Thursday, January 18
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
8:00-8:30 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 a.m.
Welcome by Program Chairs
8:45-10:15 a.m.
Plenary Session
Case Law Update
Robert A. Soriano, Moderator
Soriano Law, P.A.; Tampa
Steven M. Berman
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP; Tampa
Denise D. Dell-Powell
Burr & Forman LLP; Orlando
Fentrice D. Driskell
Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, P.A.; Tampa
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Hospitality Room Open
Sponsored by Holland & Knight LLP
10:15-10:30 a.m.
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
Concurrent Breakouts (2)
Business Session |
Cutting-Edge Chapter 11 Issues – 40 Years After the ’78 Reform Act
How Clear is “Free and Clear” under § 363? You’re a Real Character: When Can Debt Be Recharacterized as Equity? How Can I Get a One of Those: A Third Party Release?
A panel discussion of lawyers with more than 100 years of bankruptcy experience, moderated by a bankruptcy judge who used to be a corporate lawyer. The panel will discuss recent court decisions and focus on unique issues that can arise when a debtor seeks to sell estate property “free and clear,” including whether § 363 can be used to sell real property free of an otherwise valid lease, the debate over whether and under what circumstances a bankruptcy court may rule that a facially valid loan is really subordinated equity, and whether post-Stern bankruptcy courts have the authority to grant releases to non-debtors and, if so, under what conditions.
Hon. Paul M. Glenn, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Jacksonville
Patricia A. Redmond
Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.; Miami
Edwin G. Rice
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP; Tampa
R. Scott Shuker
Latham, Shuker, Eden & Beaudine, LLP; Orlando
Mark J. Wolfson
Foley & Lardner LLP; Tampa
Consumer Session |
Intersection of Bankruptcy Court and State Court
Hon. Catherine Peek McEwen, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
Kristina E. Feher
Feher Law, P.L.L.C.; St. Petersburg
Matthew M. Holtsinger
Kass Shuler, P.A.; Tampa
Richard A. Johnston, Jr.
Richard Johnston Law; Fort Myers
12:00-1:30 p.m.
Paskay Memorial Luncheon and Keynote
Sponsored by Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, P.A.
Irving H. Picard
BakerHostetler LLP; New York
William J. Rochelle, III
American Bankruptcy Institute; New York
1:30-1:45 p.m.
Refreshment Break
1:45-3:15 p.m.
E-Discovery: How to Avoid Being TAR-ed and Feathered.
This program will explore (i) how courts have implemented recent rules dealing with e-discovery; (ii) TAR and other software tools to manage e-discovery; and (iii) unique e-discovery issues in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings.
Hon. Roberta A. Colton
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Orlando
James D. Gassenheimer
Berger Singerman LLP; Miami
Michael G. McCartney
Avalon Cyber; Buffalo, N.Y.
Hon. Anthony E. Porcelli
U.S. District Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
Hon. Julie S. Sneed
U.S. District Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
3:15-3:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Concurrent Breakouts (2)
Business Session |
The Effective Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses: An Art not a Science
Hon. Michael G. Williamson, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
David C. Banker
Bush Ross, PA; Tampa
Corali Lopez- Castro
Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, PA; Miami
Joseph H. Varner III
Holland & Knight LLP; Tampa
Consumer Session |
Consumer Potpourri: Hot Topics in Chapter 13
Panel discussion of issues affecting your consumer clients: consequences of assumption and rejection of executory contracts; Chapter 13 update; the incapacitated client; undisclosed assets; proofs of claim and FDCPA; TCPA; revisions to Bankruptcy Rules; advising your clients on post-discharge liabilities; report on the ABI Consumer Commission’s Chapter 7 Committee.
Hon. Caryl E. Delano, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
Paul A. Giordano
Roetzel & Andress, LPA; Fort Myers
Dennis J. Levine
Kelley Kronenberg; Tampa
Charles G. Moore
Charles G. Moore Attorney at Law; St. Petersburg
Gavin N. Stewart
Buckley Madole, P.C.; Tampa
5:15-6:45 p.m.
Opening Reception
Bar Sponsored by Adams and Reese LLP, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, LLP
7:00-9:30 p.m.
VIP Speaker/Sponsor Dinner (by invitation only)
Friday, January 19
8:00-8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 a.m.
Opening Remarks
8:45-10:15 a.m.
