The HVBBA is an unusually active group of bankruptcy related professionals, which sprang from a need to have an independent Bar centered on the Poughkeepsie bankruptcy court, one of three courts of what is arguably the most influential bankruptcy district, the Southern District of New York.

We may be independent but we try to work closely with and support our local Court. Bankruptcy Judge Cecelia Morris has conducted a series of highly innovative strategic conferences to improve the bankruptcy world of all constituencies, attorneys, paralegals, debtors, creditors, and related bankruptcy services.

A major initiative, spurred jointly by Judge Morris and the Association, is the annual "New Deal" seminar, at the FDR Library, a nationally significant event attended by the entire region, and featuring recognized bankruptcy authorities from around the nation.

We believe very much in the crucial role played by paralegal and support personnel in our practices. Recent seminars, run by and for paralegals, have had a huge positive impact on attorneys’ offices. And the same paralegal staff play an extremely important role in running the events of the Association.

One critical feature of this Bar Association is that virtually every attorney of note in the area is a member. All three trustees are members. We attend to the interests of both debtor and creditor sides of the bar. The reason for this broad member base is to be found on this web site under "Member Benefits". We members do a lot for members, and we invite members to get involved if they wish.

Finally, an important aspect of the HVBBA is something that is sometimes regarded as "quaint". We really believe that high levels of courtesy, and genuine loyalty to each other, are an essential part of practicing competence. Our members look out for members, sometimes at great cost. Sickness, death, serious professional assault, all call for member support. That’s how we got started, and that’s who we are.