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 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.
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.
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 Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP and Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Optional Event
Beach Olympics
Sponsored by Nutter McClennen & Fish 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.
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.
Hon. Bruce A. Harwood
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. N.H.); Manchester
Stephen S. Gray
Deloitte CRG; Boston
Harold B. Murphy
Murphy & King, PC; Boston
Shannon L. Nagle
CIT Group Inc.; New York
9:00-9:15 a.m.
Coffee Break
Sponsored by CapitalSource
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
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
1:00-3:00 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
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 (optional)
Sponsored by Deloitte CRG, Choate Hall & Stewart LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP
Kids’ Entertainment Sponsored by Goulston & Storrs PC
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 |
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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 Michael A. Fagone U.S. Bankruptcy Court-Designate (D. Me.); Portland Meg M. Feist Sling TV L.L.C 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 Craig and Macauley PC Guy B. Moss Riemer & Braunstein LLP Michael J. Pappone Goodwin Procter LLP Nina M. Parker Parker & Associates David Rychalsky Capstone Partners 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 |
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BlumShapiro Brown Rudnick LLP |
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC Murphy & King |
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 |
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Aframe & Barnhill Morgan Lewis |
MWI |
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) |
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ABI Member
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$295
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$345
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$395
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New ABI Member*
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$545
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$595
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$645
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Please click here to register for the Northeast Bankruptcy Conference