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

Sponsored by Caine Award Fund of Caine & Weiner Co., Inc.

PENS

NOTEPADS

CHARGING STATION

GENERAL SPONSORS

DAILY BREAKFAST SPONSORS

GAMES GALORE NIGHTCAP SPONSORS

KARAOKE NIGHTCAP & DESSERTS SPONSORS

Sponsored by Caine Award Fund of Caine & Weiner Co., Inc.

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: PROGRAMS

Sponsored by Caine Award Fund of Caine & Weiner Co., Inc.

EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: LANYARDS

EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: POCKET GUIDES

EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: PENS

EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: NOTEPADS

EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: CHARGING STATION

DAILY BREAKFAST SPONSOR

GAMES GALORE NIGHTCAP SPONSORS

KARAOKE NIGHTCAP & DESSERTS SPONSORS

Sponsored by Caine Award Fund of Caine & Weiner Co., Inc.

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

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.

Become A Member

Membership provides an opportunity to connect with professionals in your field and promote your services to other industry members.

Being engaged, involved, active, and present makes all the difference. Network and make new business contacts. Keep your CLE requirements up-to-date and find out about pending legislation that could affect your daily work, before it goes into effect by joining the CLLA.

Registration Open!
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Thank You for Joining Us!
131st CLLA National Convention

May 14-16, 2025 in Chicago, IL

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CLLA 132nd National Convention
New Location

May 13-15, 2026

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Contact Info

3005 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008

+312 240 1400

info@clla.org

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