Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

Jennifer B. Cona is the managing partner of Melville based Genser Dubow Genser & Cona LLP (GDGC), one of Long Island's leading Elder Law and Estate Planning firms. She is among Long Island's most accomplished women, exemplifying leadership in business and community outreach.

Ms. Cona's work involves representing, counseling and assisting seniors and their families with a complex range of legal issues, including the preservation of assets, Medicaid planning, estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, administration of estates, estate litigation, guardianships and disability planning. Under Ms. Cona's direction, the firm has expanded its practice to include health care facility representation. Currently, GDGC represents over 50 nursing homes and assisted living facilities on Long Island and the metropolitan New York area, making Ms. Cona's firm one of the preeminent law firms in this practice area.

Ms. Cona is a Supreme Court and Surrogate Court appointed court evaluator, guardian, Guardian ad Litem and counsel for incapacitated persons. She is an advocate for those with limited access to the legal system and has lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of the NOW Legal Defense Fund. Ms. Cona was the keynote speaker at the Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation (LIAF) Coping and Caring Conference in 2004. Appointed to the Legal Advisory Board of the Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation (LIAF), Ms. Cona provides legal advice and direction on the issues facing individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurse Association of Long Island and is the founder and chair of the New York Advanced Elder Law Focus Group. Ms. Cona's firm is a member of the New York Health Facilities Association, InterCounty Health Facilities Association, and the Long Island Association.

Jack H. Genser, Esq. manages the litigation department of the firm's Elder Law, Estate Litigation and Personal Injury divisions where he directs litigation on behalf of seniors, their families, health care facilities and individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or recklessness of someone else.

Mr. Genser is an experienced litigator who has successfully conducted jury and bench trials in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as all counties of the City of New York. In addition to his in-court expertise, Mr. Genser is well-versed in all areas of alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation, as a means of obtaining expeditious and cost-effective case resolutions.

Mr. Genser was a keynote speaker at Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation "Coping and Caring" Conference in March 2004. Mr. Genser is a member of the Elder Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Trial Lawyers Section of the New York State Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association Committee on Elder Law, Social Services and Health Advocacy, the Committee on Surrogate's Court, Estates and Trusts, and the Suffolk County Bar Association Elder Law Section.

Mr. Genser earned his Juris Doctor degree with Honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1994 and his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Tufts University in 1989. He was admitted to the bar of the State of New York in 1995.

Concentrations:
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation, Civil Litigation, Commercial/Residential Real Estate, Health Care Facility Representation.

AMIDEO NICHOLAS GUZZONE & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Established and well Respected Law firm serving Suffolk County, Nassau County and all New York Counties for over 50 years

Personal Injury / Accident Law / General Practice law

631-588-5000

FIRM SIZE:

4 Litigation Attorneys
2 Trial Attorneys
5 Support/Litigation Assistants

Bankruptcy Attorney Craig D. Robins, Esq.

Craig D. Robins, Esq., has been a practicing Long Island bankruptcy attorney for over twenty-five years. During most of this time, he has devoted his practice almost exclusively to bankruptcy and debt-related matters. Mr. Robins has had experience in thousands of bankruptcy cases which has included representing both consumers in Chapter 7 and 13 cases, and businesses in Chapter 11 cases.

Education and Court Admissions
Craig D. Robins, Esq. received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University in 1981. He studied law in London, England from 1982 to 1983 through the Notre Dame Law School Concannon Program in International Law. He received a Juris Doctorate from Western New England Law School in 1984. He was admitted to the Massachusetts and New York Bars in 1985 and the Florida Bar in 1987. He is also admitted to practice in various Federal District Courts, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Claims Court. Mr. Robins briefly interned as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Richard Wallach, Supreme Court Judge (New York, First Department).



Recognition
Martindale-Hubbell, the nationally recognized service that rates attorneys by peer review, has rated Mr. Robins "high to very high."

