Consumer

Hosted by the International and Mediation Committees This panel will discuss the evolution of mediation in cross-border insolvencies and how it is utilized today. It will also provide insight into how cross-border mediations differ from U.S.-centric mediations, when cross-border mediations are most (and least) effective, and how mediators and professionals can best prepare themselves and others for successful cross-border mediations.

The panelists will touch on recent cases and offer their prognostications as to the future of the equitable mootness doctrine.

Caesars has been one of the largest and most contentious cases in recent years. Hear how the parties involved addressed the most difficult issues in the case and how a resolution was finally reached.

Hosted by the Asset Sales and Health Care Committees

Secured creditors typically hold significant leverage in restructuring situations and bankruptcy cases, but they are often the target of challenge or attack by other constituencies. This panel will discuss a number of key issues facing secured creditors and how those issues influence the advice given by financial advisors and lawyers.

If you’re ready for the challenge (or at least are willing to give it a try), come play “What’s My Objection?” at this session and test your skills at asserting evidentiary objections. Join the panelists in this fun format as we confront the strategic and technical issues associated with making objections.

Hosted by the Ethics & Professional Compensation and Technology & Intellectual Property Committees Navigating the use and impact of the media in any bankruptcy case can pose challenging ethical dilemmas that are only exacerbated in highprofile cases. The panelists will explore these issues and share some of their personal insights and stories.

Home value is all in the perspective. If you want to learn how to convince the court that your client’s perspective on the value of a residence is the right one, this is the panel for you! Experienced litigators will discuss best practices for litigating the value of a home by using familiar scenarios from everyday valuation practice.

This panel will explore the myriad issues that arise in chapter 7 and 11 cases when the debtor is the sponsor of an employee retirement benefit plan, including 401(k) plans and pension plans.

Often the hardest part about bankruptcy litigation is making the decision to take it on in the first place, considering the time, expense, available resources and anticipated benefit to the estate and its constituents. Many bankruptcy attorneys often divorce litigation from the business goals of the client, resulting in disproportionately high fees, disappointed clients and unpaid professionals. Too little time and effort is undertaken before and during the early stages of litigation to consider the foregoing and client objectives. Consequently, in most cases litigation must be viewed as a business decision. This panel will discuss these important issues and take the audience down the litigation and settlement road: (1) pre-filing the complaint; (2) early disclosures to opponents; (3) early motions; (4) discovery and discovery disputes; (5) pre-trial motions (e.g., motions for summary judgment); and finally (6) trial. The tactics and strategies often used during these steps to promote or advance settlements that best favor clients will also be addressed.