In today’s bankruptcy world, most major cases involve at least one pre-petition class action. This panel will focus on the distinction between mass tort claims and other types of class actions, recent case law addressing the proper procedures for asserting class claims, the allowance of class claims and compensation of class counsel, and the final resolutions of class claims, either by way of settlement or pursuant to plans. Other cutting-edge issues surrounding class claims also will be discussed.

The Unsecured Trade Creditors Committee's May Tips of the Trade call featured Neil Steinkamp of Stout Risius Ross, LLC, who discussed the ordinary course of business defense in the context of preference analysis.

This session hosted by the Bankruptcy Litigation and Young and New Member Committees will focus on the limits of avoidance actions by bankruptcy trustees in Ponzi scheme cases, including arguments about the expansion of the look-back period to 10 years, trustee standing, clawbacks from noninvestor sources, in pari delicto and how trustees decide whom to sue.

This panel will explore the nuts and bolts of bankruptcy appeals, taking into account the needs of one’s clients, examining the do’s and don’ts for an effective appeal, discussing the differences of appealing to the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel versus electing to proceed before the district court, the limits of appellate jurisdiction over interlocutory appeals, and addressing strategies for a successful appeal.