American College of Bankruptcy Recognizes Third-Year UK Rosenberg Law Student
The American College of Bankruptcy recently announced Marina Danielle Kirtland, a third-year student at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, as its Sixth Circuit 2020 Distinguished Law Student.
The program identifies law students with demonstrated talent and interest in bankruptcy law. Candidates must be nominated by a member of the American College of Bankruptcy or their law school. The students undergo an evaluation process that includes interviews, submission of written materials and a review of the candidate’s academic standing. All nominated students are considered by the circuit council of their circuit, which selects one Distinguished Law Student.
“I never imagined that I would win this award,” Kirtland said. “It’s certainly quite the honor. To be able to start establishing myself in the field at such an early part of my career is meaningful. It is particularly meaningful when considering the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and its impact on businesses and individuals.”
Kirtland hails from Catlettsburg, Kentucky, but has plans to move to Nashville, Tennessee, after graduation in May to join Waller Lansden law firm, for corporate finance and business restructuring.
“I’ve valued having the educational freedom to home in on this subject in such a substantial way. I like bankruptcy law because you are tasked with a problem and creating timely solutions for those who are facing extremely challenging circumstances,” Kirtland said.
The American College of Bankruptcy also announced the Distinguished Law Students for the Second, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth and Tenth Circuits for 2020. Students will be selected from the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits in 2021.
“Marina exemplifies the highest values of this law school, of the legal profession, and of the Commonwealth,” said Christopher G. Bradley, an assistant professor of law at the UK Rosenberg College of Law. “She will represent us well as she joins one of the top finance and restructuring groups in the country.”
A former UK Rosenberg Law student – Grace E. L. Greenwell – also received the award in 2018, the last time it was given for the Sixth Circuit. Greenwell now works as an attorney with Stites and Harbison PLLC in its Louisville office.
The American College of Bankruptcy canceled an all-expenses paid induction ceremony in Washington D.C. in March, but Kirtland is expected to receive her honor during a fall conference in San Diego.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the education that I’ve received, and the guidance given, from professors Chris Frost and Chris Bradley,” Kirtland said. “Both have helped shape and influence not just my legal career but also the type of person that I aspire to be. None of this would have been possible without them.”
Bradley said Kirtland has been a brilliant and diligent student.
“She maintains a down-to-earth sense of humor and has brought extraordinary kindness and energy to the law school community,” Bradley said. “Last, but certainly not least, she has remained deeply committed to service and leadership. This is a well-deserved honor.”