Business

Take it to the limits in this commercial bankruptcy session while examining whether lenders should push for deal terms that are not contemplated by, nor consistent with, local rules or practice concerning financing orders. In an “emergency” filing that is followed by an immediate asset sale, why aren’t directors and officers exposed for undue delay, and what happens to that claim?

Get up to date on recent confirmation developments, including cram-ups/reinstatements since Momentive, including the Momentive remand trial; excising third-party releases from a confirmed plan (In re Thru Inc.); nonconsensual releases (Seaside Engineering); vote-designation (Fagerdala (in which a secured lender purchased sufficient unsecured claims to block plan confirmation (9th Cir.)), LightSquared); classification (Novinda (in which litigation claims against a creditor justified separate classification from other unsecureds (10th Cir. BAP))); per plan vs. per debtor (Transvest, Charter, Tribune); and whether all similarly situated creditors should have the right to participate in rights offerings, financings, etc. (PacDrilling).

This panel will explore recent cases and trends of credit bidding in chapter 11 cases. Many lenders are now requesting up-front approval of credit bid rights in debtor-in-possession financing orders, which would curtail the bankruptcy court’s ability to modify or limit credit bidding rights under Bankruptcy Code § 363(k) later on when the assets are auctioned. The panel will examine recent decisions on credit bidding and what limitations courts have applied to a secured creditor’s right to credit bid in bankruptcy cases. The panel will also explore cross-border issues concerning credit bidding on groups of assets that are be owned by foreign entities, and the interplay between courts concerning the sale of these types of assets.

This panel will discuss the retention issues under Section 327 v. 362, Jay Alix Protocol, and other retention topics.

Two sitting judges and a professor of bankruptcy law will offer an overview on the sources of authority for the issuance of sanctions and holding persons or entities in contempt, the nature of the remedies available, applicable standards and the appropriate procedures. The discussion will cover sanctions available under various provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, including Rule 9011, failure to make discovery and bankruptcy court authority to discipline counsel. Also discussed will be the court's sources of power of contempt, limitations on that power, and procedures the court should consider before exercising such power.

This panel will discuss post-petition financing issues, such as what it takes for a third party to prime a DIP and what should be allowed for controls by secured creditors via DIP financing cash-collateral orders, including case milestones. What terms are and should be acceptable in first-day cash-collateral and DIP-financing orders (Aegean)? Too much control, or simply adequate protection? § 1111(b) elections (Baker Hughes); adequate protection (Chardon); lien-stripping (Caulkett); credit bidding and other rights in connection with § 363 sales (Aerogroup); the recent credit bidding decision in Aeropostale; and the use of roll-ups.

This panel will discuss post-petition financing issues, such as what it takes for a third party to prime a DIP and what should be allowed for controls by secured creditors via DIP financing cash-collateral orders, including case milestones. What terms are and should be acceptable in first-day cash-collateral and DIP-financing orders (Aegean)? Too much control, or simply adequate protection? § 1111(b) elections (Baker Hughes); adequate protection (Chardon); lien-stripping (Caulkett); credit bidding and other rights in connection with § 363 sales (Aerogroup); the recent credit bidding decision in Aeropostale; and the use of roll-ups.

Most health care businesses rely on Medicare, Medicaid and insurance company monies. As a result, understanding the reimbursement system is key to a business’s success or failure. Business leaders on the provider and managed-care side will discuss the rates and pressures on health care businesses, including in insurance company mergers/renegotiations of contracts, and the impact of hospital readmissions, fraud and ACOs. Other panelists will provide a detailed overview of the legal framework, structure and pitfalls of the reimbursement system, including regulatory dos and don’ts and how to keep the money flowing during a restructuring (whether in or outside of bankruptcy).

This panel will be led by a senior program analyst for the Law Assistance Program for the State Bar of California and will be an interactive discussion about how prevalent substance use and mental health issues are among attorneys, and how substance use and mental health issues impair an attorney’s ability to perform legal services competently. The panelists will also describe the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, addiction, depression, anxiety and stress, and provide information on lawyer-assistance programs and other resources.