Business

This program will explore current hot-button topics relating to the drafting and confirmation of chapter 11 plans. The issues discussed will including drafting to accommodate, as well as to either encourage or discourage § 1111(b) elections, and the strategy of holders of secured claims in either making or not making that election. It will also include a discussion of third-party releases and injunctions, using recent cases in the First Circuit to illustrate when such releases are, and are not, appropriate. Finally, the panel will explore the tension between class-skipping carve-outs or “gifts” and the requirements of confirmation, how to deal with corporate debt defined by § 1141(d)(6) as being not dischargeable, compensation of committee members and the role of existing equity.

Chapter 11 filings are up in 2016, and so is the use of DIP financing. This panel of leading experts will discuss cutting-edge issues in DIP financing for large and middle-market cases, including how to leverage the best results whether you’re representing the DIP lender, subordinate secured creditors, debtor or creditors’ committee.

"This panel will address emerging professional responsibility issues in commercial cases, including a recent Seventh Circuit decision involving the duty to advise of alternative transactional structures and other competency issues that affect fee awards and liability, standards for fee awards, disclosure and disinterestedness problems, and conflict problems in retention and the curative limits of use of conflicts and special counsel. "

Presented by the Asset Sales and Unsecured Trade Creditors Committees

In ABI’s returning series on best drafting practices, we turn to plans and disclosure statements. Our panel will explore cutting-edge issues in drafting plans and disclosure statements, as well as current trends and best practices. This program will be geared toward small, mid-sized and large bankruptcy cases.

This panel explores DIP issues in a chapter 11 case and is intended to provide both fundamental information and an overview of emerging issues, including: What is the primary analysis that needs to be undertaken? How do you assess a 13-week cash flow? Who are your potential lenders, and what are the potential terms? What are the pitfalls and areas of concern for other parties in interest, the U.S. Trustee and the court?

This panel will present an examination of ethical and legal issues arising in the practice of bankruptcy law, with an emphasis on privacy, confidentiality and professionalism in the use of social media and networking.

How will the Supreme Court’s decision in Baker Botts v. ASARCO affect professional fees? Will there be an increase in fee litigation in future chapter 11 cases? This panel will also explore the Tribune standard for payment of unsecured creditors’ post-petition professionals’ fees, fees awarded as part of global settlements (Lehman), and the recent use of fee examiners. The session could also include a discussion on when disclosure of “representations of parties in unrelated matters” is sufficient, whether conflicts be cured by the appointment of conflicts counsel, a recent Ninth Circuit decision on the potential implications of exceeding fee caps, when it is necessary to obtain a conflict waiver, current vs. recent vs. former clients, and directly adverse vs. positionally adverse.

Knowing the intricacies of how to liquidate in a chapter 11 case does not come without its surprises. This panel will lead you from A to Z on what you need to know. From the debtor perspective, it will explain how to successfully use a chapter 11 case to liquidate. From the creditor perspective, it will focus on your best chances to maximize your client’s recovery.