Bankruptcy Litigation

This panel will present a mock trial focusing on valuation, with the panelists serving as counsel arguing each side, and as a witness and a judge. The session will cover direct and cross-examination topics that come into play with valuations, including expert witness issues, applicable evidentiary rules and procedural aspects.

This panel will discuss four topics of interest, paying particular attention to litigation strategy and tactics with respect to each. First, we will examine stays pending appeal, particularly stays pending appeals of confirmation orders, including the current state of equitable mootness law in the Second Circuit and elsewhere; when and how to move for a stay; whether and how to make a record at the confirmation hearing to support a later stay motion, and what to do about the bond requirement. Second, we will consider LTL and the standard for dismissal, as well as the importance of making an evidentiary record to support good faith and insolvency on filing. Third, we will consider challenges to the retention of professionals, particularly what standard should govern when a debtor seeks to retain lawyers, investment bankers and other professionals. Should it be the existence of “interests adverse to the estate” or “disinterestedness,” or some combination of the two? We will consider, among other cases, SAS and FTX. Finally, we will consider venue. What are the appropriate criteria that should be considered and relied upon by the debtor when choosing venue and by other parties in interest when challenging the debtor’s choice? How clear or blurry is the line between legitimate strategy and litigation tactics?

This panel will examine the recent rise and possible fall of the Texas Two-Step, with a focus on the recent LTL and Aero decisions, as well as a discussion on good faith as a necessary aspect of a chapter 11 filing.

This session will discuss recent decisions and developments regarding third-party releases, both internationally and domestically.

Certain judges have started to require that DIP orders waive any argument that the UCC cannot seek derivative standing to pursue claims on behalf of an LLC debtor. Is this trend rooted in bankruptcy common law? This panel will discuss this question and more.

This panel delves into everything you ever wanted to know about the intersection of construction law and bankruptcy.

This session will provide a unique, interactive look at difficult evidentiary issues.

When retained causes of action are the only recoveries for residual stakeholders, having the right toolkit —with tools sharpened and up to date — is essential to preserving and maximizing value. This panel will coverstatute-of-limitations issues, including the Golden Creditor Rule; identify pitfalls to avoid when bringingderivative claims, including in pari delicto; review lessons learned in bringing claims against equity sponsors;revive the concept of lender liability; provide tips of the trade for maximizing insurance recoveries; andexplain the § 546(e) safe harbor jurisprudence, among other relevant topics.