2025

Featuring the regional judges of the Rocky Mountain Bankruptcy Conference, this session will strive to answer questions you have on current issues.

This lively discussion will dive into the current economic environment in Utah and the U.S. generally, with a focus on such trending issues as employment, wages, interest rates and population growth. Learn how to prepare for success in these uncertain times.

This panel will update practitioners on recent bankruptcy case law developments through engaging discussions and participant comments.

This panel will provide a refresher and interactive discussion on secured transactions in bankruptcy cases. The panelists will discuss the basics of secured transactions, including attachment and perfection, in addition to the interplay between UCC Article 9 and the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The panelists will focus on the relationship between the obligor/debtor and the secured party, with an interactive discussion concerning the competition for priority among secured parties, lien creditors and trustees asserting competing interests in the same collateral.

The chapter 11 landscape is evolving. This panel will cover current economic headwinds facing debtors, and structuring bankruptcy strategies and feasible chapter 11 plans in this environment.

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!

Fee applications, preferences and clawbacks, oh my! Getting paid before and after bankruptcy has its pitfalls. This session will help you navigate potential problems to ensure you get paid while staying on the right side of the Ethics Board.

Join IWIRC and ABI for a fireside chat with Camille Bent, a partner at BakerHostetler in New York. She will be discussing challenges she’s faced throughout her career; the importance of equity, inclusion and belonging; and the importance of fostering mentorship and inclusivity in your legal practice and business-development efforts.

Valuation disputes are a critical tool for junior creditors in chapter 11 cases, but their effectiveness depends on strategic timing and approach. This panel will examine key moments where valuation issues arise, including DIP/priming fights, adequate protection and financings with equity rights. Topics will include timing considerations such as access to valuation data, the impact of ongoing sale processes, and cost-benefit analyses. The panelists also will provide insights into how junior creditors can tactically engage in valuation disputes to protect their interests while navigating the complexities of large chapter 11 cases.

Financial projections often reflect the intent behind their creation, whether for sell-side transactions, buy-side due diligence, bank credit assessments, operational budgets or chapter 11 exit plans. This session will explore how these purposes impact the reasonableness of projections, including the potential for bias and the role of divergent stakeholder perspectives. Insights from company management, investment bankers, private-equity sponsors, creditor advisors, litigation experts and judges will shed light on best practices for evaluating the reliability and objectivity of projections in valuation and solvency analyses.