No CLE

Consumer cases require quick, effective and efficient answers to complex legal issues. Bankruptcy cases are expected to surge as a result of the economic consequences wrought by COVID-19, creating a logjam in the bankruptcy courts that is expected to continue. Mediation is the relief valve, providing opportunities for consumer practitioners to minimize delay and resolve intractable problems. The panelists will discuss the phases of mediation, applicable rules and statutes, cases most suitable for mediation, how to select a mediator, confidentiality and privilege issues, how to prepare both your client and your case, remote mediation, and best practices for achieving a favorable result.

This session features a panel discussion covering new legislation (Small Business Reorganization Act, HAVEN Act, Family Farmer Reorganization Act, new Rules, new Procedures and new Administrative Orders), as well as proposed changes to PACER and operating programs for electronic filing.

Presented by the Business Reorganization and Bankruptcy Litigation Committees This panel will focus on two important issues that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic: The availability of nunc pro tunc orders in the wake of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Juan, Puerto Rico v. Acevedo Feliciano, __ S. Ct. __, No. 18-921, 2020 WL 878715 (Feb. 24, 2020), and the battle between landlords and debtors across the country regarding the deferral of rent pending the pandemic and beyond the period authorized by the Bankruptcy Code.

This panel will discuss recent bankruptcy court decisions addressing the Delaware Court of Chancery’s decision in CML V LLC v. Bax, and how these decisions impact a creditors’ committee’s or any other creditor’s ability to bring derivative claims against third parties. The panelists will also provide examples of how committees and judges are solving this issue through financing orders and other methods.

Presented by the Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff Seventh Circuit Consumer Bankruptcy Conference This session will provide a judge’s perspective on preferences for virtual hearings and trials, trustee and debtor attorney discussions on § 341 meetings, and best practices from U.S. Trustee and debtor’s attorney points of view.

This webinar will discuss recent developments related to distress in the agribusiness industry and agribusiness bankruptcies and provide insight on the unique legal, operational and public policy challenges facing large agriculture operations and their stakeholders as they restructure in the current environment from practitioners in the space, creditors and lenders.

This session features a panel discussion of recent developments in commercial cases involving insurance, trademark, WARN Act and marijuana issues.

Presented by the Health Care & Asset Sales Committees This panel will discuss various issues and challenges accompanying sales of health care assets, including factors to consider in determining whether or not a sale is the best alternative. Such factors include the role of regulatory authorities, political challenges, reimbursement issues, issues related to urban vs. rural facilities, the evolution of the health care business, and best practices in navigating such challenges.

The panel will briefly address the historical use of cannabis in America for medicinal purposes and the subsequent criminalization of cannabis, which was racially motivated. The panel will then discuss the challenges faced by corporate entities that seek to obtain bankruptcy protection when at least a portion of their income is derived from the sale or cultivation of cannabis, the lease of space to cannabis companies, or the sale or manufacture of products used in connection with a cannabis business. The panel also will discuss the nonbankruptcy options for these entities, as well as the financial hurdles faced by such entities. Finally, a representative from a community bank in Maryland will discuss the services that her bank is able to provide to cannabis dispensaries.

The panelists will discuss the state of the middle-market and commercial real estate industries, with a focus on the capital markets and current transactions. Topics covered will include a review of financing and M&A alternatives, how lenders are dealing with distressed companies and assets, key issues in lease restructuring, and the future of the office sector.