Business

Selection of CRO and establishment of a scope and chain of command; role of CRO and other officers in intercompany disputes in multi-debtor cases; negotiating pre- and post-confirmation equity/incentives for officers and directors; selecting a post-confirmation board of directors; issues and actions constituting “cause” for appointment of trustee or examiner motion; appointment and role of examiner in recent cases (Rescap, Dewey, Dynegy)

Much has changed in the world of corporate restructuring since the Bankruptcy Code was passed in 1978. ABI's review commission has been operating since last April, gathering information about whether and how corporate bankruptcy law could be reformed to make the process more effective and result in greater maximization of values for all stakeholders. Hear about the process, and the policies under review, from the Commission co-chair and three others from the 20-member Commission.

A panel of judges will discuss current issues that divide the circuits and other hot topics relevant to both consumer and business bankruptcy practitioners.

Consumer Track: The Appellate Process

This panel will explore recent issues in appellate practice that are of interest to both consumer and business practitioners, including the ability to bypass intermediary appellate courts and take appeals directly to the circuit courts.

This panel will focus on the irrational biases for decision-making in bankruptcy. The essence of bankruptcy is deciding how to divide the debtor's metaphorical shrinking economic pie among qualified creditors. At its optimum, bankruptcy decision-making is efficient and rational. However, at other times even the most skilled bankruptcy practitioners are stymied by the inability of bankruptcy participants to make seemingly rational business decisions. Why can't everyone be rational? Decision-making is not a rational process.