DETROIT, MI - Wayne State University Law School Professor Laura Bartell will be inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy (ACB) in its 36th Class. The induction ceremony will take place in Washington, D.C., during the College's Annual Meeting in March 2025. 

The ACB honors professionals who demonstrate exceptional expertise, leadership, and commitment to the fields of bankruptcy and insolvency. Fellows are selected for their outstanding professional achievements and contributions to their communities. ACB Chair of the Board of Regents Jennifer Hagle emphasized the importance of the 36th Class in a press release, stating, “Representing a broad cross-section of our industry, this year’s class of College Fellows exemplifies the combination of exceptional professional talent, integrity, and commitment to scholarship and service that is the hallmark of the College. The Board of Regents enthusiastically welcomes Class XXXVI and looks forward to celebrating our new College Fellows in Washington, D.C., in the spring.”

"Professor Bartell’s induction into the American College of Bankruptcy is a tremendous honor and a testament to her extraordinary contributions to the field of bankruptcy law," said Wayne Law Dean and John W. Reed Professor of Law Richard A. Bierschbach. "Her dedication, expertise, and commitment to advancing legal scholarship and practice reflect the highest values of our institution. We are thrilled to celebrate her success and look forward to her continued contributions to legal scholarship and service." 

Professor Bartell's career is a testament to this professional excellence. After earning her law degree from Harvard Law School, where she served as an officer on the Harvard Law Review, she clerked for Judge Alvin B. Rubin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Bartell then practiced law in New York, eventually becoming a partner at Shearman & Sterling, where she specialized in bank financing and bankruptcy. 

In 1996, Bartell joined Wayne Law’s faculty, where she has made significant contributions to the academic and legal communities. In 2017, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appointed her as the associate reporter of the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules to the Judicial Conference of the United States. Bartell also served as the dean of faculty for the American Board of Certification and is a member of numerous distinguished legal organizations, including the American Law Institute and the American Bankruptcy Institute. 

In addition to her scholarly work, Bartell serves on the Board of Directors and supervises the student program for Access to Bankruptcy Court, a nonprofit organization that provides experienced bankruptcy attorneys (sometimes paired with students) free of charge to low-income individuals seeking bankruptcy relief in the Eastern District of Michigan. 

Upon her induction, Bartell expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am truly honored to be inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy. This recognition reflects not only my work but also the supportive environment fostered at Wayne Law. I am humbled to contribute to our academic community and to work alongside such dedicated colleagues who inspire me every day. This award serves as a reminder of our shared commitment to excellence in the field and the importance of advancing our profession together." 

The American College of Bankruptcy is an honorary association of insolvency professionals, including attorneys, judges, financial advisors, and academics. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and service in the bankruptcy field while enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The College also supports pro bono bankruptcy services through grants provided by its affiliated Foundation. 

For more information about the American College of Bankruptcy, please visit www.americancollegeofbankruptcy.com. 

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Contact: Jessica Taylor

Phone: 313-577-4834 

Email: gp5272@wayne.edu