Consumer Debt

Following an introductory video clip about the dangers of social networking in litigation, a panel featuring a judge, a trustee and a practitioner will lead a discussion on the inherent risks in using social networking, some of the ethical issues involved, and suggestions for how to manage these business and ethical risks that are associated with the ever-changing world of social networking.

This panel will discuss the variety of issues that can arise in an individual chapter 11 case and will cover the issue of limited representation — the subject that the Ethics Task Force report presented at this year’s Annual Spring Meeting. This session will also be of interest to counsel representing lenders, who are often just as befuddled when it comes to handling individual chapter 11 cases.

"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 Consumer Debate: Resolved: Section 523(a)(8) should be repealed or amended to allow for the discharge of all student loan debts.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."

Issues Related to Chapter 13 Plans, Including the Impact of a National Form Plan on Local Practice

Panelists will cover the proper disclosure of assets in a Chapter 7 proceeding held pre-petition as well as assets obtained post-petition and after confirmation of a Chapter 13 plan, including the debtor’s continuing duty and the timing of required disclosures. Properly advise your client when there has been a change of income, receipt of inheritance, life insurance, lawsuit proceeds, or a national mortgage settlement. Gain knowledge of the implications for making or failing to make the disclosures of the debtor’s assets.

David Bergeron Center for American Progress; Washington, D.C.