No CLE

Opioid, sexual abuse and asbestos cases have been all over the news in the last few years. This panel of experts will discuss and analyze the complex issues involved in mass tort chapter 11 cases today, including current issues involving future claims, nonconsensual releases and plan-confirmation issues.

Do you know the answers to the hottest ethics issues of the day? Do the experts? Are there actually answers? Audience members will match wits with a panel of ethics experts to see who knows up-to-the-minute ethical issues best! In this fun interactive session, the audience and the experts will try to determine the best answers to cutting-edge ethics questions from the bankruptcy world and beyond. The hot topics and questions will be known only to our Masters of Ceremonies, Tom Horan and Michael P. Richman (who will roam the audience with microphones), and will not be known to our audience or expert panelists Prof. Nancy Rapoport and Claire Wu until they play the game. Come enjoy, participate and learn!

If you're looking for black and ethnic minority bankers in senior positions at banks, you'll have to look carefully. And you may not even know that minority banks exist. This panel will include a thought-provoking discussion around diversity and inclusion initiatives based on their personal and professional experience. The goal of the panel is to encourage an open dialogue and educate our attendees on the benefits and challenges of diversity and practical suggestions for achieving a more diverse workplace.

This panel will discuss changes in the CARES act and consolidated appropriations act as well as general housing issues.

The Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, along with Florida’s Middle District, have all set up successful mortgage-mediation programs. This panel will spill the details on how they did it, particularly the ways in which they used web-based portals for document exchanges. Also on tap: the role of mediators and the court’s role in overseeing order processes and timelines.

A conversation on how bankruptcy courts can get ready for the expected tsunami of mortgage defaults post-COVID and beyond. The panelists will share recent updates on extending the same process to address student loan defaults in chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

What is in a liquidating trust agreement? What sections of the Bankruptcy Code continue to apply? Is a liquidating trustee really an estate representative under 1123(b)(3)? If so, what are the limits? What liquidating trust issues should the bankruptcy court retain jurisdiction over and what should be kicked to state court given it is a trust created under state law?

This session will discuss how to get your consumer bankruptcy appeal across the finish line. We’ll cover strategic considerations, common pitfalls (e.g., standing, finality, mootness) and tips for navigating the course.

A complex web of divergent actors pose consistent threats to data handled by the judiciary and the legal profession. This salon will focus on basic principles of cybersecurity and best practices for maintaining resiliency. No IT experience required – this session is intended to help empower all participants in managing risk and contributing to the collective defense against this bane of our 21st Century existence.

Build a program on the upcoming ruling in the US Supreme Court case involving the City of Chicago’s auto impound and ticketing practices. The case is Illinois v. Fulton. This could have impact on repossession, bank account freezes and other creditor action. It is a national issue.