Source: https://www.abi.org/events/2019-northeast-bankruptcy-conference-northeast-consumer-forum
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 10:25:06+00:00

Document:
On behalf of our faculty and Advisory Board, we are pleased to invite you to attend the 2019 Northeast Bankruptcy Conference and Northeast Consumer Forum, to be held at the Newport Marriott in Newport, Rhode Island! The Northeast Advisory Board has assembled a roster of great speakers on a wide variety of timely topics that offer something for everyone. In this ever-changing industry, you can’t afford to miss this top-notch conference with networking opportunities galore!
This year presents a shortened program (but the same amount of CLE). You still have the option to stay through the weekend to enjoy all that Newport has to offer. In between educational sessions and networking opportunities, you can take advantage of Newport’s many recreational and family-friendly activities. This conference and hotel will sell out, so don’t delay!
Calling all up-and-comers in the bankruptcy industry! Join your fellow emerging leaders for an interactive half-day program for insolvency professionals with less than 10 years of experience in either consumer or business bankruptcy. We invite lawyers, financial advisors, bankers, etc. to participate in an interactive program targeting issues of particular interest to emerging leaders. An Emerging Leaders Reception will immediately follow the program.
Chace Ruttenberg & Freedman, LLP; Providence, R.I.
Mirick, O’Connell DeMallie & Lougee, LLP; Westborough, Mass.
Shipman & Goodwin LLP; Hartford, Conn.
The panel will discuss recent cases and longstanding Supreme Court jurisprudence on recurring themes, including law vs. equity, approaches to statutory interpretation, the role of courts and limits to jurisdiction, and bankruptcy policy related to reorganization, discharge and the fresh start.
Ropes & Gray LLP; Washington, D.C.
Washington & Lee Law School; Lexington, Va.
Two of the most currently challenged industries — higher education and health care — are also the two industries most likely to use the nonprofit form of organization. Recent high-profile cases have demonstrated the pull and tug on officers and directors of those entities. Tasked with both the practical realities imposed by the need to make payroll and the mission-based obligation to pursue the organization’s charitable purposes, the officers and directors are forced to weigh financial discipline against the obligation to heal or to educate. This panel will explore the seemingly conflicting fiduciary duties of the officers and directors of nonprofit companies, identifying those duties and the statutory protections afforded those who are faced with making real-time decisions. The discussion will also explore challenges to the actions taken, including additional hurdles to asset sales under § 363(d)(1), government agency investigations and oversight, and class action litigation.
Devine, Millimet & Branch, PA; Manchester, N.H.
Early-Case Orders that Dictate the End-of-Case Orders: Efficient or Disenfranchising?
Cash-collateral, DIP-financing, § 363 bid-procedure and assumption-of-restructuring-support-agreement orders all enter into the early stages of a chapter 11 case, and all have the potential to dictate how the case will end. Some argue that setting a firm course for the case in the early days promotes efficiency and recognizes the financial realities posed by current capital structures. Others argue that those same orders, fashioned by a small subset of the creditor constituencies, preclude all but those at the top of the capital structure from having an effective voice in the case. The panelists include people on both sides of that debate, and the discussion will feature such topics as benchmarks in DIP financing and cash-collateral orders, recent developments in bid-procedure orders such as the recent approval by some courts of multiple breakup fees and of a no-shop clause, and just how far a restructuring support agreement can go in a pre-negotiated case.
Individuals with disabilities or with limited English proficiency often require accommodations to successfully access the relief afforded by the bankruptcy system. This requirement applies whether individuals are debtors or creditors. The panelists will discuss accessibility issues and the provision of reasonable accommodations to enable debtors or creditors with differing abilities to access the bankruptcy system. They will also provide practical steps that can be taken to ensure compliance with the Rules of Professional Responsibility, the Bankruptcy Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The panel will explore these issues from the perspectives of counsel, judges and the U.S. Trustee’s Office.
Practitioners are constantly looking for ways to expand, or limit, the ability of estate fiduciaries and creditors to avoid transfers. This panel will explore several cutting-edge issues with respect to fraudulent-transfer actions currently playing out in bankruptcy courts, including whether trustees may recover tuition payments by debtor-parents for the benefit of their adult children and the meaning of “reasonably equivalent value” under Section 548(A)(1)(b). The panel will explore opportunities to expand a trustee’s avoidance powers, including a trustee’s ability to stand in the shoes of the IRS and benefit from the 10-year look-back period, Ponzi scheme issues, and applying avoidance powers to foreign defendants. The speakers will also discuss whether silence is still golden in light of Husky International v. Ritz.
