One of the themes of the Final Report and Recommendations released by the ABI’s Commission to Study the Reform of Chapter 11 is the shift in the balance of power between a distressed company and its creditors, as well as the introduction of perceived inequities among creditor constituencies.

Editor’s Note: The following article, “Render unto Caesar the Venue Choice that Is Caesar’s: Venue Transfer and the 'Interest of Justice' Standard Examined in In re Caesars Entertainment Operating Co.,” won the prize for third place in the Seventh Annual ABI Bankruptcy Law Student Writing Competition. The author, Michael Sullivan, is a recent graduate of University of Georgia School of Law in Athens, GA.

In recent months, bankruptcy courts and nonbankruptcy courts have addressed the enforceability of make-whole premiums (“make-wholes”) where borrowers have sought to repay loans prior to maturity, including In re Energy Future Holdings, Inc., et al. (EFH) pending before Judge Christopher S. Sontchi of the U.S.

Most bankruptcy attorneys are born negotiators. It is part of our DNA to zealously advocate for our client’s position and simultaneously explore options for consensual resolution. Unfortunately, many bankruptcy disputes cannot be resolved this way. Perhaps the client has unrealistic expectations, or perhaps there is a personality conflict between the lawyers and their clients.