No CLE

Once again, dear fans, Boris Badenough is involved in a hot chapter 11 case — this time involving Time & Lord, the owner of a failed movie franchise, “Fat Contests” (based on the book of the same name about an eat-to-the-death contest involving ordinary citizens in a future ruled by junk-food companies). Boris’s wife, Sophia, has been retained by Dallick Capital, the debtor’s investment banker, to handle the sale of the debtor’s intellectual property. However, Tardis Industries, a potential purchaser and creditor, has a problem with Dallick’s disclosure related to Sophia in its employment application. Further, the debtor’s lead counsel, Ciber & Mann PSC, may also have some disclosure issues as one of Boris’ subsidiaries, Master Industries, is one of their clients — and Boris is now interested in buying the debtor’s intellectual property. Will Sophia remain true to her fiduciary duty to her client, or will she give Boris the deal of the century, and will everyone give disclosure a chance?

This panel will discuss practice tips during the pre-trial discovery period, as well as during the trial itself, related to the handling of evidence and objections thereto; discuss the proper use of post-judgment motions related to reconsideration and requests to amend findings of fact and conclusions of law; explain the appeals process, including motions for stay pending appeal; and explain certain important local rules, as well as updates that have occurred and those that will be coming.

This panel is devoted to four interrelated topics in Ponzi scheme cases, including (1) distribution methodology issues; (2) criminal vs. civil forfeiture; (3) the tension between U.S. and non-U.S. distribution schemes; and (4) additional issues, including collateral source recovery and the ability to assert personal jurisdiction over extraterritorial plaintiffs to enjoin proceedings that, if brought in the U.S., would violate the automatic stay.

On the Internet, no one knows you’re an attorney (unless you have a website, blog, LinkedIn profile, Twitter account and/or other social media outlet). This panel will discuss the use of the Internet and social media in your practice.

More and more litigation is emerging over the sloppy practices that were rampant during the real estate boom. Defective mortgages, flawed trusts and faulty deeds have all produced much litigation, but how can you tell if there is really a defect that you can either make a case out of, or need to protect your client from? In this practical and hands-on program, attendees will examine at least 10 different documents, all based on real cases, that demonstrate the defects that counsel need to not only be aware of, but to actually look for.

Years after the creation of the concept of domestic-support obligations, the panel will discuss how bankruptcy courts have interpreted this concept and how “alimony, maintenance and support” is a key element in BAPCPA cases. The presentation will also highlight the complex relationship between bankruptcy and domestic-relations law, and whether bankruptcy courts are bound by state courts’ determinations when issues of claim classification are raised. This panel will also discuss the criteria for the approval of applications for employment and reimbursement of fees, the role of the different trustees in those processes, the independent role of the bankruptcy judges and the consequences of not filing a timely application. Consideration will be given to the perspectives of debtor’s attorneys, special counsel, other professionals and secured creditors’ attorneys.

The panel will discuss employment and benefits issues that frequently arise in chapter 11 cases, including employment contracts, retention and incentive plans, the WARN Act, and the impact of filings on employee benefit plans.

The lure of the Internet continues to pose ethical challenges, especially in regards to privacy and transparency, for members of the bar who use social media as part of their professional lives. This panel will examine the latest legal and ethical developments in the areas of disclosure and social media.

This panel will explore cutting-edge issues dealing with the ethical implications of social media and advancing technology on the practice of law. Issues to be discussed include professional responsibility requirements for attorneys using social media for advertising and other purposes, best practices for crafting social media policies, and a review of recent case law and state rules and opinions.