Ethics

Everyone knows that estate professionals must be disinterested and able to represent the debtor free of conflicts. But what happens when the professional represents a related nondebtor party — for example, the private-equity sponsor or the sole member/shareholder? What if the professional has relationships with others in the case? The professional may bring significant experience and value to the table, some being derived from its prior representation of the debtor, creditors or others involved in the case. When do these considerations outweigh the interests of the estate and the integrity of the system? Is disclosure of the potential conflicts and relationships enough? This panel will explore these and related issues to help guide professionals and judges alike.

This panel will discuss the ethical implications of AI technologies and how they may affect valuation, including issues related to bias, fairness and responsible AI.

This panel will discuss current ethical issues confronting attorneys who practice predominantly in the consumer bankruptcy arena, including attorney compensation and fees, potential conflicts of interest, limited representation/engagements, and counsel’s duty to investigate/"reasonable inquiry."

Presented in a game show format, this session will feature real case examples, enabling attendees to learn about the nature of the duty of zealous advocacy, under what circumstances lawyers do cross the line, and the ethical and other consequences of being under- or overzealous.

This panel will look at ethical considerations for lawyers and judges that arise in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, including the public interests at stake in large chapter 11 cases. This panel also will evaluate the ethical issues involved in the use of artificial intelligence and mass torts in bankruptcy, and will discuss recent cases and share best practices.

This panel will discuss avoidable missteps lawyers keep making and new potential blunders spawned by developing technologies and artificial intelligence.

The public should expect, if not demand, that judges and professionals alike strictly adhere to the ethical codes and rules that serve to promote and protect the integrity of the courts and the legal system as a whole. This highly respected panel consisting of sitting judges and an expert in bankruptcy ethics will explore issues of judicial and professional transparency, disclosure, conflicts, the duty to report improper conduct, and the means by which to do so.

Your consumer client’s problems may go beyond traditional insolvency issues. This panel will discuss ethical and legal strategies to protect your client’s interests.