Scholarly Writing
Mr. Robins has written extensively on bankruptcy law and has authored over 100 bankruptcy law articles on a variety of topics including bankruptcy law and procedure, bankruptcy legislation, bankruptcy practice, and the interaction of bankruptcy law on personal injury cases and matrimonial rights. He continues to be a regular columnist on bankruptcy law for the Suffolk Lawyer where he has written for over 18 years, and frequently writes articles for the Nassau Lawyer and Attorney of Nassau.



In the News
Mr. Robins is recognized as an authority on New York bankruptcy law and practice and is often sought out by the media. He has been interviewed on News 12 several times and has been interviewed and quoted in Newsday Bankruptcy Articles and the New York Law Journal about twenty times.



In addition, he has lectured on bankruptcy law for the Nassau County Bar Association and has discussed bankruptcy law on radio and television talk shows and news programs.



Legal Organizations
Since 1991, he has also been actively involved in giving presentations on bankruptcy law to attorneys and Federal and State Court Judges through the Theodore Roosevelt Chapter of the American Inns of Court, of which he is a member and also sits on its executive board. As Chairman of that organization's annual banquet, he has hosted dinners honoring United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., and New York's highest judge, Judith S. Kay, Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals.



Involvement in the Bankruptcy Bar
Mr. Robins is active in the Bankruptcy Committees of both the Nassau and Suffolk Bar Associations, and is on the Mentor Program of the Suffolk County Bar Association where he is called upon to provide assistance on bankruptcy law to younger bankruptcy lawyers who are members of the Bar. He is a long-time member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.



Pro Bono Work
Mr. Robins is a founding co-chairman of the Nassau County Bar Association's Pro-Bono Bankruptcy Committee and he regularly represents pro-bono debtors. He holds the distinction of having represented more pro bono debtors than any other attorney on Long Island. The Nassau County Bar Association awarded Mr. Robins a Presidential Recognition Award for his dedication in representing pro-bono consumer debtors in bankruptcy proceedings. Mr. Robins was recognized by the Volunteer Lawyers Project for his pro-bono work when he was named Pro-Bono Attorney of the Month on two separate occasions. Newsday honored Mr. Robins by naming him in its "Winners" column for his dedication to community work.



Range of Practice
Mr. Robins has represented a wide and diverse range of debtors in bankruptcy proceedings. In addition to representing numerous typical Long Islanders and New Yorkers, he has represented a former New York Yankees baseball player, dozens of professionals including attorneys, doctors, dentists and C.P.A.s, and a variety of business entities ranging from a professional sports franchise to multi-million dollar companies to mom-and-pop storefronts.

Robert Grossman focuses his practice in the area of matrimonial and family law, and also practices in the areas of real estate, commercial litigation and appeals. Understanding that clients often prefer to resolve their disputes out of court, Mr. Grossman is an adept negotiator who seeks to work collaboratively with opposing counsel to devise creative solutions to complex issues. But, when settlement cannot be achieved and trial becomes necessary, he aggressively pursues his client's goals without losing sight of the repercussions. From the outset Mr. Grossman works with his clients to determine their goals and develop a detailed plan for each, often including the "thereafter." In his view, the absence of a properly developed plan could be compared to taking a trip by car to a new destination without directions or a map – you may eventually arrive at your destination, but not without unnecessary complications and delays.

Mr. Grossman's work in the field of matrimonial and family law began over a decade ago, when clients who benefitted from his representation in commercial matters sought his representation in matrimonial disputes. He is experienced in matters involving pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support (maintenance) issues, equitable distribution of assets and liabilities, valuations of assets including enhanced earnings, licenses, practices and businesses, as well as post-judgment enforcement and modification proceedings. Mr. Grossman is also experienced in appellate practice. His business and commercial experience allows him to see issues from a practical perspective and gives him an in-depth understanding of certain complex issues that often arise in matrimonial disputes. Mr Grossman has also been called upon to act as a "special prosecutor" for certain local municipalities from time to time.

