Consumer

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.

This panel will be conducted in the format of the TV show “Crossfire” and will address three “hot” or “interesting” bankruptcy issues that are not being addressed in the other sessions. At the conclusion of each discussion, attendees will have an opportunity to vote on how they believe the issue should be resolved.

Bankruptcy work is highly stressful and intense, yet few insolvency professionals have ever received science-based training on how to improve their emotional well-being, mental health or cognitive functioning. No matter who we are or how successful we are, we can all make progress in reducing our stress, improving our happiness, and enhancing our cognitive functioning in our work. During this keynote presentation, you will learn about the neuroscientific, biochemical and physiological connections between stress and cognition. You also will be provided with a collection of tangible, science-based tools and techniques that you can put to use the very next day to reduce stress and enhance cognitive functioning in your career and life. Specific techniques of body, emotion and mind will be shared to help you unlock your fullest potential, optimize your resiliency, and achieve your highest form of success in your work. A happier and more successful version of you awaits!