22nd Annual Northeast Bankruptcy Conference

Back to Calendar

22nd Annual Northeast Bankruptcy Conference

July 9-12, 2015 Sea Crest Beach Hotel, North Falmouth, MA

On behalf of our distinguished faculty and Advisory Board, we are pleased to invite you to attend the 22nd Annual Northeast Bankruptcy Conference and 10th Annual Northeast Consumer Forum at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, Massachusetts! 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 popular conference geared toward the Northeast insolvency practitioner!

Just minutes over the Bourne or Sagamore Bridges, the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth provides the perfect backdrop for the Northeast Conference. Discover a location of pristine white sand beaches at Old Silver Beach, iconic cottage-lined streets, barefoot luxury and a casual, welcoming vibe just about anywhere you go. Enjoy Cape Cod living at the best choice in Cape Cod beachfront hotels. This hotel will sell out, so don’t delay!

NOTICE: For information on the Consumer Forum, click here. 10th Annual Northeast Consumer Form

 

Sessions

Event Information 228089

Thursday, July 9

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

ABC Exams

2:00 p.m

ABI Registration Desk and Exhibit Hall Open

5:00-6:00 p.m.

Emerging Leaders and Judges Roundtable (invite only)

Private roundtable for up-and-coming insolvency professionals and the judges in attendance.

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Opening Reception

Sponsored by Duane Morris LLP, Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Murphy & King

Friday, July 10

7:00-7:35 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP and Gavin/Solmonese LLC

7:35-9:15 a.m.

Plenary Session

ABI Northeast Conference Trial Symposium 2015: Early and Expeditious Litigation Exits — from Deposition to Disposition

The trial team in this session will explore strategies to quickly discover essential facts relating to substantive and procedural legal defenses by discussing the use of discovery, the proper use of and best practices for motions for summary judgment and developing the summary judgment record, and strategies for opposing summary judgment in a contested matter to which Part VII of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure apply. The context will be an objection to a proof of claim asserting legal defenses, including improper interest charges, based on a hypothetical case. The panelists will conduct several mock strategy sessions and a mock summary judgment hearing, and offer commentary from the trial team members.

Hon. Joan N. Feeney, Moderator

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Hon. Frank J. Bailey

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Patrick P. Dinardo

Sullivan & Worcester; Boston

Julia Frost-Davies

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Boston

Frederic D. Grant, Jr.

Law Office of Frederic Grant, Jr.; Boston

Hon. Louis H. Kornreich

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Me.); Bangor

Peter B. McGlynn

Bernkopf Goodman LLP; Boston

Patrick J. O'Toole, Jr.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP; Boston

9:15-9:30 a.m.

Coffee Break

Sponsored by Bernstein Shur

9:30-10:45 a.m.

Business Sessions (5)

Insolvency of Professional Services Firms

The assets of professional services firms ride the proverbial elevator every day. What happens when they stop riding? This session will address the insolvency of professional service firms, including the causes of professional service firm insolvencies, the status of partner capital, and the risks to the professionals who once rode the elevators, including potential preference and fraudulent transfer liability. This program will also review recent cases relating to the “unfinished business” doctrine in the context of law firm insolvencies. Finally, the program will examine challenges in effecting a distressed merger of professional services firms.

Stephen D. Lerner, Moderator

Squire Patton Boggs; Cincinnati

Marjorie E. Kaufman

Getzler Henrich & Associates LLC; Boston

Tracy L. Klestadt

Klestadt Winters Jureller Southard & Stevens, LLP; New York

Hon. Brian K. Tester

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

The Difficult Client (Ethics)

This program will address the ethical challenges to practitioners when dealing with difficult clients, ranging from the bully client to a client with a questionable background or a client that is being less than truthful. In a tough legal market when work is needed, client selection sometimes gets overlooked. This program will address what to do with a difficult client once engaged — and when it’s time to part company and how to do so. Finally, the program will also cover the ethical boundaries that sometimes get blurred by overzealous clients.

