Nebraska State Approved Sessions

Educational Session of Committees: This panel will provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property and licenses that might exist in a debtor’s estate. The panel will focus specifically on the importance of IP as a hidden asset in bankruptcy cases and the substantial value that can be created for unsecured creditors by properly identifying and leveraging such assets.

The Till v. SCS Decision was handed down in May 2004, making 2014 the 10-year anniversary of one of the most important bankruptcy decisions of all time. This panel, which features the lawyers who argued the matter before the Supreme Court (Eric Brunstad), as well as others who have argued significant post-Till interest rate cases, will discuss the evolution of Till and where we are today.

This panel will conduct a mock confirmation hearing in an individual’s chapter 11 case. Issues unique to individuals who file for chapter 11, such as the applicability of the absolute priority rule and best efforts under § 1129(a)(15), will be explored during the course of the mock hearing.

This panel will explore cutting-edge issues dealing with the ethical implications of social media and advancing technology on the practice of law. Issues to be discussed include professional responsibility requirements for attorneys using social media for advertising and other purposes, best practices for crafting social media policies, and a review of recent case law and state rules and opinions.

This panel will discuss how a number of recent bankruptcy decisions have curtailed the rights of the “new” investor, including hedge funds, to obtain the typical benefits that a buyer would otherwise be entitled to in a bankruptcy case. The focus will include a review of rulings in which a secured creditor’s rights to credit-bid in connection with a § 363 asset sale were limited and in which a hedge fund’s vote was not counted. Is this fair? Should your claim be worth less if you buy at a discount?

This is not your run-of-the-mill current developments session. The all-star members of this panel will explore recent consumer topics, case law and rules, and proposed rules and forms, and will offer their varying opinions and arguments in a lively debate-filled format that is sure to enlighten and entertain.

Resolved: The absolute priority rule should be eliminated in multi-debtor cases. Speakers: Pro: Hon. James M. Peck (ret.) Morrison & Foerster LLP; New York Con:Hon. Mary F. Walrath U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Del.); Wilmington Resolved: The provisions in 11 U.S.C. § 363 prime and take precedence over the rights that 11 U.S.C. § 365(h) grants to lessees, so accordingly trustees/debtors in possession can sell real estate free and clear of any lease rights a tenant might have in the sold real estate. Speakers: Pro: Carren B. Shulman Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP; New York Con: Paul S. Singerman Berger Singerman, LLP; Miami Resolved: Creating mandatory claim mediation in mega-cases for all creditors should not be permitted as an unnecessary and inappropriate cost on smaller creditors. Speakers: Pro: Brian L. Shaw Shaw Fishman Glantz & Towbin LLC; Chicago Con: Jay M. Goffman Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; New York

A panel of proven rainmakers will share their tips on how restructuring professionals of any age can learn to bring in new business.

This panel will discuss the Supreme Court’s decision in Bellingham, the coming decision in Wellness, as well as other topical issues of interest.

Independent board directors play a vital and increasingly important role in restructurings. Acting as an independent director has great rewards, but it also has risks in today’s restructuring environment. This panel will analyze and discuss a variety of issues related to corporate governance in restructurings and liquidations, including (a) the recruitment, appointment, role and duties of independent directors, (b) how to establish an independent board of directors, (c) the role of lawyers and financial professionals in advising a board of directors and independent directors, and (d) D&O claims, insurance and potential risks to independent directors.