In this program, three expert mediators, two retired judges and one federal judicial mediator will provide insights on what to expect in a mediation of a dispute in a contested matter or adversary proceeding in a bankruptcy case. They will focus on the types of bankruptcy disputes that are well-suited for mediation; procedures for implementing a mediation referral, including the referral order and mediation agreement; confidentiality issues; the conduct of the mediation session; different mediation techniques; strategies for parties and counsel to conduct effective negotiations in mediations; and bad-faith participation in mediation and remedies for such conduct. The panelists also will provide their insights on traps and problems to avoid before, during and after mediation, and best practices for counsel and parties in mediations.
Student Loans: How Do We Deal with Them Before and After Bankruptcy?
It is estimated that U.S. student debt obligations now exceed $1.5 trillion. This panel will discuss the impact of student loans before and after the borrower files bankruptcy. What can an attorney do to assist his/her client in determining his/her options with student loan obligations? How can a student loan be modified, and what can be done outside the courtroom for the borrower? Further discussion will concentrate on when a student loan can be dischargeable, the difficulty in establishing a hardship discharge, how the lender defends against a debtor seeking a hardship discharge at trial, and how student loans are treated in chapter 13 proceedings throughout the First Circuit.
Sponsored by Huron Consulting Group Inc.
Sponsored by Deloitte; Neubert, Pepe & Monteith; Pullman & Comley LLC; Ropes & Gray LLP; and Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C.
Dinner Entertainment sponsored by Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, P.C.
Lawyers and law firms, as well as other professionals, need to understand the critical issue of data security. This panel will detail why you are at risk and what you should be doing to combat the threats. The focus will be on understanding cybersecurity risks, data-protection best practices, incident-response planning and ethical obligations. This plenary program will offer practical guidance that you can use both personally and professionally, whether focused principally on consumer or commercial issues.
Morrison & Foerster LLP; Washington, D.C.
ABCs and state receiverships are not the only chapter 11 alternatives. With even middle-market companies having widely held and tradeable note instruments, the exchange offer provides an out-of-court alternative that, if successful, can provide most of the benefits of a confirmed chapter 11 plan, and if unsuccessful, can still provide the basis for a confirmable prepackaged plan. The panel will provide an introduction to exchange offers: the goals, mechanics and documents. The panel will also explore the current thinking on the short reach of the Trust Indenture Act in exchange offers after the Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Marblegate Asset Management vs. Education Management Corp. In addition, the panel will explore opportunities to use strict foreclosure and other consensual, or nonconsensual, workouts, wind-downs and liquidations to maximize value.
Prudential Insurance Company of America; Newark, N.J.
Verdolino & Lowey, P.C.; Foxboro, Mass.
Brennan Recupero Cascione Scungio McAllister LLP; Providence, R.I.
This panel will discuss current developments in the law in the First and Second Circuits for both violations of the automatic stay and discharge injunction. We will analyze the unique consequences debtors may face when filing for bankruptcy and what might or might not violate the automatic stay (e.g., revocation of a driver’s license after an uninsured motorist files), and how corporations are able to address stay violations. The panel will discuss preparing both stay- and discharge-injunction-violation cases, including how to develop emotional-distress and punitive-damage claims, and possible additional claims to explore.
Notinger Law, PLLC; Nashua, N.H.
Are Trademarks Really That Special, or Did Congress Just Miss Something?
The First Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Mission Product Holdings Inc. v. Tempnology LLC held that the absence of trademarks from the definition of intellection property in § 101(35A) of the Bankruptcy Code means that, unlike other types of intellectual property, a licensor’s rejection of a trademark license deprives its licensee of any right to continued use of the mark. The Supreme Court has accepted certiorari in the case and is expected to issue a decision late this Spring on the question of whether, under Bankruptcy Code § 365, a debtor-licensor’s rejection of a license terminates rights of the licensee that would survive the licensor’s breach under nonbankruptcy law. This panel will analyze the reach of the question presented, examine the arguments briefed, interpret the scope and breadth of the Court’s decision (assuming it is rendered before the term concludes), and consider the implications for commercial licensing and bankruptcy administration.
The same circumstances that lead debtors to bankruptcy often give rise to claims under various consumer-protection statutes. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s mortgage-servicing rules, and similar consumer-protection rules and statutes can have substantial impacts on the creditor/debtor relationship. Whether you represent business or consumer debtors, creditors, or estate fiduciaries, an understanding of how consumer-protection statutes intersect with bankruptcy will help you deal with the opportunities and challenges that your clients might face when bankruptcy and consumer-protection laws meet. The panelists will discuss practical implications of the common intersection of consumer-protection statutes and bankruptcy.
Robinson & Cole LLP; Providence, R.I.
Friday, July 12, 1:00 p.m.
Take your game to a higher level at this 18-hole, par-72 course. Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to play. The $200-per-person fee includes boxed lunch, green fee and prizes. Please select the appropriate box on the online registration form to play, and indicate your handicap.