John F. Ventola, Moderator

Choate Hall & Stewart LLP; Boston

Stephen B. Darr

Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC; Boston

Gayle P. Ehrlich

Pierce Atwood LLP; Boston

Hon. Edward A. Godoy

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

Michael H. Reed

Pepper Hamilton LLP; Philadelphia

Secured Claims: Determination of Secured Status, Make-Whole Provisions, Yield Maintenance and Credit-Bidding

The determination of the amount of a secured creditor’s claim and related issues often have a significant impact on both junior creditor recoveries and the likelihood of a successful reorganization. Such cases as Gencarelli, School Specialty, Momentive Performance Materials and MPM Silicones regarding “make whole” or “yield maintenance” provisions, as well as cases like SW Boston relating to the calculation of oversecured or undersecured status, have led to further uncertainty in this area. These provisions are under increasing attack as debtors attempt to refinance high-yield debt in today’s lower-interest-rate environment. Finally, the recent decisions in Fisker Automotive Holdings, Free Lance-Star Publishing and RML Development have raised uncertainty in the area of credit-bidding.

Jennifer V. Doran, Moderator

Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP; Boston

William K. Harrington

Office of the U.S. Trustee; New York

Hon. William C. Hillman

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Michael R. Lastowski

Duane Morris LLP; Wilmington, Del.

Michael R. Nowlan

FTI Consulting, Inc.; Boston

Complex Commercial Valuation

No business chapter 11 case gets resolved without some determination of value. This panel of valuation experts and lawyers will discuss complex commercial valuation issues, including: (1) the multiple approaches to value (i.e., discounted cash flow, comparable company) and how to reconcile those values; (2) how the purpose of valuation affects the selection of the valuation methodology; (3) the most common places to probe when challenging a valuation; and (4) standard of value (fair market value, investment value or something else) and premise of value (going concern vs. liquidation), and the implications on the valuation assignment. The panel will also discuss recent case law addressing valuation contests during the life of a case, including the timing of valuations and the impact of the differing values on secured parties’ rights in chapter 11 cases.

Jeremy R. Fischer, Moderator

Drummond Woodsum; Portland, Maine

Hon. Robert E. Gerber

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D.N.Y.); New York

David T. Plastino

The Michel-Shaked Group; Boston

Yvette Austin Smith

The Brattle Group, Inc.; New York

Intellectual Property and Trademarks in Bankruptcy

No bankruptcy lawyer can represent a high-tech debtor or a business that licenses consumer brands without understanding the interplay of intellectual property law and the Bankruptcy Code. For reorganizations with intellectual property issues, choice of venue is a critical early decision that can determine the outcome of a case. This program will review the circuit-level split over the Catapult doctrine and discuss contractual and litigation solutions for the reorganization of debtor businesses that are dependent on critical patent inbound licenses. The program will review the limits of protections for nondebtor patent and copyright licensees under Bankruptcy Code § 365(n) and will discuss the recent circuit-level split over the effect of contract rejection on the rights of nondebtor trademark licensees.

James M. Wilton, Moderator

Ropes & Gray LLP; Boston

Hon. Michael A. Fagone

U.S. Bankruptcy Court-Designate (D. Me.); Portland

Gabriel Fried

Hilco Streambank; Needham, Mass.

Carren B. Shulman

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP; New York

Consumer Forum Session

Mortgage Regulation Update: New “Qualified Mortgage” and Ability-to-Pay Regulations, and Loan Servicing/Loss-Mitigation Regulations

Practitioners can get up to speed on the new “Qualified Mortgage Rule” (the “QM”) and the ability-to-pay regulations to prepare for future mortgage claim disputes. This panel will discuss the changes to TILA and RESPA, as well as the new Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB) regulations on mortgage servicing.

Patricia Antonelli, Moderator

Partridge, Snow & Hahn, LLP; Providence, R.I.

Amy N. Azza

Orlans Moran, PLLC; Waltham, Mass.

Hon. Diane Finkle

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. R.I.); Providence

Christopher M. Lefebvre

Claude Lefebvre, Christopher Lefebvre, P.C.; Pawtucket, R.I.