When you hire me for your Injury or New York No Fault case, you have the distinct advantage of my experience as an attorney who has defended various insurance companies.

I know what the insurance carriers don't want you to know. I understand their mindset and strategies. Now I can put them to work for you.

After graduating from Adelphi College with a major in business administration, Melvyn received his L.L.B from Brooklyn Law School in 1962. He immediately entered private practice in Suffolk County. Melvyn is a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and the NYS Trial Lawyers Association.

Zealously protecting Long Islanders with care.
I became an attorney after many years on Wall Street because I like helping underdogs, including abuse victims, the elderly, the physically and/or mentally challenged, discrimination victims, animals, foreclosure victims, etc. I am a different type of lawyer than some people are used to, especially since I used to be on the other side of the desk. My clients' needs come first, they are treated as if each one is my only client, phone calls are returned quickly, and I know my areas of law. I also check with attorneys with decades of experience just to make sure I am handling my clients' cases properly. I am an active member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, and I take a great deal of Continuing Education courses ("CLE"). Even though only 16 credits are required, I had 80 in 2010 and have yet to count the many from 2011. I want to ensure that I am always up on the latest developments so besides the CLE courses, I have updating services. I also keep regular friendships and contact with other lawyers in the area and we help one another out, and I do pro bono work through pro bono organizations. Again, this helps my clients out.

I have repeat clients because of the way I treat clients from the start. Once clients see the Ryder difference, they have high expectations and I work hard to meet those expectations. I want a long-term relatonship with every client and this can only be done by handling cases and clients correctly from the beginning, and showing clients that the way they may have been used to being treated is NOT the way I do business. Frankly, all attorneys should do business this way.

Located on Long Island, our law office has over 20 years experience helping residents of Nassau & Suffolk county with Bankruptcy and Foreclosure issues. Please call us today so we can help you!

Mr. Provost is an attorney specializing in consumer bankruptcy (chapters 7 and 13) with the Law Firm of Ingber & Provost, LLP. His offices serve the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions in New York State, as well as the New York City metropolitan area and Long Island. Together with his partner, Norman Ingber, the Law Firm of Ingber & Provost, LLP has more than 40 years of combined professional experience helping clients find solutions to their debts, as well as other legal matters, such as personal injury, real estate, and matrimonial. Mr. Provost is a client-oriented attorney, and is known to be readily accessible to his clients after hours and on weekends. He received his bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, and an M.A. in Communications from New York University. He received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School. He is a published author, with articles appearing in such publications as Time, Fortune, and The American Banker.

I have been practicing personal injury law for over 20 years and have handled hundreds of cases ranging from million dollar verdicts to $1,000 settlements. I understand that the most important case to you is your case. I have learned that clients want someone who will pay attention to their case, someone who will keep them informed and someone who will fight for every dollar that their case deserves. I take satisfaction in knowing that so many of my clients have come to me on referral from previous clients or other attorneys. I make no outlandish claims except to vow that I will do my very best for you.

IRWIN G. KLEIN holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a J.D. degree from Vermont Law School, having graduated as a member of the Law Review. Irwin Klein is rated AV Preeminent (the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards) by Martindale-Hubbell, the premiere worldwide directory of attorneys. He is a former prosecutor, having served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, he is licensed to practice in all of the courts of the State of New York, the United States Supreme Court and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and the District of Vermont. Mr. Irwin Klein is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association, the Queens County Bar Association, the Nassau County Criminal Bar Association and the New York State Defender’s Association. He has served the legal community for 33 years.

New York estate planning attorney Joseph P. Donlon is the founder of Donlon & Associates, PC. Joe's practice is dedicated to helping clients prevent family strife, reduce taxes, and protect their assets and legacies from lawsuits, creditors, and nursing home costs. He has worked with a wide range of clients during his professional career, from those of modest means with basic needs, to those possessing tens of millions of dollars in assets and requiring sophisticated planning. He is a frequent lecturer and presenter on estate planning topics and is routinely invited to speak before financial institutions, civic groups, and business gatherings.

