THE
CLLA NATIONAL CONVENTION
May 14-16, 2025
CHICAGO • SWISSOTEL


Ted Hamilton,
Wetherington Hamilton, P.A., Tampa, FL
2024-2025 CLLA President

We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 131st CLLA National Convention in Chicago was a remarkable success! We sincerely appreciate the valuable insights and connections that blossomed during our time together.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our esteemed sponsors and presenters. Your contributions not only enriched our discussions but also provided invaluable knowledge to all attendees. Your support is essential for the ongoing growth and success of our community.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our attendees. Your participation and engagement made this conference truly special. The diverse perspectives and experiences you brought to the table contributed significantly to the richness of our conversations.
We are excited to extend an invitation for you to continue this journey with us at our next event which promises to be another outstanding opportunity to network, learn, and engage with fellow credit professionals from across the nation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Scroll down to see images.
Joseph A. Marino, Esq.
Marino, Mayers & Jarrach
Congratulations to Joseph Marino!
Joseph A. Marino is a Creditors’ Rights Specialist, initially certified by the American Board of Certification 1994. Mr. Marino obtained his BS in Commerce from St. Louis University, MO in 1971 and obtained his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law in 1976. He is admitted to practice law in the states of New Jersey and Florida as well as the District of Columbia. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the Commercial Law League of America. He has served the CLLA as its Secretary and as the Chair of its Creditors’ Rights Section. He is a frequent lecturer on creditors rights topics, including those focused upon fraud and fraudulent transfers. He contributes articles periodically to the Commercial Law World magazine of the CLLA. He is also an affiliate member of the Commercial Collection Agencies of America and the Marino, Mayers & Jarrach firm is an associate member of the International Association of Commercial Collectors. Mr. Marino established his firm as a full-service Commercial Litigation Firm, assisting clients throughout the State of New Jersey and the United States of America, to provide comprehensive, skillful, and cost-effective services to our clients. The firm prosecutes all Creditor Rights Claims: from general collections to more Complex Commercial Litigation including Fraud and Fraudulent Transfers, Bankruptcy, Replevin and RICO. Mr. Marino is also a member of the Unico Foundation, Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs and International Honor Society of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta. In 2018, Mr. Marino received the “Robert E. Caine Award for Leadership” from the Commercial Law League of America.
The Commercial Collection Agency Certification Program – Setting the Standard for Excellence
Congratulations to the CLLA Commercial Collection Agency Certification Program. For 50 years, the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA) has been certifying commercial collection agencies, setting a high standard for excellence within the industry. Unlike other agency certifications that are automatically granted with membership, CLLA certification is a voluntary and rigorous process that requires agencies to demonstrate exceptional financial practices and operational standards.
The CLLA Commercial Collection Agency Certification Program has been setting the standard for 50 years. Look for the Seal…It’s not just a badge of honor, it’s a symbol of excellence. We are looking forward to another 50 years Visit www.CLLACertified.org to find a certified CLLA Agency.
The 131st CLLA National Convention began with the Board of Governors Meeting on Wednesday morning with networking activities beginning as attendees arrived on Wednesday and contributed to ‘Paint Fest’, benefitting the Foundation for Hospital Art.
Education sessions launched with Legislative Forum, followed by an exclusive First Time Attendees Orientation on Wednesday evening. A Welcome Reception offered a moment for attendees to reconnect, as they celebrated the first night of National. After dinner, attendees met up at the hotel for Games Galore Nightcap to unwind with a nightcap and a little competition over late-night gaming including ping pong, foosball, cornhole, and more!
Networking opportunities began at Thursday morning breakfast, followed by the Welcome/Annual Business Meeting, and continued with a full slate of educational sessions. A General Membership Lunch was served at the Swiss Hotel, and CLLA hosted a Women’s Empowerment & Networking Luncheon that benefited Dress for Success Greater Chicago, an extraordinary organization committed to empowering women on their journey toward economic independence. The luncheon included keynote speaker, Keli Frazier-Cox, founder of Promote Leaders LLC, who shared her insights on “Finding Your Passion and Purpose in Giving.”
