In an ever-evolving economic and legal landscape, high-profile and precedent-setting bankruptcies continue to capture headlines and reshape industry norms. This dynamic panel explores the most newsworthy bankruptcy cases and trends of the past year, analyzing their legal, financial and practical implications for practitioners, stakeholders and the courts.
Consumer bankruptcy cases often present routine challenges, but some involve extraordinary circumstances that require unique legal strategies and nuanced advocacy. This panel explores unusual and complex issues that can arise in consumer filings, such as significant asset disputes, complex income or expense scenarios, identity theft and contested claims. The panelists discuss best practices for identifying and addressing these atypical situations, navigating procedural hurdles and protecting client interests.
Chapter 13 practice continues to evolve as courts and practitioners navigate new challenges, legislative developments and shifting economic conditions. This panel examines the most pressing issues currently affecting consumer chapter 13 cases, including evolving interpretations of the Code, trends in plan confirmation and modification, treatment of secured and priority claims, and the impact of student loan developments and pandemic-related relief. With insights drawn from recent case law and practical experience, the panelists offer strategies and updates that every consumer practitioner needs to know.
This panel delves into critical "hot topics" impacting consumer bankruptcy cases today. The panelists provide insights into complex exemption questions (including federal exemptions, life insurance exemptions, inherited IRAs, the meaning of “Necessary for Support” and preferences), the strategic treatment of unexpired leases and executory contracts (exploring implications for both lessees and lessors), disgorgement of debt-settlement-company fees and the evolving landscape of debt-limit considerations, comparing and contrasting chapter 13 and subchapter V precedent. The panelists also provide a crucial introduction to the growing concerns surrounding merchant cash advance (MCA) financing.
Join ABI’s own Bill Rochelle and a panel of distinguished guests for an insightful discussion on the most important recent case law developments impacting bankruptcy practice. This session covers key decisions from the appellate and Supreme Court levels, analyze emerging legal trends, and explores their practical implications for practitioners, judges and academics alike.
In today’s digitally connected world, attorneys face unique challenges and opportunities at the crossroads of social media, credit reporting and bankruptcy law. This panel first debunks prevalent social media myths and scams that complicate client advisement and the setting of realistic legal expectations. Next, the panelists delve into the nuanced relationship between credit reporting and bankruptcy, offering insights that enhance attorneys' ability to guide clients through financial restructuring. Finally, the discussion highlights effective strategies for harnessing social media as a tool to positively influence public perception and expand access to critical legal information. Join us for an engaging session designed to equip legal professionals with practical knowledge and innovative approaches for navigating this evolving landscape.
This panel provides participants with an overview of the current state of the law regarding violations of the automatic stay, as well as best practices for settling and litigating stay violation claims.
This session presents an in-depth discussion on the upcoming amendments to Bankruptcy Rule 3002.1 taking effect December 1, 2025. The panelists explore the court’s role in these changes and their impact on creditors, debtors and trustees.
This panel provides guidance on identifying and addressing issues relating to personal-injury (PI) causes of action that arise (or are discovered) post-petition in consumer bankruptcy cases. When are they property of the estate? What disclosures are required, and when? How does judicial estoppel apply? In chapter 13 cases, does the debtor need court approval to retain and pay PI counsel? Is bankruptcy court approval required before the debtor settles a cause of action? The panelists address these questions and more.