Consumer Bankruptcy

Absolute priority rule, § 1115, disposable income, etc.

Nothing Is Impossible: The Complex Requirements and Ethical Duties of Representing Chapter 11 and/or Chapter 13 Consumer Debtors

Consumer Track: Consumer Class Actions This panel will explore the potential benefits and pitfalls of class actions by debtors/trustees against creditors in chapter 13 cases, which are highlighted by two recent decisions of the Fifth Circuit.

Consumer Track: When Divorce and Bankruptcy Collide, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do The panel will explore the overlapping and sometimes conflicting state and federal objectives and law that can lead to unfair results when a bankruptcy proceeding intervenes in a divorce case.

Consumer Track: The Appellate Process This panel will explore recent issues in appellate practice that are of interest to both consumer and business practitioners, including the ability to bypass intermediary appellate courts and take appeals directly to the circuit courts.

Consumer Track: Individual Conundrum—Chapter 7, 11 or 13? Deciding on the appropriate chapter for an individual contemplating a bankruptcy filing can be daunting. This panel will explore the considerations that guide the practitioner in advising individual clients in making this decision.

17th Annual Great Debates Past Presidents’ Debate Resolved: The Bankruptcy Code should be revised to eliminate a debtor in possession's and trustee's ability to recover preferential transfers. Judicial Debate Resolved: A claim against the debtor’s estate, transferred to a third party, should be treated the same as if in the hands of the original holder. Consumer Debate Resolved: An attorney in a consumer case should be able to limit the scope of her employment.