After lunch, education continued followed by the fast-paced, hilarious, and competitive Commercial Law Feud Game as attendees tried to guess the answers to survey questions! Afterward, the Thursday Evening Social provided a casual gathering opportunity for attendees to expand their network in a relaxed setting. It also included snacks, and drinks! The evening ended as attendees joined the New Members’ Section Executive Council and fellow colleagues at Karaoke Nightcap & Desserts to sing their hearts out all while networking!
Ethics credits were obtained through Friday education sessions, and the conference wrapped up with the Brunch Buffet, Annual Awards and Farewell. Members were recognized for their service to the CLLA. The 2025-2026 CLLA President, BOG and Executive Council members was sworn in, and Joseph. A. Marino, Esq. of Marino, Mayers & Jarrach, LLC, Clifton, New Jersey was presented with the distinguished CLLA President’s Cup.
An optional Friday afternoon activity, the Barrel Bus, was an unforgettable adventure through Chicago’s breweries and distilleries. Attendees enjoyed a round-trip-behind-the-scenes brewery tour, beer tastings and a cocktail at a local distillery.

Ted Hamilton,
Wetherington Hamilton, P.A., Tampa, FL
2024-2025 CLLA President

We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 131st CLLA National Convention in Chicago was a remarkable success! We sincerely appreciate the valuable insights and connections that blossomed during our time together.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our esteemed sponsors and presenters. Your contributions not only enriched our discussions but also provided invaluable knowledge to all attendees. Your support is essential for the ongoing growth and success of our community.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our attendees. Your participation and engagement made this conference truly special. The diverse perspectives and experiences you brought to the table contributed significantly to the richness of our conversations.
We are excited to extend an invitation for you to continue this journey with us at our next event which promises to be another outstanding opportunity to network, learn, and engage with fellow credit professionals from across the nation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Scroll down to see images.
The 131st CLLA National Convention began with the Board of Governors Meeting on Wednesday morning with networking activities beginning as attendees arrived on Wednesday and contributed to ‘Paint Fest’, benefitting the Foundation for Hospital Art.
Education sessions launched with Legislative Forum, followed by an exclusive First Time Attendees Orientation on Wednesday evening. A Welcome Reception offered a moment for attendees to reconnect, as they celebrated the first night of National. After dinner, attendees met up at the hotel for Games Galore Nightcap to unwind with a nightcap and a little competition over late-night gaming including ping pong, foosball, cornhole, and more!
Networking opportunities began at Thursday morning breakfast, followed by the Welcome/Annual Business Meeting, and continued with a full slate of educational sessions. A General Membership Lunch was served at the Swiss Hotel, and CLLA hosted a Women’s Empowerment & Networking Luncheon that benefited Dress for Success Greater Chicago, an extraordinary organization committed to empowering women on their journey toward economic independence. The luncheon included keynote speaker, Keli Frazier-Cox, founder of Promote Leaders LLC, who shared her insights on “Finding Your Passion and Purpose in Giving.”
After lunch, education continued followed by the fast-paced, hilarious, and competitive Commercial Law Feud Game as attendees tried to guess the answers to survey questions! Afterward, the Thursday Evening Social provided a casual gathering opportunity for attendees to expand their network in a relaxed setting. It also included snacks, and drinks! The evening ended as attendees joined the New Members’ Section Executive Council and fellow colleagues at Karaoke Nightcap & Desserts to sing their hearts out all while networking!
Ethics credits were obtained through Friday education sessions, and the conference wrapped up with the Brunch Buffet, Annual Awards and Farewell. Members were recognized for their service to the CLLA. The 2025-2026 CLLA President, BOG and Executive Council members was sworn in, and Joseph. A. Marino, Esq. of Marino, Mayers & Jarrach, LLC, Clifton, New Jersey was presented with the distinguished CLLA President’s Cup.
An optional Friday afternoon activity, the Barrel Bus, was an unforgettable adventure through Chicago’s breweries and distilleries. Attendees enjoyed a round-trip-behind-the-scenes brewery tour, beer tastings and a cocktail at a local distillery.
Joseph A. Marino, Esq.
Marino, Mayers & Jarrach
Congratulations to Joseph Marino!
