No CLE

This panel will explore the basics of chapter 11 cases through the lenses of bankruptcy judges, U.S. Trustees, debtor's counsel, unsecured creditors’ committees and individual creditors. There will also be a particular focus on litigation strategies and skills, as chapter 11 filings continue to be more sale-oriented, resulting in a greater emphasis on claims and avoidance litigation.

What is a DSO, and what does that bankruptcy provision in every Property Settlement Agreement mean, anyway? What debts are dischargeable, and if it is called “support,” is it truly support? Does the stay need to be modified post-petition in a chapter 13, and what do you do when a current chapter 13 client ends up in divorce court? This panel will address these questions and more, including the differences between chapters 7 and 13, and what actions are stayed. 

Consumer Bankruptcy Fundamentals This two-part, 3.0-hour program fully covers the consumer bankruptcy process from counseling the consumer debtor, chapter choice, exemptions, claims, the automatic stay, means testing, dischargeability and debtor education. The faculty includes a Law Professor, a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge and leading practitioners. Click HERE to register for this course for $595 and add the CONSUMER Bankruptcy breakout for $100 Prof. Lois Lupica, Moderator Maine Law Foundation Professor of Law University of Maine School of Law in Portland Hon. Wendelin I. Lipp U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. MD.); Greenbelt, MD Alexander M. Laughlin Odin, Feldman & Pittleman, PC; Fairfax, VA Lisa A. Tracy Executive Office for U.S. Trustees; Washington, DC

Municipalities and local government agencies have been forced to slash budgets during the recession. What can these entities do to restructure? Issues to be discussed include the reasons for municipal restructurings, eligible entities, restructuring options, state law remedies, and pension and legacy liabilities.

The panelists will discuss the “nuts and bolts” of chapter 9, including who can seek relief under chapter 9, which sections of the Code apply, plan formation and plan confirmation. The balance of the program will focus on recent developments in the law resulting from the recent significant increase in chapter 9 cases, as well as a discussion of the current financial strains on states and municipalities that should result in a further increase in filings.

Professional Development Track - "I'm Shocked-Shocked!-to Find that Unethical Conduct Is Going On in Here!": A Tale of Ethics in Bankruptcy Our play will address the ethical pitfalls faced by the attorneys in the chapter 11 bankruptcy of Casablanca Snow Globes, Inc., a once-thriving manufacturer of world-class snow globes that has fallen on hard times due to cheap foreign competition, changes in consumer taste and unfair TSA regulations. Watch debtor's counsel struggle with whether she represents the debtor or its owner, as well as possible secret connections with the evil empire owned by Boris Badenough. Thrill to Boris's lawyer's problems with his various clients in this case, who are not always aligned (or sane). Our panel of experts will provide commentary on these critical issues, such as (a) who is your client; (b) what to do when clients don't tell the truth; (c) how to fulfill your obligations to be candid with the court; (d) how to avoid sharp lawyering practices; (e) best billing/fee application practices; and (f) conflicts of interest.

Consumer: 10 Strategies for Better Consumer Bankruptcy Outcomes—A Mini-Arsenal of Best Practices, Novel Approaches and Innovative Ideas that Might Just Improve the Consumer Bankruptcy System

Consumer: 25 Key Issues in Advising Debtors Pre-Petition

ABI Labor and Employment Committee Webinar – a panel discussion of recent developments in several large complex bankruptcy cases, including Hostess, Kodak, Nortel and American Airlines.