Consumer

The novel coronavirus has certainly induced many systemic changes around the world, and the bankruptcy and restructuring industry is no exception. What once worked in a pre-COVID-19 world might not work anymore, so parties must adapt quickly, often with no precedence upon which to rely. This panel will discuss the idiosyncrasies and novel ways bankruptcy practice is operating, restructuring and adapting to a “new normal,” and how constituencies on all sides of the table are approaching its unique aspects.

As Bankruptcy Courts hold hearings across a variety of remote platforms, how can attorneys and other bankruptcy professionals ensure they are most effectively representing their clients? This expert panel will discuss best practices for appearing remotely, offering tips on preparing witnesses for testimony, presenting an effective “virtual” courtroom presence, and maintaining proper courtroom etiquette in the new normal, and will also address several ethics considerations in our new "Virtual" reality. These include:

• Coaching the witness (or not!)

This panel will address some of the coronavirus-related issues currently facing debtors in chapters 7 and 13, including the effects of the CARES Act on consumer filings, the role of exempt assets in good-faith analyses and disposable-income calculations, and how to address business issues in consumer cases.

“Burnout” is officially classified as a legitimate medical diagnosis by the World Health Organization in its International Classification of Diseases handbook, which guides medical providers in diagnosing diseases. According to the handbook, a stressed-out, unhappy attorney who does not want to practice law any longer can be “officially” diagnosed with burnout if he or she meets certain symptoms.