abiLIVE Webinars

Session 1: Understanding Executory Contract Rejection: Damages, Valuation and Strategy When a debtor files for bankruptcy, it has the option to reject executory contracts, or agreements under which both parties have yet to completely fulfill their obligations. In this panel discussion, experts will explore the process of evaluating the rejection of executory contracts, particularly in cases where the debtor is considering rejecting one or more supplier contracts (vs. leases or other financial obligations of the debtor) and where the case is likely to result in a sale. We will cover: the reasons why a debtor might reject a contract, and the evaluation process for making this decision; the process of accessing the rejection damages to enable bid comparisons and informed planning and decision-making; and how the courts rule on comparing bids that differ on rejections and damages, including the legal standards used to determine the appropriate compensation for the other party. Whether you represent creditors or debtors, or are interested in learning more about contract rejection, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights into the complex world of bankruptcy law and real-world case studies. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the decision-making process and potential damages involved in rejecting executory contracts.

Sponsored by Epiq Bankruptcy Year-over-year bankruptcy filings are poised to show solid increases across most chapters in 1Q 2023. What categories of consumer and business filings are showing the largest growth? How do filings compare among different stakeholders and regions of the U.S., and will the trends continue in the year ahead? Join ABI and statistical partner Epiq Bankruptcy Analytics for a special abiLIVE webinar during which experts will discuss first-quarter filings, and what trends might lie ahead.

Hosted by the American Bankruptcy Institute Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failed on March 10 following a run on its deposits, representing the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history behind the 2008 failure of Washington Mutual. Prior to its collapse, the Santa Clara, Calif.-based SVB was the 16th-largest bank in the U.S. and was the largest bank by deposits in Silicon Valley. While federal and state authorities worked quickly to stem the financial fallout from the bank's failure, Signature Bank also failed on March 10 after a similar run on its deposits with investors spooked by SVB's collapse. Questions continue to swirl about the financial standing of regional banks and the banking system. What factors led to SVB's collapse? Has the financial fallout from its failure been contained? What is the path going forward for the banks and their creditors? Don't miss this panel of experts discussing these topics and more during a special abiLIVE webinar!

Many bankrupt businesses need financial assistance to pay their administrative expenses and creditors and to help them survive bankruptcy. The employee retention credit (ERC) is one way to solve this problem. This session will cover the basics of the ERC program, how your clients can qualify for and benefit from the ERC, and some common ERC pitfalls to avoid. The presentation will include a Q&A period.

Conducted in a Q&A format, this webinar will feature a series of mediation hypotheticals/questions presented to Mediation Committee Co-Chair Connor Bifferato and Education Director Edward Schnitzer for discussion and/or debate.

Hosted by the Consumer Bankruptcy Committee Join our panelists as they discuss the DOJ’s new student loan guidelines and provide context on how the guidelines will impact debtor attorneys, trustees and other entities in the bankruptcy process.

Sponsored by ABI's Diversity & Inclusion Working Group For all the efforts around interrupting bias and diversifying the legal profession, recent data shows that diversity continues to be a problem area in the insolvency industry. While the road to a more equitable legal profession is a long one, there are practical tools and best practices that individuals and organizations can utilize today to not only increase diversity among their attorney ranks, but also cultivate a culture of belonging within their spaces. ABI’s Diversity Working Group proudly brings you this impactful event, which will highlight the importance of active allyship, a powerful tool in making our environment more inclusive and equitable. We have assembled a fantastic panel of attorneys and DE&I professionals that, through their expertise and practical advice, will provide participants with: a brief orientation on the current state of diversity in the legal profession; new language and awareness; discussion on what it takes to be an active ally; guidance on when it is appropriate to take a stand and when it is time to stand back; and inspiring discussion on how our panelists have benefited from allies themselves. Join this one-hour webinar for a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of diversity in our profession, and to learn how you can make a difference as you strive to be recognized as an active ally.

Sponsored by ABI's Diversity & Inclusion Working Group For all the efforts around interrupting bias and diversifying the legal profession, recent data shows that diversity continues to be a problem area in the insolvency industry. While the road to a more equitable legal profession is a long one, there are practical tools and best practices that individuals and organizations can utilize today to not only increase diversity among their attorney ranks, but also cultivate a culture of belonging within their spaces. ABI’s Diversity Working Group proudly brings you this impactful event, which will highlight the importance of active allyship, a powerful tool in making our environment more inclusive and equitable. We have assembled a fantastic panel of attorneys and DE&I professionals that, through their expertise and practical advice, will provide participants with: a brief orientation on the current state of diversity in the legal profession; new language and awareness; discussion on what it takes to be an active ally; guidance on when it is appropriate to take a stand and when it is time to stand back; and inspiring discussion on how our panelists have benefited from allies themselves. Join this one-hour webinar for a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of diversity in our profession, and to learn how you can make a difference as you strive to be recognized as an active ally.

The first half of 2022 set a First Day record for fewest chapter 11 filings over any calendar six-month period, but chapter 11s picked up in the second half of the year, with Q4 concluding as the year’s busiest quarter and December closing out as the year's busiest month. Ignoring real estate cases, which peaked in 2021, the frequency of chapter 11 cases fell by only 1% in 2022. Despite the waning of COVID-19, companies continue to cite the pandemic as at least part of the reason for their bankruptcy filings. However, during 2022 the cause of many chapter 11 filings moved away from pandemic factors, such as work stoppages and lower demand, to supply-side macroeconomic factors, including supply chain issues, labor costs and inflation. Rising interest rates and the collapse of crypto are also becoming prominent reasons for bankruptcy filings.

Hosted by ABI's Asset Sales Committee To kick off the nomination period for the ABI Asset Sales Committee’s 2022 Asset Sale of the Year Award, the recipients of last year’s award will discuss the sale of Lighthouse Resources’ real property assets in Wyoming. Hear how the Lighthouse management team and professionals structured the sale process to navigate a number of obstacles to sell the real property necessary to confirm a chapter 11 plan that provided for the reclamation of coal mines, as well as recoveries for secured and unsecured creditors.