Plenary Session
Solving the LLC Puzzle in Bankruptcy
The Limited Liability Company is an ever more popular business entity structure. Its popularity makes perfect sense in that it is designed to limit owners’ personal liability and to provide greater contractual flexibility in all aspects of company ownership, management, allocations, and distributions, among many other things. LLCs may also offer significant tax benefits. However, state LLC law and its interplay with federal bankruptcy law is a minefield of trouble for the LLC debtor or where one or more members of an LLC are the debtors in a bankruptcy proceeding. This panel will explore the unique issues that LLCs present in bankruptcy. Believe it, if you have not seen this issue yet, you are about to!
Hon. Frank J. Bailey, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston
Douglas A. Bates
Clark Partington Hart Larry Bond & Stackhouse, P.A.; Pensacola
Louis T. M. Conti
Holland & Knight LLP; Tampa
Lara R. Fernandez
Trenam Law; Tampa
10:15-10:30 a.m.
Refreshment Break
10:30-12:00 a.m.
Concurrent Breakouts (2)
Business Session |
Clash of the Codes: Bankruptcy Tax Issues Made Simple
Hon. Cynthia C. Jackson, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Orlando
Scott M. Grossman
Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Fort Lauderdale
R. Lawrence Heinkel
Heinkel Tax Law Group, LLC; St. Petersburg
Charles A. Postler
Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, P.A.; Tampa
Prof. Jack F. Williams
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
Georgia State University College of Law; Atlanta
Consumer Session |
Student Loans. Where are we and where do we go from here?
An examination and debate of the case law, political and legislative developments that could impact the student loan crisis and whether under the current climate there is any chance of or need for change.
Hon. Laurel M. Isicoff, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D. Fla.); Miami
Sara Dunn
Quarles & Brady LLP; Tampa
John D. Eaton
Shawde & Eaton, P.L.; Weston
Alberto F. Gomez, Jr.
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP; Tampa
12:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Working Lunch
Diversity/Implicit Bias
Barbara Thompson
University of Central Florida; Orlando
1:15-1:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break
1:30-3:00 p.m.
Plenary Session
Ethics and Privilege Issues: The truth, the whole truth [subject to any and all applicable privileges], and nothing but the truth.
This panel will discuss the scope of mediation privilege, including waiving privilege with co-clients, privilege in regards to small firms, the "at issue" waiver doctrine, and ethics and privilege issues related to technology.
Hon. Robert E. Grossman, Moderator
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D.N.Y.); Central Islip
Leyza F. Blanco
GrayRobinson, P.A.; Miami
Jacob A. Brown
Akerman LLP; Jacksonville
Robert F. Elgidely
Genovese Joblove & Battista, P.A.; Fort Lauderdale
David S. Jennis
Jennis Law Firm; Tampa
3:00-4:30 p.m.
Plenary Session
Judicial Merry-Go-Round
Judge-led rapid-fire roundtables on today’s provocative issues, with attendees changing tables every 20 minutes.
Roy S. Kobert, Moderator
GrayRobinson, P.A.; Orlando
Hon. Frank J. Bailey
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Mass.); Boston
Hon. Mildred Caban
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Puerto Rico); San Juan
Hon. Roberta A. Colton
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Orlando
Hon. Caryl E. Delano
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
Hon. Paul M. Glenn
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Jacksonville
Hon. Robert E. Grossman
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E.D.N.Y.); Central Islip
Hon. Laurel M. Isicoff
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D. Fla.); Miami
Hon. Cynthia C. Jackson
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Orlando
Hon. Karen S. Jennemann
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.) Orlando
Hon. Catherine P. McEwen
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
Hon. Michael G. Williamson
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Happy Hour Networking
Sponsored by Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP
5:30 p.m.
Adjourn
Judicial Co-Chairs
Hon. Roberta A. Colton
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Orlando
Hon. Caryl E. Delano
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (M.D. Fla.); Tampa
Program Chair
Jeffrey W. Warren
Bush Ross, PA; Tampa
Advisory Board
Vincent F. Alexander
Kozyak Tropin Throckmorton, LLP; Miami
John A. Anthony
Anthony and Partners; Tampa
Keith T. Appleby
Banker Lopez Gassler P.A.; Tampa
Paul J. Battista
Genovese Joblove & Battista, P.A.; Miami
Steven M. Berman
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP; Tampa
Michael P. Brundage
Brundage Law, P.A.; Tampa
Stephen D. Busey
Smith Hulsey & Busey; Jacksonville
Betsy C. Cox
Rogers Towers; Jacksonville
Michael R. Dal Lago
Dal Lago Law; Naples
Denise D. Dell-Powell
Burr & Forman LLP; Orlando
James W. Elliott
McIntyre Thanasides; Tampa
William K. Fendrick
Holland & Knight LLP; Tampa
Lara R. Fernandez
Trenam Law; Tampa
Paul A. Giordano
Roetzel & Andress, LPA; Fort Myers
Elizabeth A. Green
BakerHostetler LLP; Orlando
Jordi Guso
Berger Singerman LLP; Miami
Matthew M. Holtsinger
Kass Shuler, P.A.; Tampa
David S. Jennis
Jennis Law Firm; Tampa
Danielle S. Kemp
Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Tampa
Hon. Roy S. Kobert
GrayRobinson, P.A.; Orlando
Franklind Davis Lea
Tactical Financial Consulting, LLC;
Alpharetta, Ga.
