Angela Allen, Jenner & Block LLP

What TMA Chapter do you belong to?

I belong to the Chicago/Midwest Chapter. I live and practice in Chicago, where I have lived since moving from Michigan in 2008.

How did you get involved in TMA?

I evaluated a number of professional organizations and chose to become involved with TMA because (among other reasons) it provided opportunities to interact with not just other bankruptcy lawyers, but a variety of turnaround professionals including lenders, accountants, private equity, and consultants. A partner at my firm suggested that I speak with Gordy Gouveia, who was active in the TMA NextGen Committee at that time. Gordy was quick to bring me into the fold and nominated me to chair the NextGen Committee. With Gordy's help, I was able to jump right in and start making connections that soon turned into friendships.    

How does being a TMA NextGen member impact you professionally?

It is tough when you go to a networking event and you know only a few people, if anyone, there.  At the events hosted by the NextGen Committee, everyone is looking to make new connections.  And in 10 years or so, NextGen professionals will be not just supporting, but leading, the headline-making turnaround deals. I was able to use my NextGen contacts to make a number of connections with other active members of the chapter. I now have a much better idea of who I would want on my team for a turnaround matter, who I look up to in the industry, and the kind of turnaround professional I aspire to be.  

What have been some of your more important or gratifying engagements?

I have represented Frederick J. Grede, the bankruptcy trustee of a large bankrupt investment advisor, Sentinel Management Group, Inc., for more than seven years. I have counseled him through bankruptcy proceedings and more than a dozen high-profile avoidance actions, including trials and multiple appeals. It has been the best experience for me, especially being involved in a large case with many twists and turns over the course of the years. More recently, I have been representing a financial industry participant in bankruptcy planning not for themselves, but to prevent and/or mitigate ripple effects from defaults and financial institution failures. Having been involved in the financial markets on both sides, including when things go catastrophically wrong, I value the opportunity to help a client put preventative measures into place, hopefully long before they ever need them.

What would you say to someone considering becoming a TMA member who would fall into the NextGen membership status?
NextGen is more than just a great discount (50% off for the first two years!); it is the perfect way to get to know a lot of people in your chapter. NextGen is designed to bring people into the fold, and the events tend to be the most fun (of course).
 

Is there an upcoming NextGen event you are looking forward to?
The NextGen Committee's marquee event is scheduled for September 24 at the Skyline Club, an old business club from the pre-Prohibition era with a large outdoor terrace overlooking Michigan Avenue. The event will include a jazz band and a battle of the TMA bartenders.
 

What would someone who only knows you professionally be surprised to learn about you?
I come from a bit of an atypical background. I grew up on a small farm in Michigan and worked my way through college at the local watering hole. I met my husband at a high school football game; he has served in the military since 2001, including two deployments to the Middle East.        

TMA United Kingdom NextGen Summer Reception

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Lawn Bowling & Networking Event (TMA Minnesota)

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Summer Rooftop Bash (TMA Philadelphia)

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Volunteer Event (TMA Atlanta)

Thursday, August 27, 2015

2015 TMA Atlanta NextGen Members Only Event (TMA Atlanta)

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

NextGen Event (TMA Houston)

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Quarterly Joint Networking Event (TMA Philadelphia)

John Tira (Northern California) spoke on the panel "Finding Fraud Before it Finds You!" hosted by the TMA Northern California Chapter at the City Club of San Francisco. Mr. Tira is a consultant in McGladrey's Financial Advisory Services practice, where he provides strategy and support for complex litigation and forensic accounting matters and advises counsel, corporations, and individuals in a variety of high-stakes matters requiring demanding accounting, economic, and financial analyses. 

Veronica Iles (Northern California) has been nominated and approved to the Board of Directors for the TMA Northern California chapter and will serve as the Treasurer for the Chapter. Ms. Iles works with the Transaction Advisory Services with Burr Pilger Mayer and is involved with turnarounds, buy and sell-side financial and operational due diligence, and quality of earnings analysis.  
 

Have news? Send your news to Maura Sage at [email protected] to be featured in the next issue of NextNews.

A business plan provides the NextGen program a clear guide for implementing a lasting program that drives membership and event attendance. Providing a detailed plan also helps increase support from chapter leaders and sponsors.

Categories to consider when developing a plan include: 

• Mission Statement: Describe what your NextGen program intends to achieve
• Objective: List the overall goals, such as increasing members and event attendees
• Target Audience: Define the target segments (by specialty, age, etc.)
• Membership Analysis: Research the membership to determine a strategy for achieving membership goals and to anticipate future challenges
• Programming: Describe the plan for networking events and educational programs
• Marketing and Communications: Develop a detailed communications plan for reaching existing and prospective members/attendees, include tactics such as email blasts, event handouts, and personal outreach
• Committee Structure: Determine NextGen leadership roles and enlist volunteer leaders to serve as leads in areas such as membership, programming, marketing, and more

View the entire NextGen Playbook. Password: nextgen2012

This quarterly newsletter is created by members of TMA NextGen for TMA NextGen. Read an article recently that you'd like to share? Has your chapter completed a successful TMA NextGen event? Do you know someone whose contribution to the industry deserves a shout-out? Let us know! We want to highlight your special recognitions and accomplishments to the TMA NextGen community.

Email Maura Sage at [email protected] with your suggestions and you may see it in the next TMA NextGen e-newsletter!