Join us for the annual Tour de ABI bike ride. A boxed lunch will be provided, and the ride will begin after lunch. The fee is $35 per person. Please select the appropriate box on the online registration form.
Friday, July 12, 1:30 p.m.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is where American Tournament Tennis began 100 years ago. The first national championships were held at the Casino in 1881. This is the world’s largest tennis museum, and it houses displays, artifacts and memorabilia covering over a century of tennis history. Outside the main building, you'll find the Casino’s 13 beautifully tended grass courts. This is a unique opportunity, so don’t miss out; space is limited! Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to play. The $100-per-person fee includes transportation, court fee and prizes. Please check the appropriate box on the online registration form to play.
Saturday, July 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Newport is rich with history and New England charm. Its historic district is best seen on foot to experience Newport’s architectural, cultural and social heritage first-hand. There are more than 300 buildings in this area alone that pre-date the American Revolution. Tickets are $70 per person. Please select the appropriate box on the online registration form.
Saturday, July 13, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Enjoy the sweet side of summer at this family-friendly social. This event is free, but you must register. Please select the appropriate box on the online registration form.
ABI has arranged for a special conference rate of $399 single/double per night at the Newport Marriott; additional fees apply for additional room guests. To secure the special rate, hotel reservations must be made by June 14, 2019. Reservations may only be made once you have registered with ABI. Upon payment of the conference registration fees, you will receive a hotel reservation link to reserve your room. Rooms are held on a first-come, first-served basis. ABI cannot guarantee anyone a room after the specially rated ABI block is filled.
Car: Newport is an easy drive from Providence, Boston and Hartford and is about 2.5-3 hours from Concord, Portland and New York.
Air: The resort is located 30 miles from the Providence’s T.F. Green Airport.
All fees, except a $75 handling fee, will be refunded if notice of cancellation is received in writing by June 20, 2019. No refunds will be made if notice is received after June 20, although substitutions will be allowed. After June 20, upon written request, a coupon for 20% off the registration fee (not including optional events) will be issued, which can be used (by the cancelling registrant only) for any ABI educational program up to one year after this conference, or for this same conference next year.
Northeast Bankruptcy Conference: 11 hours of CLE credit, including 1.25 hours of ethics, are pending in states calculating CLE on a 60-minute hour, and 13.3 hours of CLE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are pending in 50-minute-hour states. Credit hours granted are subject to each state’s CLE credit-approval regulations and might not be approved prior to the program. NY MCLE: This transitional and non-transitional program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the CLE Board for a maximum of 13 credit hours, of which 1.5 hours of credit can be applied toward the ethics professionalism requirement. California MCLE: ABI certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit in the amount of 11 hours, of which 1.25 hours will apply to ethics. 13 hours of CPE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are also available.
Northeast Consumer Forum: 7.5 hours of CLE credit, including 1.25 hours of ethics, are pending in states calculating CLE on a 60-minute hour, and 9 hours of CLE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are pending in 50-minute-hour states. Credit hours granted are subject to each state’s CLE credit-approval regulations and might not be approved prior to the program. NY MCLE: This transitional and non-transitional program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the CLE Board for a maximum of 9 credit hours, of which 1.5 hours of credit can be applied toward the ethics professionalism requirement. California MCLE: ABI certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit in the amount of 7.5 hours, of which 1.25 hours will apply to ethics. 9 hours of CPE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are also available.
ABI acknowledges that in some instances there will be persons who need to attend an educational seminar for CLE credit who are not able to pay the full registration fee. ABI will handle such instances on a case-by-case basis and will work with the individual on alternative solutions. For persons who cannot meet the full registration rate, ABI will offer a reduced rate based on what the individual can reasonably afford to cover the cost of meals and materials. For persons unable to pay a reduced rate, we may allow the individual to work at our registration area for a few hours during attendee check-in, or assist in conference set-up. ABI also has reduced rates for government employees, professors, law clerks and students. Illinois Attorneys: If registration fees are more than $500, attorneys who qualify will receive at least 50% reduction in the registration fee. For information on tuition assistance, send an e-mail to jguirguis@abiworld.org.
* Includes a one-year ABI membership for first-time members — a $350 value! You must be an ABI member to attend. Membership is individual and nonrefundable. If your membership has expired, select the member rate and add in your membership renewal fee.
*** Includes one 6’table and full registration for one booth representative AND a one-year ABI membership.
ABI DEFINES A “GUEST” AS A SPOUSE, CHILD OR COMPANION — NOT A PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUE. A professional colleague is defined as someone who consults with or is employed by an organization whose members are eligible for ABI membership. If a professional colleague is found to be registered as a guest, ABI reserves the right to cancel his or her event registration. Any person not meeting the criteria of “guest” who wishes to participate in any ABI function at the conference is required to register separately at the full conference rate.

References: § 363
 § 363
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 § 101
 § 365