Business

This session will explore the complex legal doctrines that define the rights and limitations of trustees and debtors in bankruptcy. The panelists will examine when trustees and debtors step into the shoes of the debtor, including how pre-petition rights and defenses impact the estate. The discussion also will analyze the application and limits of the in pari delicto doctrine, along with potential workarounds, and provide a close look at the Barton doctrine — its reach, exceptions, and whether protections continue after case closure. In addition, the panelists will consider the implications of the Fifth Circuit’s recent Highland Capital Management decision, including how gatekeeper provisions may reshape Barton protections for post-confirmation estate representatives.

In this session, trustees of all types — chapter 7, subchapter V, chapter 12 and chapter 13, together with an attorney for court-appointed fiduciaries and liquidating trustees — share their perspectives on the commonalities and differences under each chapter. The panelists discuss how to avoid common mistakes and offer tips for success for counsel to debtors and creditors. Is the trustee a friend or foe? What if a case converts from one chapter to another? Can a subchapter V trustee act as a mediator? What happens if a trustee suspects fraud? Do trustees have any discretionary powers? Join us and find out!

This panel provides an overview of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) financing and the role of special servicers in a distressed context. The panelists also provide recent insights into the CMBS market and practitioner trends from the panelists’ viewpoints.

Have you ever fallen in and then out of love with someone or something? If you have, was that love ever rekindled? Those questions set the stage for our Saturday morning plenary conversation between Prof. Melissa Jacoby, author of Unjust Debts, and Sam Gerdano, formerly the executive director of ABI. The story involves a deep analysis of, among other things, bankruptcy law’s origins, policy objectives, interpreting the Bankruptcy Code, lawyers’ ethical duties, and consequences in practice. Both Prof. Jacoby and Mr. Gerdano bring a wealth of experience and knowledge; it should be quite the conversation.

Hosted by the Business Reorganization and Asset Sales Committees. This panel will examine the strategic use of LMEs in the context of asset sales within restructuring frameworks, such as the role of LMEs in facilitating sales, structuring them as conditions to closing, funding LMEs through sale proceeds, or utilizing asset sales as an exit strategy from LMEs or restructuring plans. The panelists will share their insights on the current trends and practical considerations that are shaping these increasingly sophisticated transactions.

Valuation disputes are a critical tool for junior creditors in chapter 11 cases, but their effectiveness depends on strategic timing and approach. This panel will examine key moments where valuation issues arise, including DIP/priming fights, adequate protection and financings with equity rights. Topics will include timing considerations such as access to valuation data, the impact of ongoing sale processes, and cost-benefit analyses. The panelists also will provide insights into how junior creditors can tactically engage in valuation disputes to protect their interests while navigating the complexities of large chapter 11 cases.

Content valuation in the AI era presents unique challenges, as disputes over unauthorized use, such as those raised by The New York Times, highlight the need for innovative solutions. Stakeholders are increasingly turning to settlement and licensing frameworks that retroactively and prospectively value content. This session will address methodologies like the relief-from-royalty and venture capital methods, tackling complex issues of ownership, collateralization and growth projections with practical examples to illuminate these emerging dynamics.

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Purdue Pharma decision, courts and practitioners are navigating new uncertainties around third-party releases in bankruptcy. This panel will examine how courts are distinguishing estate property from third-party claims, the impact on stay provisions and litigation strategy, and the evolving standards for voting mechanisms and plan confirmation in both chapter 11 and chapter 15 cases.

This panel will navigate the evolving landscape of subchapter V bankruptcy with expert insights into strategies that protect your clients’ interests. The panelists will examine critical eligibility requirements — including debt caps, the “engaged in commercial or business activities” standard, and strategic timing considerations — while exploring the unique role of the subchapter V trustee in facilitating reorganization. Discover how recent circuit court splits on corporate discharge exceptions and projected disposable income requirements are reshaping case outcomes. Whether you are new to subchapter V or seeking innovative approaches to common challenges, you’ll gain practical strategies for both debtors and creditors, from pre-filing planning and eligibility pivots to confirmation tactics and § 523 litigation. Learn how to leverage — or defend against — the streamlined procedures that make subchapter V an increasingly attractive option for small business restructurings.

This interactive and informal panel will discuss pathways to promotion, navigating the judicial selection process or preparing for an award or similar application, and how to effectively promote others applying for recognitions or awards. The panelists also will provide tips for harmonizing personal and professional lives.