[provisional] A review of recent decisions of interest to bankruptcy practitioners from the bankruptcy and district courts in Louisiana, the Fifth Circuit, and the Louisiana state courts, with attention to their practical effect on business and consumer cases.

A panel discussion covering the reorganization options available to financially distressed family farmers and fishermen. The panel will begin with an overview of the Chapter 12 system, including eligibility, plan requirements, and the role of the trustee. The panel will then compare Chapter 12 with Subchapter V of Chapter 11, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each Chapter from the perspectives of the court, the trustee, and debtor's counsel, and evaluate which option best fits an agricultural debtor’s circumstances.

 

A panel discussion of the sale process in Chapter 11 from the outset of the case, including the negotiation and approval of bid procedures, stalking horse protections, the conduct of auctions, and approval of sales under section 363, with perspectives from the bench and from counsel for debtors, buyers, and creditors.

Consumer Case Update will review recent developments affecting consumer bankruptcy practice under Chapters 7 and 13, with particular attention to decisions from the United States Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit, and bankruptcy courts in Louisiana. The panel will discuss how recent decisions affect issues such as claims and lien treatment, confirmation and modification of Chapter 13 plans, disclosure obligations, conversion and Chapter 7 eligibility, mortgage claims, stay relief, and other issues that regularly arise in consumer cases. In addition to reviewing the facts and holdings of selected cases, the panel will focus on their practical effect on debtors, creditors, and the courts, including unresolved questions and practice considerations for attorneys handling consumer bankruptcy cases.

A discussion with practitioners about prepetition decision trees from various points of view and how certain decisions can affect maneuverability post-petition on things such as insider claim resolution, critical vendor payments, plan formulation and funding, and litigation risks.

Current Chapter 13 issues, emerging developments, and the trustees' perspectives on case administration.

 

[provisional] A panel discussion of mediation in bankruptcy cases and proceedings, including when to mediate, selecting a mediator, preparing clients and positions, common pitfalls, and techniques that help mediations succeed, with perspectives from the bench and from practitioners who serve as mediators and as counsel.

Debtors and Creditors – Working Together to Make Cases Succeed and The Code Less Traveled AND Wait, That's in the Bankruptcy Code or Rules? Lesser-Known Provisions in the Bankruptcy Code and Rules That Every Chapter 13 Lawyer Should Know

Overview of the JCUS committee charged with overseeing the bankruptcy system and discussion of its work.

 

 

 

 

This panel will explore the latest issues in admission of expert testimony, address the increasing use of AI-derived evidence and expert materials, and discuss newly proposed rules to address AI-evidence in both evidentiary and expert contexts.

The rise in Pro Se filings and filings using AI bring unique issues to be dealt with in Bankruptcy.

 

This panel discussion will cover what happens when privileged or confidential information is inadvertently disclosed in the bankruptcy context. It will offer tips for mitigating the consequences of the inadvertent disclosure and offer practical ways to minimize the risk of disclosure on the frontend.

[provisional] A conference wrap-up in which a panel of judges and practitioners moves rapidly through a series of current consumer and commercial bankruptcy topics, highlighting practical takeaways for practitioners.