Wisconsin State Approved Sessions

This panel helps attendees avoid the landmines of a franchisee chapter 11 filing and better understand the current law on leasehold issues, critical vendor considerations, pre-petition termination of franchise agreements and a potpourri of pointers from multiple perspectives. The session also includes a hypothetical with practical solutions and considerations based on recent cases (published and nonpublished opinions) to the hypothetical.

With a focus on providing practical advice, this panel examines issues that may arise with respect to personal property in consumer bankruptcy cases. The panelists address current case law and issues related to property of the estate, valuations, exemptions, garnishments and turnover. Whether you represent debtors, creditors or trustees, this session is sure to be a “Wicked” good time.

In this session, trustees of all types — chapter 7, subchapter V, chapter 12 and chapter 13, together with an attorney for court-appointed fiduciaries and liquidating trustees — share their perspectives on the commonalities and differences under each chapter. The panelists discuss how to avoid common mistakes and offer tips for success for counsel to debtors and creditors. Is the trustee a friend or foe? What if a case converts from one chapter to another? Can a subchapter V trustee act as a mediator? What happens if a trustee suspects fraud? Do trustees have any discretionary powers? Join us and find out!

This plenary will consist of small group huddles with judges and fellow attendees to work through case problems.

This presentation will explore how generative AI is transforming the legal profession, including its ability to draft legal documents and marketing materials, and will address the professional, legal and ethical risks it presents. Attendees will gain practical insights on AI’s impact and limitations, as well as how to navigate this evolving technology effectively and responsibly.

This panel discusses workout strategies for distressed real estate cases from lender and borrower perspectives, including what works, what doesn’t, tradeoffs, pitfalls and more.

This panel discusses cutting-edge issues related to REIT restructurings and financings.

This panel, presented from the perspectives of a lender, attorney and investor, discusses how guarantees have changed over time, including their value, regulatory needs and more.

This workshop builds on the success of a well-attended evidence 101 workshop format held during the 2024 Winter Leadership Conference, with this forum focused on judge/attorney participation. The panelists demonstrate a fun fact pattern through 3 vignettes — (1) argument on a motion in limine; (2) how to qualify an expert; and (3) voir dire/Daubert challenges — followed by small table breakouts.