35^th Annual Jay L. Westbrook

Bankruptcy Conference

Austin Nov 16, 17-18, 2016 Four Seasons Hotel
Wednesday Evening John C. Akard Lecture
Conference Concluded

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Related products: eConference Materials

RECEPTION SPONSOR
AlixPartners LLP

SPEAKERS' DINNER SPONSOR
Andrews Kurth

LUNCHEON AND PRESENTATION SPONSOR
SierraConstellation Partners LLC

PREMIER SPONSORS
Chiron Financial LLC
Dentons US LLP
Dykema Cox Smith
FTI Consulting
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Locke Lord LLP
Rochelle McCullough, L.L.P.
Thompson & Knight LLP
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges

SPONSORS
Baker Botts
Bryan Cave LLP
Jackson Walker
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
Winstead PC

SUPPORTER
Tanzy & Borrego

Download Brochure (PDF)

Overview

UT Law's outstanding 35th Annual Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference is one of the premier bankruptcy programs in the nation. The conference attracts a stellar national faculty of prominent judges, academics, and practitioners and provides an in-depth focus on current issues and topics in business and consumer bankruptcy. Program highlights include:

Professor Jay L. Westbrook leads a panel of distinguished practitioners to discuss this year’s cases in the perennial favorite, Recent Developments
Thursday afternoon concurrent tracks
- Business Track includes a discussion on the Sabine Bankruptcy decision, with Professor Owen Anderson and Judge David R. Jones, a look at the “impossibility” of third party releases in the Fifth Circuit, recent developments in Chapter 9, with Judge Christopher Klein and Sonia Colón, and Judge Craig Gargotta and Ashley Gargour present on Bankruptcy Remoteness;
- Consumer Track includes discussions on The Early Innings: Vesting and Surrendering Real Property, with Judge Eugene Wedoff and Tara Twomey, Ethical Issues for Debtor’s Counsel, Chapter 13 Pitfalls and Traps—Things to Watch Out For, with Ch. 13 Trustee, Pamela Bassel and Ravi Ratnala, and Judge Eduardo V. Rodriguez and Michael Baumer speak about Losing Your Exemption.
Judge Keith Lundin, delivers the Friday luncheon presentation, Trustee Duties and Liability
Learn about bankruptcy in the Oil and Gas field, with presentations on Wildcatter 101—Oil and Gas Basics for Bankruptcy Professionals, Oil and Gas Environmental Concerns and Issues and Six Numbers to Remember—7, 11, 18, 22, 29, and 363: Oil and Gas Bankruptcy Exit Strategies and Realities
Judge Jeff Bohm, Judge Tony M. Davis and Patricia Baron Tomasco, explore the re-characterization and subordination of equity jurisprudence and its limits present in Where Have all The Equities Gone?
Interact and network with judges, trustees, and practitioners at Thursday Evening’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Reception

The John C. Akard Distinguished Lectureship on Wednesday evening will be delivered by Dr. Janis Sarra, Presidential Distinguished Professor, University of British Columbia and Professor of Law, Peter Allard School of Law. Dr. Sarra is a globally recognized expert in insolvency and bankruptcy law, corporate finance, corporate governance, and securities law. Dr. Sarra speaks on The Horatio Alger Narrative and the Bankruptcy of Entrepreneurs.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Wednesday Evening, Nov. 16, 2016
6:00 pm

John C. Akard Lecture Delivered by Dr. Janis Sarra

Dr. Janis Sarra is Presidential Distinguished Professor, University of British Columbia and Professor of Law, Peter Allard School of Law. Dr. Sarra is a globally recognized expert in insolvency and bankruptcy law, corporate finance, corporate governance, and securities law. Dr. Sarra was previously Director of the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies, served as Associate Dean of the UBC Faculty of Law, and was founding Director of the National Centre for Business Law. She has been cited with approval in more than 70 superior and appellate court insolvency judgments, including by the Supreme Court of Canada; and has published numerous books and articles on bankruptcy law. Her roles include: Expert Advisor to the UNCITRAL Working Group on Corporate Groups and Cross-Border Insolvency Law, member of the Canadian delegation UNCITRAL Working Group V, INSOL Global Scholar, and Expert Witness to the Canadian Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce.