Joe earned his Bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, from the Honors College at Adelphi University, and his Juris Doctor from the Fordham University School of Law. In addition to being a licensed attorney, Joe holds the prestigious Certified Financial Planner™ designation. He is a member of the Trusts & Estates and Elder Law sections of the New York State Bar Association and the Estate Planning Council of New York City.

Long Island Divorce Lawyer Michael Rubenfeld has been representing clients in all Divorce and Family law matters since 1993.

Please visit www.LandTitleLaw.com to learn more about Lance R. Pomerantz.

Mr. Ahuja is a U.S. citizen born in India. He is admitted in the states of New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, U.S. District Court; Southern District of NY, U.S. District Court; Eastern District of NY, and India. Mr. Ahuja received his education and experience both in India and the United States. Mr. Ahuja holds an LL.M. (International Business Law); an LL.M. in Labor Laws; LL.B. (JD); M.B.A. (Personnel Management & Labor Welfare); M.B.A. (Business Management); a Diploma in German language; a Postgraduate Diploma in Gandhian Philosophy, besides his M.A. (Major: International Relations) and B.A. (Honors) degrees.

Mr. Ahuja has worked as an Attorney (Trademarks) at the United States Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, as an Of Counsel to Aitken Irvin Lewin Berlin Vrooman & Cohn, LLP, a Washington, D.C. based law firm specializing in the international business law, as a Consultant to M&M Consultants in Massachusetts, as a General Counsel to Soft Computer Consultants in New York, and Regional Manager at Oriental Bank of Commerce, India. Mr. Ahuja has worked as an Adjunct Faculty at Baruch College [City University of New York], New York, NY, as an Adjunct Faculty and taught International Business at the USDA Graduate School, Washington, D.C; and as Adjunct Faculty at Howard University. He has been on numerous other legal panels and organized a number of conferences, has frequently been a guest speaker to various institutions of management sciences and law including Continuing Legal Education program for attorneys. Besides his law practice, Mr. Ahuja works as an Arbitrator with Small Claims Courts in New York. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu & Punjabi languages and enjoys writing poems in his native languages.

Mr. Ahujaâs professional activities and associations [past & present] include membership of the Indo-U.S. Joint Sub-commission on Trade and Investments [1997]; Member: Association of Arbitrators, Ambassador of the Maryland International Trade Association [1996,1997]; Judge: Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001); Legal Advisor/Board Member: Indo-Pak-Bangladesh Friendship Forum; King-Gandhi Foundation, Lions Club, Global Organization Of People of Indian Origin [GOPIO], Federation of Indian Americans, National Capital Region, India Cultural Coordination Committee Inc.; Washington, D.C.; Punjabi Durbar Religious & Cultural Society, Inc., NY, Om Vedam Inc. [A Not For Profit Organization], Jalota Entertainment Inc., Staten Island Hindu Temple Inc., Sikh Gurudwara, Richmond Hill, NY, and India This Week (a community weekly newspaper, Washington, D.C.); Member: Indo American Political Association; Member: Indian American Forum For Political Education; Member: The Pen Club of Washington, D.C.; Member: New York State Bar Association; Member: Connecticut State Bar Association; Member: Virginia State Bar Association; Member: ABA Section of International Law & Practice; Member: Washington Foreign Law Society; Treasurer: Indian American Bar Association; Member: American Bar Association; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âBankingâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on Corporation Law; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on Cyberspace & Internet Law; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âForeign and International Lawâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âImmigration and Nationalityâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âIntellectual Propertyâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âLabor Relations and Employment Lawâ; Member: New York County Lawyersâ Association Committee on âTechnology and Automationâ etc. He was selected as an intern to serve Senator Edward Kennedyâs Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