10:45-11:00 a.m.

Coffee Break

Sponsored by Nixon Peabody LLP

11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Business Sessions (4)

Technology’s Impact on the Everyday Practice of Law

In the technology field, “Moore’s law” states that capacity doubles approximately every two years. This pace of change, the reduction in the use of paper and the corresponding increase in electronic data and “cloud storage” have given rise to a multitude of issues that significantly impact the everyday practice of law and must be considered by both law firms and lawyers. This session will cover best practices to minimize risks to clients and minimize malpractice risks to lawyers. Topics will include preservation or loss of the attorney/client privilege, the disclosure of confidential information or data protected by privacy laws, the use of multiple email accounts, forwarded and “reply all” emails, the use or prohibition of the use of social media, the encryption of documents, the scrubbing of metadata from documents, and e-discovery.

John G. Loughnane, Moderator

Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP; Boston

Hon. Peter G. Cary

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Me.); Portland

Thomas J. Raftery

Law Office of Thomas J. Raftery; Boston

Tarek Ghalayini

AlixPartners, LLP; New York

How Much Momentum Will Momentive Create? Judicial Interpretation and Enforcement of Intercreditor Agreements

The more things change with intercreditor agreements, the more they stay the same — or so it seems. The interpretation and enforcement of intercreditor agreements continues to take center stage in many cases (high-profile and otherwise), and each decision seems to equally shed more light and raise more questions about intercreditor agreements in the bankruptcy context. This panel will focus on the recent Momentive and TXU decisions, including the enforcement (or not) of make-whole provisions, acceleration and de-acceleration, and the use of tender offers/settlements to effect the payoffs of first-lien lenders. The panel will also examine the current trends in drafting and enforcement of various provisions, including voting assignments, pre-bankruptcy waivers and more.

Judith Elkin, Moderator

Haynes and Boone, LLP; New York

Hon. Julie A. Manning

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Conn.); New Haven

Matthew J. McGowan

Salter McGowan Sylvia & Leonard, Inc.; Providence, R.I.

Paul J. Ricotta

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, P.C.; Boston

Drafting the Most Effective Settlement Agreements

This program will explore techniques and issues in the drafting of effective settlement agreements both before and after a bankruptcy filing. Pre-filing drafting issues will include such “bankruptcy-proofing” matters as the risk of a paying party’s filing, including a preference or fraudulent transfer attack, the running of a statute of limitations, “bad-boy guarantees,” and the preservation of nondischargeability. Post-filing and general drafting issues will include governing law, conditions to effectiveness, completion mechanics, penalties, factual recitations, notice, scope of general releases, judicial involvement and follow-up mechanics.

Vanessa Peck Moody, Moderator

Goulston & Storrs PC; Boston

Hon. Mildred Caban

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

Jeffrey D. Ganz

Riemer & Braunstein LLP; Boston

James S. LaMontagne

Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green; Manchester, N.H.

Health Care Insolvency

Health care is a key industry in which restructuring work will likely continue to grow in the coming years. This panel will discuss issues unique to health care insolvency, including sales of assets to for-profit and not-for-profit buyers, compliance with applicable nonbankruptcy law (i.e., federal and state regulations, including all state attorney general requirements), regulatory concerns such anti-trust laws and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the liabilities surrounding the transfer of Medicare provider agreements and Medicare and Medicaid recoupment and setoff.

Daniel W. Sklar, Moderator

Nixon Peabody LLP; Manchester, N.H.

Elizabeth J. Austin

Pullman & Comley LLC; Bridgeport, Conn.

Scott B. Davis

Grant Thornton LLP; Charlotte, N.C.

John T. Morrier

Casner & Edwards, LLP; Boston

Hon. Elizabeth S. Stong

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D.N.Y.); Brooklyn

 

Consumer Forum Session

Ethics: What Can the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” Teach Us About Professional Responsibility?

