2018 National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges

In this program, leading practitioners, judges and academics--from all around the world--will address a broad range of cross-border and international issues. The moderators, Hon. Louise DeCarl Adler and Prof. Jay Westbrook, will present and comment on video and live presentations that will provide global perspectives on insolvency practice.

Broken Bench TV takes a new twista"the broadcast this year will feature both fun and serious awards in various categories of all things bankruptcy. Can you think of nominees for the best sanction opinion of the year? Best Supreme Court bankruptcy case? Featuring live and video coverage of bankruptcy trends and happenings that you need to know along with opportunities for audience participation. Y'all come, ya hear?

In recent months, allegedAsexual harassment and assault claims against politicians, news anchors and Hollywood celebrities have been heavily publicized. Of course, such behavior is not limited to those industries and it is important that we remain focused on eliminating discrimination in our workplaces and in society as a whole. This panel will discuss the current climate, what we can try to do to prevent sexual harassment from occurring and how to effectively respond to claims when they arise.

Ethics FolliesA 2018 is a heavenly parody of the popular movie and Broadway show Sister Act. The original parody production is brought to you by The Association of Corporate Counsel, South/Central Texas Chapter (ACC).A The fully-produced comedy features attorneys, bankruptcy judges, and professional actors to create an ethics-filled performance that stimulates conversation and debate by raising awareness of litigation, transactional, and leadership ethics issues. The hilarious nuns and gangsters will make good ethics your new "habit" in this divine comedy. Presented by The Association of Corporate Counsel, South/Central Texas Chapter

While Courts of Appeal across the country recognize the doctrine of equitable mootness, there are substantial differences in approach: some circuits apply the doctrine liberally, even in cases that are arguably not complex; some circuits all but call for elimination of the doctrine. Dueling in the Lone Star State may, now, be strictly forbiddena"but come watch two of the nation's top appellate advocates face off in a courtroom showdown to settle long-standing feuds about equitable mootness. Presented as a highly stimulating mock oral argument before an esteemed panel of circuit judges, this program will ponder whether an appellate court can ever "unscramble the egg," as the advocates each try to "steer" the Bench to the right result.

Former American Airlines General Counsel Gary Kennedy and journalist Terry Maxon recount the challenges and crises American faced during the years following the tragic attacks of 9/11, during which American Airlines lost billions as it struggled to avoid bankruptcy. The company finally had to file for bankruptcy, but merged with US Airways and concluded one of the most successful bankruptcies in U.S. history.

With discharge of student loans under the undue hardship standard often requiring a "certainty of hoplessness", this panel will instead focus on alternative methods that debtors and courts have addressed the ever mounting student loan crisis. These alternatives will include an examination of what actually constitutes an "educational benefit", how various repayment programs from the Department of Education can be integrated with bankrptcy and non-bankruptcy causes of action and defenses, including Statutes of Limitation, burdens of prood regarding standing and consumer protectioin laws, that can be used to provide borrowers relief.

The mock valuation trial will be a battle to remember pitting the public shareholders against the Debtor, its hedge fund DIP lenders and plan sponsors, and even the Creditors' Committee in order to preserve their equity value. The trial will be based on the case of Horsehead Holding Corp., Case No. 16-10287 (Bankr. D. Del.), and the hotly contested valuation dispute over plan confirmation. Everything you wanted to know about valuation methodologies, risk premiums, beta, debt/equity ratios, direct and cross examination strategies, expert testimony practice tips, and even commodity forecastinga"it's all here.

Experienced bankruptcy attorneys will argue cases before Judge Margaret Mann. She will preside, inquire and explain the analytic process leading to her decisions. The panelists will present topics such as new developments regarding the initial transferee defense to a preference allegation and the right of litigants to legal fees in bankruptcy litigation.

This panel will discuss how venue (and proposed venue law changes) impacts everyday practice, particularly for younger lawyers. The panel will also have a candid discussion of venue-related concerns such as local counsel requirements, accessibility of courtroom staff, telephonic particiations and the impact on appellate practice