Stephen R. Leslie
Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, P.A.; Tampa
Michael C. Markham
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP;
Clearwater
Courtney A. McCormick
McGuireWoods LLP; Jacksonville
Dean Theresa J. Pulley Radwan
Stetson University College of Law; Gulfport
Edwin G. Rice
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP; Tampa
Luis E. Rivera
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.;
Fort Myers
Lynn Welter Sherman
Adams and Reese LLP; Tampa
R. Scott Shuker
Latham, Shuker, Eden & Beaudine, LLP;
Orlando
Robert A. Soriano
Soriano Law, P.A.; Tampa
Frank P. Terzo
Broad and Cassel LLP; Miami
James A. Timko
Shutts & Bowen LLP; Orlando
Steven R. Wirth
Akerman LLP; Tampa
Mark J. Wolfson
Foley & Lardner LLP; Tampa
Conference Rates*
Registration Rates |
Early Bird |
Regular |
Late |
|
|||
ABI Member | $365 | $415 | $465 |
Govt./Academic/Nonprofit ABI Member | $215 | $265 | $315 |
Join ABI and Save** | $660 | $710 | $760 |
Govt./Academic/Nonprofit New ABI Member** |
$310 | $360 | $410 |
* There will be a $30 fee added to all on-site registrations.
** Includes a one-year ABI membership for first-time members — a $325 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 (see below).
Exhibitor Rates
ABI Member Exhibitor Registration***
|
$1,000
|
New ABI Member Exhibitor Registration****
|
$1,325
|
Additional Booth Representative
|
$300
|
***Includes one 6’ table and full registration for one booth representative.
****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.
Premium Sponsors
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Bush Ross, PA
Genovese Joblove & Battista, P.A.
Michael Moecker & Associates, Inc.
Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, PA
Patron Sponsors
BakerHostetler LLP
Gassman, Crotty & Denicolo PA
Holland & Knight LLP
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Trenam Law
Supporting Sponsors
Adams and Reese LLP
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, LLP
General Sponsors
Foley & Lardner LLP
Kass Shuler, P.A.
Special Thanks
We extend our special thanks to BakerHostetler LLP for the seminar e-newsletter, Genovese Joblove & Battista, P.A for the printed pocket agendas, Holland & Knight LLP for the Hospitality Room, Michael Moecker & Associates, Inc. for the lanyards, Trenam Law for the cellphone charging station and Wilmington Trust for the tote bags.
Conference Information
Hotel
Enjoy a stay at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, a luxurious blend of urban chic and comfort. ABI has arranged a special conference rate of $289 single/double (Standard rooms) per night. Make your reservations by December 20, 2017 , to reserve this special rate. ABI cannot guarantee anyone a room after the December 20 cutoff or after the specially rated ABI block has been filled. You will receive a special room reservation link after you have registered with ABI.
Conference Location
The program will take place at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC located just down the street from the Epicurean at 522 N Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606. Valet parking is available at the facility and transportation will be provided to and from the hotel each day for attendees.
Continuing Education Credit
14 hours of general CLE credit, including 2.75 hours of ethics, are pending in states calculating CLE on a 60-minute hour, and 16.5 hours of general CLE credit, including 3 hours of ethics, are pending in 50-minute-hour states. Florida: 1.5 hours of technology credit are available. Credit hours granted are subject to approval from each state. California MCLE: ABI certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit in the amount of 14 hours, of which 2.75 hours will apply to ethics. NY MCLE: This transitional and non-transitional program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the CLE Board for a maximum of 16.5 credit hours, of which 3 hours of credit can be applied toward the ethics professionalism requirement. 16.5 hours of CPE credit, including 3 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 submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website, www.nasbaregistry.org. 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]
Cancellation Policy
All fees, except a $75 handling fee, will be refunded if written notice of cancellation is received by December 28, 2017. No refunds will be granted after December 28, but substitutions will be allowed. After December 28, upon written request, a coupon for 20% off the registration fee (not including optional events) will be issued, which can be used (by the canceling registrant only) for any ABI educational program up to one year after this conference, or for this same conference next year.