Disclosing assets and verifying a debtor’s information is the calling card of any conscientious debtor’s counsel. But how do the rules governing professional responsibility interplay with debtor’s counsel’s obligations under the Code? A real housewife in New Jersey recently blamed her attorney for her prison sentence following her guilty plea for bankruptcy fraud. Did her attorney commit an ethical violation? This panel will examine the record behind this headline-making case, as well as other recent bankruptcy court decisions that examine the ethical conduct and obligations of debtor’s counsel.

William J. McLeod, Moderator

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Hon. Frank J. Bailey

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Andrea M. O’Connor

Hendel & Collins, P.C.; Springfield, Mass.

Jennifer H. Pincus

Office of the U.S. Trustee; Portland, Maine

1:00 p.m.

Optional Events

Golf Tournament & ABI Golf Tour

Sponsored by Goodwin Procter LLP

Tennis Tournament

Sponsored by Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC

Tour de ABI

Sponsored by Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C. and Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green

1:00-3:00 p.m.

Optional Event

Beach Olympics

Sponsored by Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP

1:00-5:00 p.m.

Optional Event

BEACH VOLLEY BALL

Sponsored by Casner & Edwards, LLP

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday Reception

Sponsored by BlumShapiro, Finn Dixon & Herling LLP, Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C., Pullman & Comley LLC, Reid and Riege, P.C., Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. and Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C.

Bars sponsored by Partridge, Snow & Hahn, LLP and Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios, LLP
Kids’ Entertainment sponsored by Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Beach Bonfire sponsored by Paul E. Saperstein Co., Inc.

Saturday, July 11

7:30-7:55 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by Brown Rudnick LLP and Murtha Cullina LLP

7:55-9:00 a.m.

Plenary Session

Where the Fugawi, and How Did We Get Here?

Young lawyers frequently learn that they will be working on a new chapter 11 case when they are directed to start drafting pleadings. This session, spearheaded by members of ABI’s Young & New Members Committee, is geared toward gaining an understanding of what precedes that moment by (1) advising and educating the new(er) generation of bankruptcy professionals on the background and “big picture” of a chapter 11 case, and (2) advising and educating the newest generation of bankruptcy professionals on pre-filing strategies. The panel will explore and help identify operational, financing and litigation problems that may be faced by distressed companies, then will explore both short-term and longer-term strategies that can be pursued before a petition is filed.

Mackenzie L. Shea, Moderator

K&L Gates LLP; Boston

Stephen S. Gray

Deloitte CRG; Boston

Hon. Bruce A. Harwood

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.); Manchester

Harold B. Murphy

Murphy & King, PC; Boston

Berry Spears

Locke Lord LLP; Austin, TX

9:00-9:15 a.m.

Coffee Break

Sponsored by CapitalSource

9:15-10:30 a.m.

Repeat Business Sessions (4)

Technology’s Impact on the Everyday Practice of Law

How Much Momentum Will Momentive Create? Judicial Interpretation and Enforcement of Intercreditor Agreements

Drafting the Most Effective Settlement Agreements

Health Care Insolvency

 

Consumer Forum Session

Exemption Strategies after Law v. Siegel

This panel will explore the question of whether exemptions may be denied for bad faith and whether debtors may amend their claimed exemptions to assert a different statutory basis after an exemption has been denied, including the impact of potential res judicata and collateral estoppel claims. Case law developments since Law v. Siegel will be reviewed, as well as important strategic considerations for debtors, trustees and creditors.

Jessica A. Lewis, Moderator

Molleur Law Office; Biddeford, Maine

Hon. J. Michael Deasy (ret.)

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.); Manchester

Nathaniel R. Hull

Verrill Dana LLP; Portland, Maine

Alex F. Mattera

Demeo, LLP; Boston

10:30-10:45 a.m.

