Minnesota State Approved Sessions

Commission Recommendations on Resolving Court Splits: Coming Soon to a Judicial Opinion Near You ABI's Commission to Study the Reform of Chapter 11 identified more than 30 splits in case law on important issues. Such a split of authority results in delay, increased litigation costs and above all, uncertainty -- imposing a kind of "ambiguity tax" on the system, as one witness put it in testimony before the Commission. The recommendations contained in the Commission's final report, in many cases, can be implemented by judicial opinion at the bankruptcy court or court of appeals level, without need for action by Congress. This program featuring some of the most experienced and thoughtful judges on the bench today, will assess the Commission recommendations, and identify some that might be effected soon.

IP experts will shed light on the mysteries of understanding IP law and navigating the often-puzzling sales processes, drawing from their experiences in Nortel, Kodak and other important cases.

Being a debtor isn’t a crime, but some debtors are criminals. This panel will discuss various ethical, civil and criminal issues that can arise in a bankruptcy case, including an attorney's duties following the discovery of possible criminal acts by a current/prospective client, how to get paid and not go to prison, the scope of the Fifth Amendment privilege, and obligations arising from a criminal subpoena.

This year’s installment of the Boris Badenough ethics play centers primarily around Boris’s romantic problems, rather than his traditional financial woes. Boris’s latest wife, Sophia “Sting” Shire, an up-and-coming photo artist, has just filed for divorce and is seeking to void her prenuptial agreement with Boris so she can get the $100,000 per week in support she believes she is entitled to. Boris isn’t distressed about the loss of his sixth (or is it seventh?) wife, but the fact she wants money and half of his massive snowglobe collection enrages him. However, Boris has a plan to put Sting into an involuntary bankruptcy with two other creditors, have a trustee appointed (Boris does know how to dig up dirt!) and settle any claims that Sting may have with her trustee for a small amount of his hoard. Unfortunately for Boris, Sting and her counsel, Bill “Bo” Baggins, have a few tricks of their own up their sleeves, including the discovery of Boris’s deepest and perhaps most profitable secrets in Hidden Hoard LLC, a company Sting owns 1% of (through Boris’s attempt to make her a minority contractor). Will Baggins and Sting be able to discover the secret Hidden Hoard, or will Boris’s counsel, Tom “Bomber” Dill, prevail and save his client’s “preeciousss”?

You'll have to join us to find out what this one is about. Have lunch with several of the judges at the conference; have your questions and comments ready. If you would like to include a boxed lunch ($50/person), please check the appropriate box on the registration form. You may also bring your own lunch, but don't be late!!!!

Discussion on the chapter 7 trustees’ powers to do a carve-out, the new use of short sales in chapter 7, and the most effective way to sell assets in today’s economic environment. Does the creditor have a say in the trustee’s course of action?

Utilizing a case study, ABI's panel of experts will explore issues surrounding a lender's decision on whether or not to make an election under § 1111(b), plan feasibility, and voting. The panel will also walk attendees through the necessary mathematical analysis used to analyze these issues.

Chapter 11 Track: The § 1111(b) Election, Plan Feasibility and Cramdown Issues Utilizing a case study, this panel will explore issues surrounding a lender’s decision on whether or not to make an election under § 1111(b), feasibility issues, voting issues and solid mathematical analysis.

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.

Financial Advisors Track: How to Be a Successful Expert