Joseph A. Marino is a Creditors’ Rights Specialist, initially certified by the American Board of Certification 1994. Mr. Marino obtained his BS in Commerce from St. Louis University, MO in 1971 and obtained his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law in 1976. He is admitted to practice law in the states of New Jersey and Florida as well as the District of Columbia. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the Commercial Law League of America. He has served the CLLA as its Secretary and as the Chair of its Creditors’ Rights Section. He is a frequent lecturer on creditors rights topics, including those focused upon fraud and fraudulent transfers. He contributes articles periodically to the Commercial Law World magazine of the CLLA. He is also an affiliate member of the Commercial Collection Agencies of America and the Marino, Mayers & Jarrach firm is an associate member of the International Association of Commercial Collectors. Mr. Marino established his firm as a full-service Commercial Litigation Firm, assisting clients throughout the State of New Jersey and the United States of America, to provide comprehensive, skillful, and cost-effective services to our clients. The firm prosecutes all Creditor Rights Claims: from general collections to more Complex Commercial Litigation including Fraud and Fraudulent Transfers, Bankruptcy, Replevin and RICO. Mr. Marino is also a member of the Unico Foundation, Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs and International Honor Society of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta. In 2018, Mr. Marino received the “Robert E. Caine Award for Leadership” from the Commercial Law League of America.
The Commercial Collection Agency Certification Program – Setting the Standard for Excellence
Congratulations to the CLLA Commercial Collection Agency Certification Program. For 50 years, the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA) has been certifying commercial collection agencies, setting a high standard for excellence within the industry. Unlike other agency certifications that are automatically granted with membership, CLLA certification is a voluntary and rigorous process that requires agencies to demonstrate exceptional financial practices and operational standards.
The CLLA Commercial Collection Agency Certification Program has been setting the standard for 50 years. Look for the Seal…It’s not just a badge of honor, it’s a symbol of excellence. We are looking forward to another 50 years Visit www.CLLACertified.org to find a certified CLLA Agency.
EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS
PROGRAMS
LANYARDS
POCKET GUIDES
PENS
NOTEPADS
CHARGING STATION
GENERAL SPONSORS
DAILY BREAKFAST SPONSORS
GAMES GALORE NIGHTCAP SPONSORS
KARAOKE NIGHTCAP & DESSERTS SPONSORS
NETWORKING BREAKS SPONSORS
GENERAL SPONSORS
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND NETWORKING LUNCHEON DRESS FOR SUCCESS SPONSORS
Allen Law, PC
Wanda Borges
Peter Califano
CRF Solutions
Crystal R. Cole, Attorney at Law
Ben Farrow
Lori Frank
David R. Gamache
Gilbert Garcia Group, PA
Gurstel Law Firm, PC
Nancy Hamilton
Jessica Hartmann
Hudson Law Offices, PC
Candice Kline
Maria Kozelek
Phil Lattanzio
Law Offices of Gary A. Bemis PAC
Law Offices of Sweet & Walker PC
NACM Southwest
Beverly Manne
Robin S. Moselle, PA
Amy Pona
Deborah Rubin
Sander Law, LLC
Schatzman & Schatzman, P.A.S.
Totz Ellison & Totz, PC
Wagner, Falconer & Judd, Ltd.
Weiner Law Firm PC
Weisberg Law
Wetherington Hamilton, P.A.
EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: LANYARDS
EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: POCKET GUIDES
EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: PENS
EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: NOTEPADS
EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: CHARGING STATION
DAILY BREAKFAST SPONSOR
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND NETWORKING LUNCHEON DRESS FOR SUCCESS SPONSORS
Allen Law, PC
Wanda Borges
Peter Califano
CRF Solutions
Crystal R. Cole, Attorney at Law
Ben Farrow
Lori Frank
David R. Gamache
Gilbert Garcia Group, PA
Gurstel Law Firm, PC
Nancy Hamilton
Jessica Hartmann
Hudson Law Offices, PC
Candice Kline
Maria Kozelek
Phil Lattanzio
Law Offices of Gary A. Bemis PAC
Law Offices of Sweet & Walker PC
Beverly Manne
Robin S. Moselle, PA
NACM Southwest
Amy Pona
Deborah Rubin
Sander Law, LLC
Schatzman & Schatzman, P.A.S.
Totz Ellison & Totz, PC
Wagner, Falconer & Judd, Ltd.
Weiner Law Firm PC
Weisberg Law
Wetherington Hamilton, P.A.