Coffee Break

Sponsored by Pepper Hamilton LLP

10:45 a.m.-12:00 noon

Repeat Business Sessions (5)

Insolvency of Professional Services Firms

The Difficult Client (Ethics)

Secured Claims: Determination of Secured Status, Make-Whole Provisions, Yield Maintenance and Credit-Bidding

Complex Commercial Valuation

Intellectual Property and Trademarks in Bankruptcy

 

Consumer Forum Session

Chapter 13: Developing Issues and the Challenges for Debtors, Creditors and Trustees

May a trustee make a distribution to a secured creditor that has not filed a proof of claim? Should trustees or debtors file surrogate claims if secured creditors have not? Does a debtor’s failure to make post‐petition payments to a creditor defeat the debtor’s eligibility for a discharge? This panel will address the emerging case law on whether direct post‐petition payments as required by the plan are considered “payments under the plan” as contemplated by § 1328(a), the growing complications that may arise from a secured creditor’s not filing proofs of claim, and the impact of proposed rule changes on these hot issues.

Randy J. Creswell, Moderator

Perkins Thompson; Portland, Maine

Peter C. Fessenden

Standing Chapter 13 Trustee (D. Me.); Brunswick

Hon. Enrique S. Lamoutte

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

Marques C. Lipton

Law Office of Nicholas F. Ortiz, P.C.; Boston

1:00-5:00 p.m.

Optional Event

Beach Volleyball

Sponsored by Phoenix Management Services

1:00-5:30 p.m.

Optional Event

Sport Fishing

Sponsored by Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP

4:00-5:15 p.m.

Seaside Chat

Hon. J. Michael Deasy (ret.)

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.); Manchester

Jay S. Geller

Law Office of Jay S. Geller; Portland, Maine

Prof. Ingrid Michelsen Hillinger

Boston College Law School; Newton, Mass.

6:00-7:00 p.m.

Sponsor Reception (invite only)

Sponsored by Foley Hoag LLP and Verdolino & Lowey, P.C.

7:00-10:00 p.m.

Saturday Beach Party

Sponsored by Deloitte CRG, Choate Hall & Stewart LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP

Bars sponsored by CRS Capstone Partners and WilmerHale

Entertainment Sponsored by FTI Consulting, Inc.
Kids’ Entertainment Sponsored by Goulston & Storrs PC

Sunday, July 12

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP

8:30-10:30 a.m.

Plenary Session

Lightning Rounds with Judges

If you, like most lawyers, are a product of a liberal arts education, many of your courses had lecture sessions and discussion sessions. This panel will be a discussion session. Conference judges will be set up at separate tables and will lead three 25-minute in-depth discussions on the topics that were addressed on their respective panels. Want to learn more about professional service firm insolvencies? Head for the table where that discussion is taking place. Want to tell war stories about difficult clients? There’s a table for you. Want to argue about the hypothetical vs. actual test for IP license assumption? You’re in luck; others do as well.

Hon. Frank J. Bailey

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Hon. Mildred Caban

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

Hon. Peter G. Cary

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Me.); Portland

Hon. J. Michael Deasy (ret.)

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.); Manchester

Hon. Michael A. Fagone

U.S. Bankruptcy Court-Designate (D. Me.); Portland

Hon. Joan N. Feeney

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Hon. Diane Finkle

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. R.I.); Providence

Hon. Robert E. Gerber

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D.N.Y.); New York

Hon. Edward A. Godoy

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

Hon. Bruce A. Harwood

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.); Manchester

Hon. William C. Hillman

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

Hon. Louis H. Kornreich

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Me.); Bangor

Hon. Enrique S. Lamoutte

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

Hon. Elizabeth S. Stong

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D.N.Y.); Brooklyn

Hon. Brian K. Tester

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. P.R.); San Juan

9:30-9:45 a.m.

Coffee Break

Sponsored by Argus Management Corporation

10:30 a.m.

Adjourn

 

Optional Events

Golf Tournament at Falmouth Country Club

Friday, July 10, 1:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Goodwin Procter LLP

Falmouth Country Club is a challenging 18-hole, par-72 course, not far from the Atlantic beaches, cranberry bogs, and all that is Cape Cod. Flat terrain, lush fairways and immaculate greens will bring out the best in your game. The fee for the shotgun golf tournament is $125 per player and includes green fee, cart, boxed lunch and prizes. Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to join in the tournament. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form to play, and indicate your handicap. For those participating in the ABI Golf Tour, this will be the third stop. Please check the ABI Golf Tour box on the registration form. For more information on the tour, see golf.abi.org.