Mr. Ahuja has written/published a number of papers/articles. Some of the papers written by him are: âThe Role of Air Bags and Seatbelts - a Primary or Supplemental Restraint System?â; Domestic Violence: A Social Curse; Employment Discrimination and Your Rights; Foreclosure Laws And Procedure In The State of New York; Multinational Corporations And Problem of Identity; Foreign Direct Investments: Pros and Cons; Homeowner Association: What To Do About Them?; How To Handle Problems With A Condominium Board?; How To Handle Problems With A Co-Op Board?; Protect Your Identity To Protect Yourself; Intellectual Property Laws And Issues In India; Religious Corporation & Religious Corporation Laws In New York; Religious Corporation Laws And Tax-Exemptions; Social Security And Social Security Administration; Land-Tenants Laws In New York; Taxation For Foreigners; Your Rights And Responsibilities As A Permanent Resident; How To Lose Your Citizenship?; The Defamation Law & Defenses, The Competitive Law Reforms for the Government of Indonesia; The United States Government Procurement Procedures; FCC: The Law, Procedures, and Policies Relating to Revocation of a License; Import of Raw Vegetables and Fruits from India; United Statesâ Export Import- Rules and Regulations; Business Opportunities in the U. S. A. Relating to Auto Parts; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Electric Goods; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Gloves; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Snacks Food; Business Opportunities in the U.S.A. Relating to Audio-Video Products; Classification for Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Their Children; Immigration Benefits for Battered Spouses and Children; The Indian Economy in Transition; Indian-U.S. License Agreements; The United States Regulatory Regime: Blessing or Curse for the Businesses? Structuring Multinational Business Entities; Computer Crimes And Department of Justiceâs Preparation For A Cyberwar; The United States-A Refuge For Oppressed People; The Politics Of Color; Law & Practice of Banking in India; Payment and Collection of Checks, Bank Documentation and Finance in India; Analysis & Interpretation of Financial Statements; Bank Lending in India; Agricultural Recovery Laws and Credit Collection in India; Legal Issues Relating To Bank Guaranties & Letters of Credit; Practical Problems in Suit Filing and Enforcement of Judgment in India; Commercial Dispute Settlement Mechanism in India; Formation of Business Entity in India; Safeguards & Prevention of Frauds in the Banking Industry In India; Labor Laws and Industrial Relations in India; Manpower Training & Development in the Banking Industry in India; Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Mechanism; Time Management; Interpersonal Relations Based on Behavior in Organizations; Good Listening is Good Communication; Improve Your Memory to Help Yourself; The Story of Hair Styles: Indiaâs Contribution to the World of Fashion; Islam and Sikhism; The Concept and Connotation of Maya; The Vegetarian Way of Life; Gandhi and Mountbatten: A Comparative Study. Women in Life and Society; Women in Hinduism; Ramadan, The Holiest Month; The Status of Women in Islam; Women in Islam; Women And Their Sexual Rights; Another Unholy War; The Forgotten Days Of Our History; Amber: The City Of Tourists; Pinjore Garden: A Heaven On The Earth; Gandhi & Ahimsa; Gurumukh; The Guru Nanak And The Muslims; I Love New York; Message Of The Master; The Cultural Heritage Of Punjab; Religion As Ahimsa; Auto Accident Law in the State of New York etc.

Kimberly attended the University of Michigan where she received her BA. She attended Fordham Law School where she received her JD in 1998. She began her career working at a large firm in New York City, Brown & Wood, LLP. Kimberly joined the Nassau County District Attorney's Office in 2002 where she tried numerous cases to verdict. In May, 2005, Kimberly joined her father Richard's practice. Kimberly handles most of the criminal matters (felonies, misdemeanors and traffic violations) and assists Richard with all other matters. Kimberly is a member of the New York State Bar Association and active in the Nassau County Bar Association where she most recently gave a CLE lecture on how to plea bargain. She was formerly head, and now vice chairs, the District Court Committee. Kimberly is also a correspondent for Fox News and MSNBC and appears regularly discussing all current legal issues. Kimberly has also handled high-profile matters and has appeared on all the local news stations.

