Bankruptcy Litigation

Hosted by the Bankruptcy Litigation and Commercial Fraud Committees. This interactive session will take a practical approach to exploring best practices in bankruptcy litigation, with a particular emphasis on fraud-related claims. Using hypothetical fact patterns, the panelists will guide attendees through key phases of contested litigation — from the initial investigation and assessment of potential claims to courtroom strategy and trial execution. Topics will include evaluating causes of action and defenses, drafting effective complaints, managing motion practice and employing persuasive techniques in the courtroom, including opening statements, witness examinations and evidence presentation. Whether dealing with traditional bankruptcy disputes or complex fraud allegations, attendees will gain valuable insights into prosecuting and defending litigation in the bankruptcy context.

Hosted by ABI's Bankruptcy Litigation Committee. Repeat filings in chapter 13 cases present unique challenges — and opportunities — for all parties involved. In this practical and timely program hosted by ABI's Bankruptcy Litigation Committee, the panelists will examine the tools and mechanisms available under the Bankruptcy Code to navigate multiple-filer situations effectively. Attendees will gain insights into how debtors, creditors and trustees can protect their respective interests, address abusive filing patterns, and utilize litigation strategies to achieve fair and efficient outcomes. Whether you’re seeking clarity on stay relief, dismissal, sanctions or plan-feasibility issues, this session will provide actionable guidance for managing the complexities of repeat chapter 13 filings.

This panel will focus on chapter 7 trustee standing to pursue assets, plus the use of expert witnesses, sufficiency of complaints (Pack Liquidating) and sales of avoidance actions (South Coast). The panelists also will discuss recent case law on preference and fraudulent-transfer defenses, the extension of statutes of limitations (Kwok), and the role of both voluntary and mandatory mediation procedures.

Discovery in bankruptcy contested matters can be just as complex and consequential as in traditional litigation, but with its own unique rules, limitations and strategic considerations. This panel will address recent case law, jurisdictional nuances, and the practical challenges of balancing efficiency with due process. Whether you’re initiating discovery or responding to it, this session will provide valuable insights into managing discovery effectively within the procedural framework of the Bankruptcy Code. 

This panel will break down last year’s Supreme Court bankruptcy cases, notable circuit court of appeals decisions, and growing circuit splits, and will discuss how developments in bankruptcy appellate law have impacted bankruptcy practice.

This panel explores various topics including litigation issues and obligations specific to creditors committees, the role of financial experts in litigation, and evidentiary issues that practitioners are likely to encounter. The panel also provides practical tips on preparation and best practices.

This panel will explore key bankruptcy litigation issues that are currently the subject of significant interest and debate, including (1) how bankruptcy courts address gerrymandering in the classification context, and how such concerns may arise in connection with liability-management transactions; (2) how debtors may attempt to effect "backdoor" estate releases through sale transactions whereby the buyer of the assets acquires estate claims and causes of action, and whether such attempts invoke concerns of a sub rosa plan; and (3) how the standard of adequate protection should be interpreted when a debtor is using cash collateral to maintain operations as a going concern where the alternative is a potentially value-destructive chapter 7. The panelists also plan to address the jurisdictional split regarding whether the confirmation requirement of an impaired accepting class requires a "per plan" or a "per debtor" approach for multi-debtor plans.

This panel will examine the latest pressure points in bankruptcy financing at both conceptual and granular levels, including pre-petition bridge loans, stalking-horse financings, roll-ups, intercreditor and intralender disputes and protections, DIP sizing and budgeting issues, and the overall effect of DIP and cash-collateral orders on case trajectory.

Think you know what evidence makes it into the record — and what gets tossed? This interactive session will present real-world-inspired hypotheticals highlighting evidentiary challenges in chapter 11 cases. From valuation disputes to insider transactions and confirmation battles, you’ll be asked to weigh in: Is it admissible? Is it persuasive? Is it even relevant? Join us as we explore the fine line between proof and puffery in the bankruptcy courtroom. Audience participation is not just encouraged — it’s required!