Tennis Tournament

Friday, July 10, 1:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC

Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to play in the Tennis Tournament. The $35-per-person fee includes boxed lunch, court fee and prizes. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form to play.

Tour de ABI

Friday, July 10, 1:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Nutter McClennen & Fish, LLP and Sheehan, Phinney, Bass + Green

Join us for the annual Tour de ABI bike ride as an expert biker, or you can opt to enjoy a more relaxing ride on a comfortable cruiser as you explore the Shining Sea Bikeway. Boxed lunches will be provided, and the ride will begin after lunch. The fee is $35 per person, which includes the boxed lunch. The per-person fee for the Tour de ABI along the Shining Sea Bikeway is $50, which includes bike rental and the boxed lunch. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form.

Beach Olympics

Friday, July 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP

Join your fellow ABI friends and family for a fun-filled afternoon on the beach. There is no charge for this event, but signing up is required. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Friday & Saturday, July 10 & 11, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Casner & Edwards, LLP and Phoenix Management Services 

Join your fellow ABI friends and family for a fun-filled afternoon on the beach. There is no charge for this event, but signing up is required. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form.

Sport Fishing

Saturday, July 11, 1:00-5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP

Fish with an experienced captain, who will employ the latest in electronic gadgetry to enhance your fishing success. The captain will show you the best spots for striped bass and bluefish. In addition, the south side of Cape Cod has some of the best striper spots on the east coast: Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Cuttyhunk, just to name a few. Space is extremely limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The $125-per-person fee includes a boxed lunch and onboard refreshments. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form.

Northeast Bankruptcy Conference Co-Chairs

Hon. Bruce A. Harwood

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.); Manchester

John J. Monaghan

Holland & Knight LLP; Boston

Elisa M. Sartori

Mesirow Financial Consulting

Northeast Consumer Forum Co-Chairs

William J. McLeod

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston

James F. Molleur

Molleur Law Office; Biddeford, Maine

Advisory Board

Warren E. Agin

Swiggart & Agin, LLC

Patricia Antonelli

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

Henry P. Baer

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP

Janet E. Bostwick

Janet E. Bostwick, PC

Christopher M. Candon

Sheehan, Phinney, Bass + Green PA

Paul W. Carey

Mirick, O’Connell, De Maille & Lougee, LLP

Roger A. Clement, Jr.

Verrill Dana LLP

Shawn L. Doil

Perkins Thomson, Attorneys & Counselors at Law

Michael J. Epstein

Deloitte CRG

Jacob (Jack) Aaron Esher

MWI

Meg M. Feist

Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP

Michael J. Fencer

Jager Smith P.C.

Jeremy R. Fischer

Drummond Woodsum

Jay S. Geller

Law Office of Jay S. Geller

Michael J. Goldberg

Casner & Edwards, LLP

Douglas R. Gooding

Choate Hall & Stewart LLP

William J. Hanlon

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Eric A. Henzy

Reid and Riege, P.C.

D. Ethan Jeffery

Murphy & King

Jeffrey L. Jonas

Brown Rudnick LLP

Gregory O. Kaden

Goulston & Storrs PC

Robert E. Kaelin

Murtha Cullina LLP

Marjorie E. Kaufman

Getzler Henrich & Associates LLC

Donald R. Lassman

Law Office of Donald R. Lassman

Benjamin W. Loveland

WilmerHale

David B. Madoff

Madoff & Khoury LLP

George J. Marcus

Marcus, Clegg & Mistretta

Richard E. Mikels

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Paul D. Moore

Duane Morris LLP

William R. Moorman

Partridge, Snow & Hahn, LLP

Guy B. Moss

Riemer & Braunstein LLP

Michael J. Pappone

Goodwin Procter LLP

Nina M. Parker

Parker & Associates

David Rychalsky

CRS Capstone Partners LLC

Natalie B. Sawyer

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.)

