Consumer

This panel will discuss why the monetization of intellectual property (IP) has become a key strategic tool in restructuring, bankruptcy and acquisitions, and how the importance of monetization has evolved over decades. The panelists include experts in innovation, the role IP plays in bankruptcy and restructuring, how cross-border situations impact the monetization of IP, post-acquisition integration of the IP “footprint,” and other key topics of interest.

David Wasserman is the U.S. House editor and senior election analyst for the nonpartisan newsletter The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and a contributor to NBC News. The New York Times called The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter “a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative.” In this mid-term election year, he will provide his predictions and analysis of the current political environment. Mr. Wasserman analyzes the current political environment in lively and entertaining presentations. His data-driven forecasting looks at both national and local trends, the relationship between consumer brand loyalty and voting, and what the future holds for American elections.

This panel will discuss a number of difficult chapter 13 issues, including post-petition creditor fees; consumer vs. nonconsumer debtors in chapters 7 and 13 and the impact of the designation; the effects and timing of vesting; automatic-stay issues, debt-limit issues and the impact of contingent debt, guaranty debt and partially secured claims; “fee-jumping” and other absolute-priority rule violations; and discharge in light of mortgage default due to COVID-19, forbearance or modification.

The steep rise in student loan debt is one of the most pressing issues our country faces as it strives to create a more just and equitable society. Getting a college degree has become steadily more expensive, and graduates are often left with overwhelming debt burdens that sometimes take decades to repay. Coupled with the nondischargeability of student debt under the Bankruptcy Code, the “student debt problem” has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. This panel of experts will discuss how this problem could be addressed in a way that is equitable, fair and effective under the existing Bankruptcy Code, as well as possible reform.

Join ABI Editor-at-Large Bill Rochelle as he hosts a panel of bankruptcy judges to discuss circuit splits and hot topics on important bankruptcy issues. Back again from the Winter Leadership Conference, this attendee-favorite panel will be presented in a fun game show format, where judges will vote to resolve the issues before they reach the Supreme Court.

Join members of the ABI Task Force on Veterans and Servicemembers Affairs as they provide updates on the HAVEN Act and other important legislation, as well as laws relating to veterans and insolvency.

This workshop will focus on common pre-filing issues that arise for both debtor and creditor counsel. The panelists will engage with attendees on such topics as pre-filing due diligence; common issues in consumer cases such as exemptions, avoidable transfers and discharge issues; more specific discharge issues relating to income taxes, student loans, fines and domestic-support obligations; CARES Act considerations; and attorneys' fees for creditors.

This follow-up session will focus on student loan strategies, tax issues, dealing with the chapter 7 trustee and violations of the discharge injunction, and will include an update on Taggart.

This panel will provide an update on the key technological issues facing practicing attorneys today, including cyberattacks, software needs, Zoom updates, electronic signatures, hybrid hearings and cryptotechnology, as well as decentralized autonomous organizations and tokenized assets (i.e., NFTs, metaverse and DeFi).

This panel will discuss litigation funding, conflicts and disqualifications, client complaints, mediation and dealing with pro se litigants.