Business

This panel explores advising clients as to potential alternatives to a chapter 11 filing, with a particular focus on distressed small and mid-market companies. The panelists also provide practical tips on preparation and best practices.Learning Objectives:Attendees will identify key considerations and strategic alternatives available to distressed small and mid-market companies considering a Chapter 11 filing.Attendees will evaluate the unique legal, operational, and financial challenges that arise in restructuring and bankruptcy cases involving small and mid-market businesses.Attendees will apply practical best practices for preparing and managing a Chapter 11 case, including pre-filing planning, stakeholder communications, and case administration.

This panel will cover the unique issues faced by debtors and creditors when navigating financial distress and reorganization in the family farming and agricultural industry. In particular, the panelists will discuss current economic forces and filing trends, the material differences between chapter 12 and other forms of reorganization and how these differences guide a debtor’s filing decision, non-bankruptcy federal and state law governing lien creation, perfection and priority, and asset-tracing and uncovering fraud.Learning Objectives:Attendees will understand the eligibility requirements and key statutory features of Chapter 12, including the application of "family farmer" definitions.Attendees will analyze plan feasibility in Chapter 12 cases in light of commodity price volatility, rising input costs, and changing interest rates.Attendees will evaluate the treatment of secured claims and recent case law developments, and identify practical strategies for representing both debtors and agricultural lenders.

Join us for an intensive, practical workshop developed for bankruptcy attorneys and financial advisors who want to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily practice. Moving past the theoretical debate surrounding the use of AI, this bootcamp will focus entirely on its practical applications in a § 363 sale context from start to finish by demonstrating the use of cutting-edge AI tools in a restricting case.Learning Objectives:Attendees will identify practical ways artificial intelligence tools can be integrated into bankruptcy and restructuring workflows, particularly in the context of a § 363 sale.Attendees will evaluate how AI can assist with common tasks in a restructuring case, including document drafting, data analysis, and transaction management from the beginning through the closing of a § 363 sale.Attendees will apply best practices for using AI tools responsibly and efficiently in legal and financial advisory practice while navigating ethical and professional considerations."

Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a source of concern to an essential tool for legal practice. This interactive session moves beyond warnings to focus on how bankruptcy attorneys and judges can harness AI’s power today. Through real-world examples and live demonstrations, panelists will explore practical applications—from covenant analysis and motion drafting to case preparation and fee applications.Learn how to craft effective AI prompts, understand the differences between public and private AI systems, and discover tools that transform routine legal tasks. Whether representing clients or presiding over cases, attendees will gain actionable strategies to work more efficiently while maintaining accuracy and ethical standards.

Practitioners from different corners of the restructuring world discuss use cases for artificial intelligence that drive efficiency, deliver results, and allow us reclaim time in our professional and personal lives. This panel will be practitioner-focused; this will not be a review of professional ethics, “AI law” or best-practice lectures, but rather a discussion of what’s working right now.Learning ObjectivesAttendees will identify practical, real-world use cases for artificial intelligence in restructuring practice that enhance efficiency and productivity.Attendees will evaluate how AI tools can streamline common workflows and improve outcomes across different areas of restructuring work.Attendees will assess how integrating AI into daily practice can help professionals save time and better balance competing professional and personal demands.

This panel walks through the appellate process, focusing on preserving issues and effective advocacy.Learning Objectives:Attendees will identify key procedural requirements and deadlines governing bankruptcy appeals.Attendees will evaluate strategies for preserving issues for appellate review and avoiding common procedural pitfalls.Attendees will implement effective appellate advocacy techniques in briefing, oral argument, and case strategy.

This panel will examine controversial in-court efforts to replicate liability management transaction tactics, including drop-down financings, priming structures and selective creditor treatment. Panelists will debate whether these strategies are consistent with the Bankruptcy Code or undermine fundamental creditor protections.Learning Objectives:Attendees will understand the structure and purpose of in-court liability management transactions, including drop-down financings, priming structures, and selective creditor treatment.Attendees will analyze the legal arguments for and against the permissibility of these strategies under the Bankruptcy Code.Attendees will evaluate the potential impact of these transactions on creditor rights and protections, and identify key considerations for practitioners navigating these issues.

This panel keeps bankruptcy practitioners current on the substantive and procedural aspects of litigation in both contested matters and adversary proceedings.Learning Objectives:Attendees will identify key substantive and procedural distinctions between contested matters and adversary proceedings in bankruptcy court.Attendees will apply current procedural rules and best practices to effectively litigate claims and disputes within bankruptcy proceedings.Attendees will recognize recent developments in bankruptcy litigation that may impact case strategy and outcomes.

Think you know how to play nice in the sandbox of Utah's legal profession? Put your knowledge of the Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility, along with those from around the country, to the test in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud CLE experience modeled after the classic television game show Password. Contestants from the audience will face off in a battle of clues and quick thinking, where the winning "passwords" aren't just game show gold — they're the very principles of dignity, respect, and professionalism that separate the great lawyers from the merely licensed ones. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a fresh-faced associate, this session delivers serious ethical guidance wrapped in a whole lot of fun. CLE ethics credit available — dignity is its own reward.Learning Objectives:Attendees will analyze key provisions of the Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility and identify conduct required to maintain good standing as a licensed attorney.Attendees will evaluate real-world case law and fact patterns to distinguish between compliant and non-compliant professional behavior under the Utah Standards.Attendees will examine ethical obligations specific to bankruptcy practitioners, including conflicts of interest, unauthorized practice of law, interactions with pro se parties, and duties of candor to the court.Attendees will assess the application of the Utah Standards of Professionalism and Civility to out-of-state attorneys, including relevant local rules and cross-jurisdictional practice considerations.Attendees will apply principles of professionalism, civility, and ethical responsibility to practical scenarios in an interactive setting designed to reinforce best practices."

As with many bankruptcy strategies, § 363 sales do not always proceed as smooth as initially planned. Your stalking horse may be outbid by a higher OR better offer, insider sales can be challenged and denied by the court, and sensitive information or IP rights might not be easily transferrable. This panel will discuss how creative bankruptcy strategies resulted in overcoming substantial challenges and ultimately led to successful outcomes in such cases as 23andMe, Genesis Healthcare, The Nicklaus Companies and Hawthorne Race Course.Learning ObjectivesAttendees will analyze common challenges that arise in Section 363 bankruptcy sales, including bidding disputes, insider transactions, and court scrutiny of sale processes.Attendees will evaluate how courts address issues involving stalking horse bids, competing higher or better offers, and objections to proposed sales.Attendees will assess how creative deal structures and strategic problem-solving can overcome obstacles involving intellectual property, sensitive information, and complex asset transfers in bankruptcy cases.