Event Information 288437

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Emerging Leader Program

Sponsored by Bernstein Shur

As the Beatles once suggested, “We Can Work It Out!” In what promises to be a dynamic interactive session, we will be dividing participants — culled from a list of emerging leaders — into four teams. Working in separate breakout rooms, each team will consider a workout simulation based on a simple fact pattern and — with the assistance of a facilitator — formulate a resolution, then present their resolution to the group at large. As always, emerging leaders will have the opportunity to join breakout groups with bankruptcy judges afterward for stimulating discussion. Have you got what it takes to create a winning workout?

Lindsay Zahradka Milne

Bernstein Shur; Portland

Hon. Christopher J. Panos

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. MA.), Boston

Cynthia Romano

CohnReznick LLP; New York

2:45-3:00 p.m.

Welcome Address

3:00-4:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions (choose Consumer or Business)

Consumer Breakout

The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019

More than 14 years after Congress amended the Bankruptcy Code to provide special rules and procedures for “small business debtors,” it enacted the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019. In the wake of the economic damage caused by COVID-19 and the necessary governmental response, Congress then amended the SBRA in the CARES Act to raise the debt limit to $7.5 million (subject to a possible one-year sunset). How will the SBRA change your practice? With a $7.5 million debt limit, standing trustees, a streamlined reorganization process, the elimination of the absolute priority rule and § 1129(a)(10), and the possible modification of certain mortgages, the SBRA presents new opportunities for small business debtors and their stakeholders. This panel will take a look at cases under the new law in its early days, as well as how it impacts eligible individual debtors (and their creditors).

Stephen B. Darr

Huron Consulting Group; Boston, MA

Hon. Bruce A. Harwood

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. NH.) ; Concord

Robert J. Keach

Bernstein Shur, Portland, ME

Stephen G. Morrell

Office of the U.S. Trustee, Portland, ME

Business Breakout

Exploring the Effects of and Novelties Related to the Coronavirus in the Bankruptcy World

The novel coronavirus has certainly induced many systemic changes around the world, and the bankruptcy and restructuring industry is no exception. What once worked in a pre-COVID-19 world might not work anymore, so parties must adapt quickly, often with no precedence upon which to rely. This panel will discuss the idiosyncrasies and novel ways bankruptcy practice is operating, restructuring and adapting to a “new normal,” and how constituencies on all sides of the table are approaching its unique aspects.

Hon. Janet E. Bostwick

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

Cindi E. Giglio

Gordon Brothers Group, LLC; New York

Cristine Pirro Schwarzman

Ropes & Gray LLP; New York

4:00-4:15 p.m.

Break

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Plenary Session

Litigation in a Virtual World: Strategies, Technology Issues and Ethical Considerations

Sponsored by Ford, McDonald, McPartlin & Borden, P.A.

 

Andrew C. Helman

Murray Plumb & Murray; Portland

Eric A. Henzy

Zeisler & Zeisler, PC; Bridgeport

Hon. Julie A. Manning

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. CT.); Bridgeport

Yvette R. Austin Smith

The Brattle Group; New York

5:15-6:15 p.m.

Networking Happy Hour

Sponsored by Getzler Henrich & Associates LLC

3:00-4:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions (choose Consumer or Business)

Consumer Breakout

Bankruptcy Mediation in Consumer Cases: New Tools for Changing Times

Consumer cases require quick, effective and efficient answers to complex legal issues. Bankruptcy cases are expected to surge as a result of the economic consequences wrought by COVID-19, creating a logjam in the bankruptcy courts that is expected to continue. Mediation is the relief valve, providing opportunities for consumer practitioners to minimize delay and resolve intractable problems. The panelists will discuss the phases of mediation, applicable rules and statutes, cases most suitable for mediation, how to select a mediator, confidentiality and privilege issues, how to prepare both your client and your case, remote mediation, and best practices for achieving a favorable result.

Hon. Peter G. Cary

U.S. Bankruptcy Court; Portland, Maine

Jerrol A. Crouter

Drummond Woodsum; Portland, Maine

Hon. Louis H. Kornreich (ret.)

Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P. A .; Portland, Maine

Donald R. Lassman

Law Office of Donald R. Lassman; Needham, Mass.

Business Breakout

Out of Workouts

How are lenders, borrowers and vested parties adapting to a rapidly changing environment? Are lenders and other creditors becoming more or less aggressive as business plans and borrowing bases are indefinitely affected by the suppressed commercial activity from the coronavirus? The panelists explore these issues and more.

Hon. James J. Tancredi

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. CT.); Avon

Sandra J. Vrejan

Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP; Boston

4:00-4:15 p.m.

Break

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Judicial Round-and-Round

In this virtual variation on the in-person format, a group of distinguished judges from the Northeast region will discuss current bankruptcy and practical skills issues in an innovative Zoom-style presentation. Every 20 minutes, judges will rotate to a new online “room,” allowing participants to maximize their time and gain valuable insights into best practices.

Hon. Janet E. Bostwick

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

Hon. Peter G. Cary

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

Hon. Robert D. Drain

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (S.D.N.Y.); White Plains

Hon. Michael A. Fagone

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

Hon. Diane Finkle

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

Hon. Elizabeth D. Katz

U.S. Bankruptcy Court(D.MA.); Springfield

Hon. Cecelia G. Morris

U.S. Bankruptcy Court(S.D.N.Y.); Poughkeepsie

Hon. Ann M. Nevins

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

Hon. Christopher J. Panos

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

Hon. Elizabeth S. Stong

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (E. D. NY.); Brooklyn

Hon. James J. Tancredi

U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. CT.); Avon

5:15-6:15 p.m.

Networking Happy Hour

Sponsored by DiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP