No CLE

This program considers the life cycle of a small business reorganization. Beginning 30 days before the debtor files its petition, continuing through the 90-day plan filing deadline, and hurtling toward confirmation, the panel discusses pre-bankruptcy planning and negotiation, debates eligibility and case management issues, considers best practices for utilizing the Subchapter V trustee throughout the case, and highlights tips and traps of plan formulation, contested confirmation hearings, and post-effective date matters. Our distinguished panel features the perspectives of the debtor (Chris Keach, Molleur Law), creditor (Kellie Fisher, Drummond Woodsum), the Subchapter V trustee (David Mawhinney, Bowditch & Dewey), and the bench (Hon. Peter Cary, United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine).

Two pairs of judges square off to consider (1) whether bankruptcies can be properly filed when a debtor faces a deluge of potential tort claims and (2) whether bankruptcy courts can support plans regarding certain special fee and financing arrangements for debtors. RESOLVED: That a bankruptcy is filed in good faith where the debtor is not otherwise in immediate financial distress and appears to have the liquidity to pay its creditors in full, but where the case is filed because of the debtor is a defendant facing a deluge of tort claims that could at some point threaten the debtor’s business and where the debtor believes that the mechanism for liquidating those claims through a trust created under a plan of reorganization will be fairer and better for all parties than the results that would otherwise obtain in the tort system. RESOLVED: That a bankruptcy court may approve a DIP financing agreement that incorporates the milestones set out in a restructuring support agreement, that provides that (a) the debtors will propose a plan that provides specified treatment to the Supporting Parties, which treatment is materially the same as the plan provides to similarly situated creditors; (b) obligates the Supporting Parties to vote in favor of the debtor’s plan and to vote against any competing plan; and (c) provides that the Supporting Parties (and only the supporting parties) will provide exit financing to the Reorganized Debtors, at rates and fees that exceed prevailing market terms.

Industry experts from the past four decades will walk attendees down insolvency memory lane.

In a recent survey, 93% of the respondents said that they had used the past year to reflect on their lives, and 88% said that the meaning of success had changed for them since the start of the pandemic. Yet the number of lawyers suffering from depression, anxiety and substance abuse is greater than ever. This panel will discuss ways in which we can help others — and ourselves — navigate this dichotomy.

Join ABI's Diversity Working Group to hear from experts on the current trends related to gender identity and pronoun usage, workplace liability issues and more.

Sponsored by Riordan, Fincher & Mayo, P.A. Following the Money: Tracing Financial Transactions in Popular Phone Apps Rachel L. Foley Foley Law, PC | Independence, Mo. An Analytical Review of Reversals/Affirmance Rates Between BAPs and District Courts Jacklyn M. Branby Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. | Phoenix The Unconstitutionality of Chapter 11 UST Fee vs. Non-UST Fee Districts Nicholas J. Zluticky Stinson LLP | Kansas City, Mo. SBRA and Chapter 12 Definitions for Qualifying Debtors Mark A. Craige Crowe & Dunlevy | Tulsa, Okla.

PwC joins the American Bankruptcy Institute to discuss restructuring activity in 2021 and to look ahead at trends we may see in 2022. Additionally, we will explore industries to watch and host a live audience Q&A.