Andrew Z. Schwartz

Foley Hoag LLP

Mackenzie L. Shea

K&L Gates LLP

Denise M. Shear

Ostrander Law Office

Douglas S. Skalka

Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.

Daniel W. Sklar

Nixon Peabody LLP

Mark F. Stickney

Spinglass Management Group, LLC

Kevin J. Walsh

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Mark F. Stickney

Spinglass Management Group, LLC

Robert P. Wexler

The Tron Group

James M. Wilton

Ropes & Gray LLP

 

Conference Information

Hotel Accommodations

Just minutes over the Bourne or Sagamore Bridges, the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth provides the perfect backdrop for the Northeast Conference. You’ll be greeted by pristine white sand beaches at Old Silver Beach, iconic cottage-lined streets, barefoot luxury and a casual, welcoming vibe. Enjoy Cape Cod living at the best in Cape Cod beachfront hotels.

 

ABI has arranged for a special conference rate of $339 per night. To secure the special rate, hotel reservations must be made by June 1, 2015. 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. This hotel will sell out, so don’t delay!

Transportation

The resort is located about 70 miles from Boston’s Logan International Airport and Providence, R.I.’s T.F. Green International Airport.

Cancellation Policy

All fees, except a $75 handling fee, will be refunded if written notice of cancellation is received by June 18, 2015. No refunds will be made if notice is received after June 18, although substitutions will be allowed. After June 18, 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.

Continuing Education

Northeast Bankruptcy Conference: Approval for approximately 11 hours of CLE credit, including 1.25 hours of ethics, is pending in states calculating CLE on a 60-minute hour, and 13 hours of CLE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are pending in 50-minute-hour states. Credit hours granted are subject to approval from each state. California MCLE: ABI certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of 11 hours, of which 1.25 hours will apply to legal ethics. NY MCLE: This traditional 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. 13 hours of CPE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are also available.

 

Northeast Consumer Forum: Approval for approximately 9 hours of CLE credit, including 1.25 hours of ethics, is pending in states calculating CLE on a 60-minute hour, and 10.5 hours of CLE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are pending in 50-minute-hour states. Credit hours granted are subject to approval from each state. California MCLE: ABI certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of 9 hours, of which 1.25 hours will apply to legal ethics. NY MCLE: This traditional program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the CLE Board for a maximum of 10.5 credit hours, of which 1.5 hours of credit can be applied toward the ethics professionalism requirement. 10.5 hours of CPE credit, including 1.5 hours of ethics, are also available.

 

*ABI offers intermediate-level courses, which assume that attendees will have at least some detailed knowledge of insolvency matters (pursuant to the “Statement on Standards for CPE Programs” established by AICPA and NASBA). ABI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE sponsors. State boards of accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Ave. North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219-2417, or www.nasba.org. For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, please contact the American Bankruptcy Institute at (703) 739-0800.

 

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 full registration fees. 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 a reduction of at least 50% off the registration fee. For information on tuition assistance, send an e-mail to [email protected].

ABI Northeast Scholarship Program

Scholarship funds are available for those who cannot afford to attend the program. Please send your request for approval to Jennifer Guirguis at [email protected]. Space is limited.

Attorney Specialist Certification

The American Board of Certification (ABC) will offer its business bankruptcy, consumer bankruptcy and creditors’ rights exams at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel on Thursday, July 9, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Details on the certification process, exam composition and a sample exam can be obtained by calling ABC at (319) 365-2222, by e-mailing [email protected] or by visiting the ABC website at www.abcworld.org. The ABC certification programs are sponsored by the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Commercial Law League of America, and all three programs are accredited by the American Bar Association.

