Free Sessions (no CLE)

Various factors have combined to result in low crude oil prices that are not expected to rebound significantly and not to a point where OPEC countries will be able to cover their operating deficits. This panel will explore the issues facing the OPEC countries and discuss how these issues will impact the global economy and insolvency practice in the coming years.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. This panel will discuss certain tax changes that may adversely affect financially troubled business operations, debt restructurings, reorganizations and liquidations.

Through the EB-5 immigrant investor program, a foreign national can invest at least $500,000 into a qualified project, and if that investment leads to the creation of at least 10 jobs in the U.S., the investor becomes eligible for permanent U.S. residency. The EB-5 Program has expanded dramatically over the last decade, typically with USCIS-qualified “regional centers” pooling investments to provide inexpensive liquidity to real estate developments and other businesses. This panel will discuss recent developments and issues involved in EB-5 restructurings and chapter 11s.

This panel of legal experts break down a number of significant issues that are currently dividing circuits across the country, including the effect of rejecting trademark licenses, the allowance of claims for “make-whole” premiums, third-party plan releases, the right to assume and assign intellectual property agreements, the calculation of lease-rejection damages under § 502(b)(6), and the standard for satisfying the impaired consenting class requirement under a joint plan. Do you know where your circuit stands on these key issues?

This panel is a great way to stay ahead of your peers and adversaries! The panelists present a cutting-edge review of the most important decisions of the day that could impact your practice.

The panelists will discuss the findings of the ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy, focusing on three areas of great interest to the Commission: (1) student loans; (2) how attorneys get paid; and (3) a “reserve fund” for chapter 13s so that debtors can save for unexpected emergency expenses.

This panel will discuss all aspects of the Jay Alix Protocol, including tips for attorneys and advisors for meeting its requirements, and recent bankruptcy court decisions regarding its continuing vitality. The panel will also address other current issues regarding debtors’ retention of distressed management consultants and similar advisors.

Bankruptcy and student loans do not mix because of Brunner, but as outstanding student loan debt nationwide has risen to $1.5 trillion and climbing, there is a huge need for a solution to the student loan debt crisis. During this session, you will learn the different options student loan debtors have, and identify ways to be compensated for your services. Also, you will receive an inside look from a chapter 7 trustee on how to identify (and hopefully avoid) the pain that could come with a dreaded tuition clawback.