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Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the bankruptcy bar. This conversational panel will explore how intentional, well-structured mentorships can foster talent, promote inclusion, and build a strong foundation for the next generation of bankruptcy professionals. The panelists will share practical strategies for cultivating meaningful mentor/mentee relationships in both formal and informal settings, including within law firms and financial institutions. Special attention will be paid to the unique opportunities judicial clerkships provide in mentoring early-career attorneys, and how experienced professionals can actively guide aspiring lawyers toward careers in bankruptcy law. The discussion also will highlight the benefits of reverse mentorship, wherein junior professionals offer fresh perspectives and insights that help senior professionals and leaders adapt to emerging trends, technologies and cultural shifts. Attendees can expect an engaging, experience-driven conversation with actionable takeaways.

Featuring the regional judges of the Rocky Mountain Bankruptcy Conference, this session will strive to answer questions you have on current issues.

This lively discussion will dive into the current economic environment in Utah and the U.S. generally, with a focus on such trending issues as employment, wages, interest rates and population growth. Learn how to prepare for success in these uncertain times.

This panel will update practitioners on recent bankruptcy case law developments through engaging discussions and participant comments.

This panel will provide a refresher and interactive discussion on secured transactions in bankruptcy cases. The panelists will discuss the basics of secured transactions, including attachment and perfection, in addition to the interplay between UCC Article 9 and the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The panelists will focus on the relationship between the obligor/debtor and the secured party, with an interactive discussion concerning the competition for priority among secured parties, lien creditors and trustees asserting competing interests in the same collateral.

The chapter 11 landscape is evolving. This panel will cover current economic headwinds facing debtors, and structuring bankruptcy strategies and feasible chapter 11 plans in this environment.

Think you know what evidence makes it into the record — and what gets tossed? This interactive session will present real-world-inspired hypotheticals highlighting evidentiary challenges in chapter 11 cases. From valuation disputes to insider transactions and confirmation battles, you’ll be asked to weigh in: Is it admissible? Is it persuasive? Is it even relevant? Join us as we explore the fine line between proof and puffery in the bankruptcy courtroom. Audience participation is not just encouraged — it’s required!

Fee applications, preferences and clawbacks, oh my! Getting paid before and after bankruptcy has its pitfalls. This session will help you navigate potential problems to ensure you get paid while staying on the right side of the Ethics Board.

Join IWIRC and ABI for a fireside chat with Camille Bent, a partner at BakerHostetler in New York. She will be discussing challenges she’s faced throughout her career; the importance of equity, inclusion and belonging; and the importance of fostering mentorship and inclusivity in your legal practice and business-development efforts.

This panel discusses ethical concerns relating to employing professionals in bankruptcy matters, including disclosure obligations under ethics rules, the Bankruptcy Code and U.S. Trustee guidelines.