Small Business

In 2024 alone, more than 517,000 bankruptcy cases were filed in the U.S., and bankruptcy judges issued an estimated 521 reported decisions, plus another 1,241 unreported decisions. How many of those cases and issues are you familiar with? You might know what the Supreme Court did in Purdue Pharma, what the Third Circuit did in Boy Scouts, what the Fourth Circuit did in Bestwall, and what bankruptcy courts are doing in cases like Red River Talc, Celsius and FTX, but do you know the latest trends in equitable tolling, chapter 5 avoidance claims and conversion rights? Bill Rochelle and this panel of esteemed bankruptcy judges will be holding a lively discussion of a few critical-but-under-the-radar decisions that you should be reading about but likely are not. You won’t want to miss this educational and eye-opening conversation!

This panel will navigate the evolving landscape of subchapter V bankruptcy with expert insights into strategies that protect your clients’ interests. The panelists will examine critical eligibility requirements — including debt caps, the “engaged in commercial or business activities” standard, and strategic timing considerations — while exploring the unique role of the subchapter V trustee in facilitating reorganization. Discover how recent circuit court splits on corporate discharge exceptions and projected disposable income requirements are reshaping case outcomes. Whether you are new to subchapter V or seeking innovative approaches to common challenges, you’ll gain practical strategies for both debtors and creditors, from pre-filing planning and eligibility pivots to confirmation tactics and § 523 litigation. Learn how to leverage — or defend against — the streamlined procedures that make subchapter V an increasingly attractive option for small business restructurings.

This session will cover recent Supreme Court and Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Circuit cases that you need to know about.

Featuring the regional judges of the Rocky Mountain Bankruptcy Conference, this session will strive to answer questions you have on current issues.

This panel discusses the role of the subchapter V trustee, the parallels with mediation, and the meaning of "facilitating the development of a consensual plan."

Join this accomplished panel of subchapter V trustees, financial advisors and one inquisitive judge as they discuss emerging trends related to the fair-and-equitable standard, including post-confirmation expenses (anticipated and otherwise), fluctuations in income, and other variables in the context of nonconsensual plans. This session emphasizes the critical role of financial advisers and subchapter V trustees with respect to a debtor's projected disposable income, as well as the creative financial alternatives that can be considered to fairly account for post-confirmation uncertainties.

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 panel will explore the critical issues surrounding plan confirmation under subchapter V. Topics will include the interpretation of “fair and equitable” standards, the role of the subchapter V trustee, the debtor’s obligation to pay disposable income, and the potential for disputes over feasibility and good faith. The discussion also will address recent case law, practical tips for navigating confirmation challenges, and strategies for resolving disputes to achieve a successful plan confirmation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to approach confirmation in subchapter V cases, with a focus on practical solutions to common problems and the latest developments in the field. This session is essential for attorneys, trustees and other professionals involved in small business bankruptcies who are looking to deepen their understanding of subchapter V and improve their practice in this evolving area.