No CLE

Do new opnions suggest doubt about the right of a lender to bid the full value of claims in Chapter 11?

State courts are increasingly relaxing their rules to allow attorneys to provide a-la-carte services to parties in cases appearing before them. However, bankruptcy courts have been reluctant to do so. Is it because the Bankruptcy Code is so complicated? Or is it because what is good for parties in state court is not good for those in bankruptcy court? This panel of experts will examine whether counsel can provide limited representation services to parties in bankruptcy matters and maintain their ethical obligations to the client.

Moderator: Brian L. Shaw Shaw, Fishman Glantz & Towbin LLC Resolved: Credit counseling received on the petition date, though after the time of the filing, satisfies the requirements of section 109(h)(1). Speakers: Pro: Hon. Robert D. Martin U.S. Bankruptcy Court (W.D. Wis.); Madison Con: Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D. Ill.); Chicago Resolved: Student loans should be dischargeable in bankruptcy. Speakers: Pro: William J. Factor The Law Office of William J. Factor, Ltd.; Northbrook, Ill. Con: Monette W. Cope Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA; Chicago Resolved: “Fee jumping” in chapter 13 cases is legal and ethical. Speakers: Pro: Nicholas Perino Swanson & Desai, LLC; Chicago Con: Justin R. Storer Lakelaw; Chicago

This panel will provide an overview of new uses of cause of action, § 546(e) cases including Lyondell and Tribune, and proposed changes to the UFTA.

This panel will discuss the variety of issues that can arise in an individual chapter 11 case.

Discussion about unanticipated and anticipated problems in chapter 11 cases in which all or substantially all of the assets are being sold in a § 363 sale; “pay to play” arguments by unsecured creditors; should bankruptcies be run exclusively for the benefit of secured creditors?; presale orders regarding the use of sale proceeds; funding of wind-down costs and payment of administrative claims; post-sale chapter 7 conversions