No CLE

The recent liquidations of Lehman, MF Global and Madoff under the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 (SIPA) are unprecedented in their size and complexity, and have changed the landscape of broker/dealer liquidations. This panel will discuss the nuts and bolts of liquidations under SIPA, the ways in which they differ from chapter 11 cases, and the impact of recent decisions in this area.

This panel will focus on the irrational biases for decision-making in bankruptcy. The essence of bankruptcy is deciding how to divide the debtor's metaphorical shrinking economic pie among qualified creditors. At its optimum, bankruptcy decision-making is efficient and rational. However, at other times even the most skilled bankruptcy practitioners are stymied by the inability of bankruptcy participants to make seemingly rational business decisions. Why can't everyone be rational? Decision-making is not a rational process. Behavioral economic scholars such as Daniel Ariely and Daniel Kahneman explain that we all have psychological biases that interfere with our ability to make objectively rational decisions. Bankruptcy practitioners who understand these biases learn strategies to influence them and thus enhance optimal bankruptcy decisionmaking.

Who, What, Where, When and Why to use mediation. Come listen and learn from those of us who have used our unique Mediation system effectively and in situations you may not think are possible. Our expert panel includes mediators and experienced colleagues who have used our mediation process to resolve disputes in our Court. They will explain how the process works, what actually happens during the process and how to successfully resolve disputes without trial.

Chapter 11 Track: Mock Hearing—DIP Financing and 363 Sales Two experienced chapter 11 counsel will conduct a mock argument before a three-judge panel on key issues that arise in the approval of DIP financing and approval of a 363 sale. DIP hearing issues will include roll-ups, liens on avoidance actions, expedited sale procedures, 506 waiver, no committee carve-out, no plan without lender’s consent, and enforcement of subordination agreements. Sale issues will include assumption and assignment or rejection of IP licenses, as well as the rights of junior lienholders to block sales where not paid in full.

Two litigants will argue plan confirmation issues before a panel of three judges. These issues may include treatment of make-whole premiums, cure and reinstatement to avoid payment of default interest, plan releases and exculpation, whether multiple debtors must each satisfy § 1129 requirements in a nonsubstantively consolidated plan, plan settlements, post-petition lock-up agreements, the dischargeability of unknown claims, death traps and gifting.

The core of restructuring in the United States is the value of the entity at various points in time. The valuation of the post-restructured business plan is one of the most contentious yet essential components of restructuring. In the U.S. valuation takes on a strategic and tactical significance. It impacts the form of restructure, sale v. reorganization, and going concern v. liquidation. This panel contrasts approaches used by other jurisdictions around the world.

This panel of leading bankruptcy lawyers, sponsored by Lexis® Practice Advisor, will feature a discussion of new provisions and practices for debtors, lenders, creditors and buyers in DIP Financings, 363 Sales, and Chapter 15s.

Recent cases on §§ 1113 and 1114, severance, pensions, executive compensation and WARN Act. Non CLE.