Florida State Approved Sessions

A panel of judges will discuss best practices in oral and written advocacy.

ABI Past-Presidents Panel on Current Developments in the News

This panel will discuss the historic significance of the General Motors bankruptcy case with an in-depth discussion about the issuance of public units in a major bankruptcy. The session will also include the challenges addressed by the team and the value of a freely traded unit.

This panel will focus on the continuing role of creditors’ committees in the current chapter 11 environment. As the fulcrum of security moves up the balance sheet, the utility of committees has been coming under attack. Although historically committees have consisted primarily of trade creditors, they now regularly include bondholders, indenture trustees, the PBGC and unions. Learn about the challenges for professionals representing committees and the way committee members evaluate how to fulfill their fiduciary duties.

Six topical chapter 11 issues will be debated in a head-to-head format: (1) gifting; (2) classification; (3) Stern v. Marshall in the confirmation context; (4) Clear Channel sale issues; (5) assumption of debt; and (6) critical vendors. A panel of bankruptcy judges will ask questions and render decisions on each topic. Key issues that arise in the Ninth Circuit in connection with these topics will be emphasized.

"You know the math, but do you know how to win the argument? This panel will address the nuances of supporting your numbers, preparing your rebuttal brief and cross-examination, and providing valuable testimony for your position. We will address the important points in cross-examining your opponent’s position, discuss some of the more interesting recent bankruptcy valuation decisions, and analyze what works and what doesn’t in supporting key assumptions in the valuation process. "

This panel will explore the advantages and disadvantages of a 363 sale from the perspective of a purchaser, secured lender and company, addressing such issues as timing, costs, imposing sale milestones, releases and credit-bidding.

Prof. Nancy Rapoport, co-chair of ABI’s Ethics Task Force, will give a presentation on the ethics of professional civility by using a familiar Southern California medium: the movies!

This panel will discuss claims, participation and loan purchases, and how they can have a significant impact on a bankruptcy case.