Georgia State Approved Sessions

Join Bill Rochelle as he hosts a panel of bankruptcy judges to discuss circuit splits on important bankruptcy issues. This panel will feature a fun game-show format where judges will vote to resolve the issues before they reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

A panel of judges and ABI 40under40 honorees will be debating key bankruptcy issues including arbitration disputes, cramdown provisions and more! Listen in, weigh in and learn a lot! First Debate Cramdowns “East vs. West” Resolution 1: An arbitrator should decide whether disputes in bankruptcy cases and proceedings are subject to arbitration. Pro: Andrew Helman Con: Lindsi Weber Resolution 2: All disputes in bankruptcy cases and proceedings can be subjected to binding arbitration. Pro: Hon. Michael Fagone Con: Hon. Daniel Collins Second Debate Cramdowns “North vs. South” Resolution: Section 1129(a)(10) dictates that a joint chapter 11 plan may be confirmed if a single impaired class with claims against any debtor accepts the joint plan. Pro: Hon. Mary Grace Diehl & Jonathan Edwards Con: Hon. Michael Wiles & Erica Weisgerber

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?

Three bankruptcy judges present difficult issues they have faced and ask you to step into their shoes; to discuss the issues in small groups discussions; and to decide what you might have done in their shoes. What you learn from your colleagues and what the judges then reveal will be interesting, educational, and revealing.

While some of us choose to live in denial, the Federal Rules of Evidence are not optional, as they represent one of the foundational pillars of any successful insolvency practice. This program will explore some of the more complex evidentiary issues confronted by insolvency professionals. The program is designed to provide an interactive format through discussion, debate, polling, and ultimately, observations from the Oracle of Evidence herself.

A Discussion Surrounding the Current Developments in Make-Whole Litigation - Where It’s Going and Issues on the Horizon.

Many debtors cannot afford to pay Ch. 7 fees in full in advance of filing. This leads to perverse outcomes for debtors, including the common filing of Ch. 13 cases solely to obtain a stay while paying counsel’s fees over time or not filing a needed bankruptcy. Courts across the country are adopting local rules allowing prepetition agreements to render services post-petition for payments to be made post-petition. Many courts do not allow this. What is appropriate?

This Shark Tank-style format will feature experts pitching their ideas for changes and reforms for bankruptcy law to a panel of "sharks" who evaluate, discuss, and critique those ideas.

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.

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.