West Virginia State Approved Sessions

An issue consistently raised during the course of the Consumer Bankruptcy Fee Study was the effect of higher bankruptcy costs and the cumbersome and time-consuming bankruptcy process on distributions to unsecured creditors. Given that increasing creditor distributions was a reason for BAPCPA’s enactment, that this question was ripe for exploration. Prof. Lupica will present the findings of her study and the panel will discuss.

This first session of a new “skills” seminar series will examine documents that are often used to restructure debt outside of bankruptcy. Learn the purpose and legal underpinnings of the various component parts of frequently used workout documents such as forbearance agreements, intercreditor agreements and restructuring/override agreements. The panel will focus on real-world examples of good and bad provisions of workout documents and will provide drafting tips.

"Past President's Debate: Resolved: The chapter 11 model is no longer viable for middle-market businesses. Consumer Debate: Resolved: Section 523(a)(8) should be repealed or amended to allow for the discharge of all student loan debts. Judicial Debate: Resolved: Section 546(e) does not apply to each and every link in a chain of transactions resulting in a ""settlement payment"" that is protected by the safe harbor provisions."

Real Estate Short Sales and Carve-Outs

This panel will explore issues that arise during the operation of commercial chapter 7 cases and how they are being addressed by bankruptcy judges, trustees and attorneys.

This panel will focus on the twists, turns and strategic, tactical and litigation considerations that arise in 363 sales of substantially all of a chapter 11 debtor’s business assets, including the special challenges posed by the sale of a professional services firm.

This panel will discuss recent trends and views on various issues that arise in an out-of-court workout, as well as various strategies that can be employed in a bankruptcy case—all from the lender’s perspective. The panel will also explore the latest developments in DIP financing.

This panel will explore the basics of chapter 11 cases through the lenses of bankruptcy judges, U.S. Trustees, debtor's counsel, unsecured creditors’ committees and individual creditors. There will also be a particular focus on litigation strategies and skills, as chapter 11 filings continue to be more sale-oriented, resulting in a greater emphasis on claims and avoidance litigation.

This panel will discuss examples of when and how t use valuation opinions and expertise, and the fee structure pitfalls that can impact credibility. When is it appropriate (if ever) to use success fees for valuation opinions.