No CLE

This is a subject none of us can afford to ignore: the ins and outs of being retained and paid by the bankruptcy estate. Panelists will discuss recent issues and developments in the area of professional retention and compensation, including a look at the U.S. Trustee Guidelines in practice, recent conflict-of-interest decisions and thoughts on best practices.

Does an approved fee application shelter counsel from malpractice claims brought by the client? If it does, how do you advise your client about how the application and its approval affects a client’s future claim against you? Does asking for it to be paid pit you against your client and create an unavoidable conflict of interest? Get the tools to navigate these murky ethical considerations.

Does an approved fee application shelter counsel from malpractice claims brought by the client? If it does, how do you advise your client about how the application and its approval affects a client’s future claim against you? Does asking for it to be paid pit you against your client and create an unavoidable conflict of interest? Get the tools to navigate these murky ethical considerations.

This panel will discuss the similarities and differences of judicial approaches in Delaware’s two most prominent business courts: Chancery and Bankruptcy. The panelists will discuss how the different courts approach their reviews of transactions and the statutory interpretations for two statute-driven practices, and how an appellate court views the two courts.

This panel will review some of the unique aspects of municipal bankruptcy cases, including the use of mediators, the role of a creditors’ committee and how committee professionals can be compensated, the involvement of state and federal laws and precedent for municipal bankruptcies, and the uncharted territory of Puerto Rico’s insolvency, as well as the potential impact on financially troubled states.

Join Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff (ret.), ABI President and member of the ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy, for a discussion of the Commission’s recommendations for improving the consumer bankruptcy system within the existing structure. Attendees will have the opportunity to offer ideas and feedback on key issues, in advance of the Commission’s December 2018 release of its recommendations. To learn more about the ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy, visit consumercommission.abi.org.

The ABI Bankruptcy Litigation Committee presents a must-see webinar for bankruptcy practitioners about the appeals process. The panel will explore the nuts and bolts of bankruptcy appeals – the statutes, rules, and decisions governing how to obtain appellate review of different types of bankruptcy court orders and the mechanics of initiating and prosecuting appeals. The panel will also discuss the differences between the district court and the BAP appeals, as well as procedures for direct appeals to circuit courts. Finally, the panel will turn to strategic considerations, including whether and how to obtain a stay pending appeal, standards of review, and — most importantly — how to win your appeal. The distinguished panel of appellate judges and practitioners will offer their views on best practices for brief writing and conducting persuasive oral arguments in both intermediate appellate courts and circuit courts, as well as common errors to avoid in oral argument. View Materials

Hear a stimulating, high energy discussion involving a debtor's attorney, a chapter 12 trustee and a bankruptcy judge sharing the special and surprising aspects of chapter 12. Learn tips to navigate the challenges and to evaluate this chapter choice. Topics covered will include farmer and fisherman bankruptcies, cramming down homes, long term amortizations, tax benefits, and eligibility requirements. This program is not just for chapter 12 practitioners - all bankruptcy practitioners and judges will enjoy this one hour overview of one of the most fascinating chapters of the Code. View Materials

In 2010, at the height of the last economic downturn, there were almost three million foreclosure filings nationwide. It therefore is not surprising that almost all insolvency professionals will confront foreclosure at some point, either representing a lender considering a foreclosure filing or whose claim is affected by one, or a borrower facing threats of foreclosure. This Webinar will provide experienced and novice practitioners alike with the tools needed to advise on these situations. Following a brief overview of foreclosure and how it works, the Webinar will address current trends in foreclosure actions, including UCC issues, impediments to lenders foreclosing (e.g., Bank Secrecy Act, repository issues) and alternatives to foreclosure, and a comparison between foreclosure and bankruptcy (including approaches to asset sales, treatment of prepayment penalties, bad boy guarantees and restrictions on filing for bankruptcy). View Materials

This year, the WLC opens with ABI Talks, one of our highest-rated programs ever! Based on the incredibly popular “TED Talks” format, ABI Talks address diverse and interesting topics. If you consider yourself a bankruptcy guru, or just want to be one, you will not want to miss this featured program!