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SCBLA Annual Meeting

Monday, March 13, 2023

The annual seminar of the South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association was held last weekend.  Congratulations to the board and the seminar committee for a successful seminar.  During the seminar, two members of the bar were recognized with awards and the bankruptcy court extends congratulations to these honorees.
 
Judge David R. Duncan received the J. Bratton Davis Professionals Award. This award is named in honor of J. Bratton Davis, this district’s first bankruptcy judge under the Bankruptcy Code. The award honors unimpeachable integrity, devotion to legal scholarship, civility to all, unfailing professionalism in all ways, and impressive contributions and improvements to the legal profession. Judge Duncan embodies each of these characteristics.  He has practiced before the court after graduating from South Carolina’s School of Law in 1980.  In private practice, he served as a trustee in chapter 7, 11, and 12 cases.  Judge Duncan joined the Department of Justice as the Regional Assistant United States Trustee for Region 4 in 1991.  In 2006, he was appointed to the bench, where he served as Chief Judge from 2013-2020.  During his career as a judge, he has heard more than 50,000 cases and over 1,000 adversary proceedings. Judge Duncan has served as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law and was the Bankruptcy Judge representative on the Fourth Circuit Judicial Council.  He was nominated for the Davis Award by numerous members of the bar who recognized his scholarship, mentorship, and dedication to promoting civility. 


Elizabeth Atkins was honored with the William E.S. Robinson Public Service Award. This honor is awarded to a member that has rendered distinguished public service to the legal profession and the community, as was exemplified by Billy Robinson.  Beth is a graduate of the Campbell University School of Law and a certified specialist in bankruptcy and debtor-creditor law.  She has been in a solo practice since 1993 and has dedicated her career to helping others.  During her career, she has represented thousands of debtors and provided wise counsel and effective representation.  Beth also consistently assists pro se debtors and the Ask a Lawyer program.  She is unfailingly courteous and respectful.  Beth was recognized for her support and encouragement of other members of the bar.


Congratulations to Judge Duncan and Beth for these well-deserved honors.