA, CARES Act During June Webinar

June 10, 2020 — With business bankruptcy filings on the increase as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy attorney Alan Hochheiser will give insight into how to protect a client’s business and its creditors during a webinar on June 16 at 12 pm ET.

The webinar will be offered again on June 25 at 12 pm ET and on demand.

Mr. Hochheiser will give an overview of the Small Business Reorganization Act and discuss the impact of the CARES Act on businesses. He will also review steps to be taken if filing a small business bankruptcy, how to preserve assets while providing the largest return for creditors, preference and other avoidance actions, how to bring additional dollars into the estate, and defenses available for creditors and insiders.

“As businesses continue to experience difficulties as we are in uncharted territory due to the pandemic, every business, its advisors, lawyers, and accountants need to be aware of the bankruptcy process. No matter if you are working with the business itself or you are a creditor, an understanding of how to protect your client’s interest will be vital to that business’s ongoing success or failure,” Mr. Hochheiser explains.

Mr. Hochheiser is a leading practitioner in the areas of creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law. He advises and represents businesses, regional and national banks, credit unions, equipment lessors and other lenders, as well as secured and unsecured creditors.

The webinar is being presented by Advantage Continuing Education Seminars. Click here to register.

Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice Speaks on Current State of Debt Collection During Podcast

June 2, 2020 — What is the state of debt collection during the COVID-19 emergency? Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice and other industry leaders weigh in during The State of Business podcast.

During the podcast, Mr. Maurice gives guidance on how collectors can responsibly continue their operations during the emergency.

The podcast is produced by Adam Wood of GCS Credit, a membership of international credit and debt collection professionals.

Mr. Maurice provides counsel to businesses and financial services companies, successfully litigating matters in state and federal courts in individual and class actions. He also counsels clients in data privacy and other regulatory compliance matters and provides advice and counsel to attorneys in matters of professional responsibility and attorney ethics.

The podcast is available here.