2021

While some of us choose to live in denial, the Federal Rules of Evidence are not optional, as they represent one of the foundational pillars of any successful insolvency practice. This program will explore some of the more complex evidentiary issues confronted by insolvency professionals. The program is designed to provide an interactive format through discussion, debate, polling, and ultimately, observations from the Oracle of Evidence herself.

Three bankruptcy judges present difficult issues they have faced and ask you to step into their shoes; to discuss the issues in small groups discussions; and to decide what you might have done in their shoes. What you learn from your colleagues and what the judges then reveal will be interesting, educational, and revealing.

Resolution of important issues in bankruptcy occasionally depend on which Circuit the case is pending. In this session, a panel of three preeminent judges will hear arguments by three sets of outstanding advocates on important topics where the Circuits are divided.

Resolution of important issues in bankruptcy occasionally depend on which Circuit the case is pending. In this session, a panel of three preeminent judges will hear arguments by three sets of outstanding advocates on important topics where the Circuits are divided.

This program will use clips from movies to identify ethical issues that arise during bankruptcy proceedings. Attendees will be encouraged, including using de minimis prizes, to participate in a discussion about circumstances in which these ethical issues arise, their potential impact on bankruptcy proceedings and how to deal with them constructively and productively.

2021 kicks off a new version of the Broken Bench program: Jeopardy Host, Chief Judge Pamela Pepper, will challenge contestants Judge Cate Furay, Professor Nancy Rapoport, and Demetra Liggins with educational and fun questions. The Jeopardy categories will include: Famous Debtors, Bricks & Mortar, Supremely Strange, Sex & Religion, and Covid-19.

Content begins at 19:26 Beyond discussing issues related to systemic bias, this panel will discuss approaches to challenging the status quo and addressing issues of diversity and inclusion. The panel of experts will provide attendees concrete, actionable knowledge on how to approach creating a welcoming workplace. Attendees will leave the session ready to use this knowledge to jumpstart their own efforts to enhance their workplace diversity, or to contribute to the firm’s existing diversity and inclusion efforts.

A conversation on how bankruptcy courts can get ready for the expected tsunami of mortgage defaults post-COVID and beyond. The panelists will share recent updates on extending the same process to address student loan defaults in chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

Focus on strategy for restructuring/recovery in hard-hit industries and adapting for changes in consumer trends (i.e., movies, concert venues, fast-casual restaurants, mall/retail space, business travel).

Consolidations and closures of small colleges, and increasing demands on charter schools' finances, have been growing trends that have only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. This panel will discuss how the pandemic has impacted enrollment, financing and out-of-court workouts, and, where appropriate, chapter 7 and 11 filings. The panelists will also consider the effects of COVID-related litigation regarding tuition reimbursement and potential enrollment contract modifications.