Episode 50 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Henry "Hank" Hildebrand

Nashville is now considered the “Bachelorette Capital” of the United States.  In that same vein, if there is a “national” hub of bankruptcy in our country, Nashville would have to be considered one of the front runners in this field as well. It also turns out that, with respect to bankruptcy filings, Tennessee usually leads the nation, year after year, in chapter 13 cases. At the center of this bankruptcy hub stands Henry E. “Hank” Hildebrand III.  Hank is the standing chapter 13 and chapter 12 trustee for the Middle District of Tennessee based in Nashville.  He is really the embodiment of someone who has mastered his craft and there really is not an issue with regard to consumer bankruptcy where Hank is not considered the preeminent expert on the topic.  In fact, his commentary and thoughts on various decisions that are issued throughout the country are always eagerly awaited by everyone in the field of bankruptcy law.  I have talked to Hank on occasion at various CLEs over the years so I was happy to be able to spend some one on one time getting to know about his life both in and outside the practice of law.  Interestingly, Hank thought early on in his legal career that he would end up practicing “beer law,” until that job offer took an unexpected turn!  In any event, I was recently at a hearing in Hank’s town so it was good to spend some time with him at his office in “Smashville.”  That last sentence is really meant for me since I just wanted to say the word I kept seeing while I was there in the city!