American Board of Certification Exams

Thursday, July 9, 2015, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel
Call (319) 365-2222 or e-mail [email protected]

Benefactor

BlumShapiro
BMS
Brown Rudnick LLP
CapitalSource
CRS Capstone LLC
Choate Hall & Stewart LLP
Deloitte CRG
Duane Morris, LLP
Finn Dixon & Herling LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Gavin/Solmonese LLC
Getzler Henrich & Associates LLC
Goodwin Procter LLP
Gordon Brothers Group LLC
Goulston & Storrs PC
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Halloran & Sage LLP
Hinckley Allen & Snyder
Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC

Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC

Murphy & King
Murtha Cullina LLP
Neubert Pepe & Monteith PC
Nixon Peabody LLP
Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios, LLP
Pullman & Comley LLC
Reid and Reige PC
Ropes & Gray LLP
Salus Capital Partners
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Updike Kelly Spellacy PC
Verdolino & Lowey PC
Wilmer Hale
Zeisler & Zeisler PC

Patron

Argus Management Company
Bernstein Shur
Devine Millimet & Branch PA
Mirick O'Connell
Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
Paul E. Saperstein Company
Phoenix Management Services
Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP
Riemer & Braunstein LLP
Ruberto Israel & Weiner PC
Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA

Sponsors

Aframe & Barnhill
Azarian Law Office, PLLC
Baker, Newman & Noyes
Bartlett Hackett Feinberg PC
Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker (Portland, Me)
Bowditch & Dewey LLP
Casner & Edwards
Drummond Woodsum
Eaton Peabody
Holland & Knight
Jager Smith PC
Janet E. Bostwick, PC
Law Office of Gary W. Cruickshank
Marcus Clegg & Mistretta, PA

Morgan Lewis
Morrissey, Wilson & Zafiropoulos, LLP

MWI
Pearce & Dow, LLC
Perkins Thompson, P.A.
Pierce Atwood LLP
Robinson & Cole
Salter McGowan Sylvia & Leonard Inc.
Seder & Chandler
Seyfarth Shaw
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C.
Squire Patton Boggs
Swiggart & Agin LLC
The Tron Group
Verrill Dana LLP
William S. Gannon PLLC

Scholarship Fund Donors

Foley Hoag LLP
Mirick O'Connell
Murtha Cullina LLP
Nixon Peabody LLP
The Tron Group
Verdolino & Lowey PC

Special Thanks

We extend our special thanks to Bloomberg BRIEF for the media partnership, Conway MacKenzie for the conference thumb drives, Donlin, Recano & Company, Inc. for the conference app, Sherwood Partners, LLC/agencyIP for sponsoring the exhibit hall, Thomson Reuters for providing the printed educational materials and Wilmington Trust for the conference tote bags.

Rates

Registration Rates Early
(postmarked by 4/24/15)
Regular
(4/25/15-6/5/15)
Late
(after 6/5/15)

ABI Member
$650
$700
$795
ABI Govt./Nonprofit ABI Member
$425
$450
$475
New ABI Member*
$925
$975
$1,070
Govt./Nonprofit New ABI Member**
$520
$545
$570

Registration includes meals, refreshment breaks, the Opening Reception and the written materials.

* There will be a $50 fee added to all on-site registrations.

** Includes a one-year ABI membership for first-time members — a $295 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.

Exhibitor Rates

ABI Member Exhibitor Registration***
$1,600
New ABI Member Exhibitor Registration****
$1,895
Additional Booth Representative
$375

*** Includes one 6’ table and full registration for one booth representative.

**** Includes one 6’table, full registration for one booth representative AND 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.

Optional Events

Opening Reception
Registrant
Adult Guest

Child (12 and under)

 
$0
$50
$25
Golf Tournament
$125
ABI Golf Tour
$125
Tennis Tournament
$35
Tour de ABI
$35
Tour de ABI Shining Sea Bikeway
$50
Beach Olympics
$0

Friday Reception and Beach Bonfire

Registrant
Adult Guest
Child Guest (ages 12 and under)

 

$15

$75

$25

Friday Beach Volleyball
$0
Saturday Beach Volleyball
$0
Sport Fishing
$125

Saturday Beach Party

Registrant
Adult Guest/Consumer Forum Registrant
Child Guest (ages 12 and under)

 

$25

$100

$40

Please click here to register for the Northeast Consumer Forum