I am a business litigator, Arbitrator, and Mediator.

Most entrepreneurs, professionals (including lawyers), and business managers and owners lack true and complete knowledge about Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR). I hope to educate and enlighten them regarding the advantages of ADR and avoiding more costly court litigation proceedings. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you and to debunk some of the inaccurate myths that seem to re-circulate, based on misinformation, old information, or lack of information about the realities of ADR. I also can tell you about the particular situations where – in contrast – court litigation is preferable to ADR or even necessary; one size does not fit all in the realm of business dispute resolution.

ADR allows parties to take more control over, and often lets them customize the resolution of, their disputes instead of simply having an unwelcome adjudication forced on them by a judge who is constrained more mechanically to apply limited facts to the law, rather than take a flexible and targeted approach for the greater good of the parties. ADR is usually cheaper, faster, less disruptive, and more beneficial to the parties overall. Disputing parties who utilize ADR usually come out more satisfied with the end result than do those who litigate in court.

If you would like to learn more, either in general or with regard specifically to your own present or future circumstances, please contact me.

I place particular emphasis upon effective, responsive communication with clients, helping to inform and guide them through the often unfamiliar and confusing maze of business litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Other central services include helping clients avoid business disputes by performing litigation risk management (troubleshooting for potential areas of litigation liability); representing clients who have received a subpoena from a governmental agency such as the New York State Attorney General or the United States Department of Justice; as well as drafting, reviewing, and/or negotiating confidentiality and non-competition agreements, commercial leases, and other types of contracts.

My firm practices primarily in New York State and Federal trial and appellate courts, and before arbitrators and mediators in the New York metropolitan area. Based on my unique level of experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), I provide ADR consultation services to other attorneys. I also serve regularly as New York or Long Island local counsel to out-of-state lawyers or companies involved in litigation in this region, respecting and protecting referring professionals' relationships with their clients.

My practice background includes clerkship with a federal Magistrate-Judge early in my legal training; service with a significant midtown Manhattan law firm; more than a decade as a partner in a medium-sized, high-quality Nassau County, Long Island law firm; and, since 2000, managing my own firm.

In addition to my law practice, I devote significant efforts to my service as a professional neutral commercial arbitrator for several major forums and as a private professional neutral commercial mediator. As an arbitrator, I hear and adjudicate business dispute cases, rendering binding Orders and Awards that are legally enforceable in court. As a mediator, I facilitate consensual resolution of business disputes, resulting in the parties' written settlement agreement. In each of my capacities, I handle conflict management in the context of business dispute resolution.

I also have personal experience running a small business: From 1988 through 2007, as President of a domestic real estate company owned by an Australian client, I managed autonomously the business operations and commercial real estate holdings of this entity, acting in all respects as a commercial landlord concerning property in Manhattan. I regularly serve on the boards of New York not-for-profit corporations, and help to run legal and business networking groups, enabling me to develop and foster a broad and deep network of trusted professionals on whom I can rely to assist my clients and colleagues for matters that are outside the areas of my expertise.

Business disputes should not be handled absent expert assistance. Not only should you not seek to deal with a brewing dispute by yourself, you also should be wary of hiring those whose legal practice focuses in other arenas (e.g., corporate transactional work; tax; real estate; personal injury; and the like) to handle the legal aspects of your business dispute. I don't presume to be able to practice in their areas; you should be cautious about having them venture into these specialized waters.

Experienced Foreclosure & Bankruptcy Attorney serving Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk & Kings County. Helping clients with back taxes, tax audits, chapter 7, chapter 11 and chapter 13 bankruptcies.