Dr. Sarra's Akard Lecture is entitled The Horatio Alger Narrative and the Bankruptcy of Entrepreneurs. The “Horatio Alger story” is well-known: “hard work, honesty and determination, and one will succeed in business.” Entrepreneurship has underpinned most economic advances in the past century; entrepreneurs bring new business propositions to the market and deliver a range of products and services to local economies. The businesses they create are key engines of growth and provide the majority of private sector jobs. Yet, arguably, when businesses that entrepreneurs create start to fail financially, be they small or medium enterprises, the bankruptcy system is not particularly responsive. How do we extricate honest but unfortunate entrepreneurs from the ruins of a failed business, liberate them from obligations that can no longer reasonably be met, and allow them to return to economic productivity, while meeting the realistic expectations of creditors and ensuring the integrity of the bankruptcy system? Dr. Sarra will discuss challenges facing entrepreneurs under US and international bankruptcy law, offering some proposals for change.

The John C. Akard Distinguished Lectureship Program was endowed by the generous gifts of many members of the Texas bankruptcy bar in honor of Judge John C. Akard (retired), a 1957 UT Law graduate who served with great distinction for 14 years as the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in the Northern District of Texas, sitting in Lubbock and throughout much of West Texas. The first Akard Lecture was delivered in 2001 by Professor Elizabeth Warren of Harvard Law School, and formerly of The University of Texas School of Law.

Dr. Janis Sarra, University of British Columbia, Peter Allard School of Law - Vancouver, BC

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Nov. 17, 2016
Presiding Officer:
Vickie L. Driver, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP - Dallas, TX
7:30 am

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:40 am

Duberstein and Elliott Cup Championship Teams

Professor Jay L. Westbrook introduces the Duberstein and Elliott Cup Championship Teams.

Duberstein National Championship Team:
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Team:
Mrs. Angela Oliver
Mrs. Allison Stewart
Ms. Luciana Milano
Coaches:
Mr. Omar Alaniz
Ms. Elizabeth Boydston
Mr. Tim Springer

Duberstein National 3rd Place Team:
University of Texas School of Law
Team:
Mr. Daniel Hatoum
Mrs. Hannah Roblyer
Coaches:
Mrs. Debbie Langehennig
Mr. Jay Ong
Mr. Brian Cumings
Mr. David Shank

Duberstein Best Oral Advocate:
Mrs. Hannah Roblyer, UT

Duberstein Outstanding Advocates
Mr. Barret Armbruster, SMU
Mr. Daniel Hatoum, UT
Mrs. Angela Oliver, SMU

Elliott Cup Regional/Fifth Circuit First Place Team:
University of Texas School of Law
Team:
Mr. Daniel Hatoum
Mrs. Hannah Roblyer

Elliott Cup Regional/Fifth Circuit Second Place Team:
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Team:
Ms. Audrey Leeder
Ms. Meredith Borschow
Mr. Barret Armbruster

Elliott Cup Regional/Fifth Circuit Best Oral Advocate
Mr. Barret Armbruster, SMU

Elliott Cup Regional/Fifth Circuit Outstanding Advocates
Mrs. Hannah Roblyer, UT
Mr. Daniel Hatoum, UT
Ms. Audrey Leeder, SMU
8:50 am

1.25 hrs
0.50 hr ethics

Recent Developments

A tradition like none other! Explore the year's most important consumer and business cases.

Moderator:
Jay L. Westbrook, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX
Panelists:
R. Byrn "Byrnie" Bass Jr., Attorney at Law - Lubbock, TX
Aaron Michael Kaufman, Dykema Cox Smith - Dallas, TX
Deborah B. Langehennig, Chapter 13 Trustee - Austin, TX
Bill Rochelle, American Bankruptcy Institute - New York, NY
10:05 am

0.50 hr

Bar's Reaction to BAPCPA

Learn how the consumer bankruptcy bar adapted to BAPCPA and the challenges that remain a decade later.

Angela Littwin, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX
10:35 am

Break
10:50 am

0.50 hr ethics

Rule 9019 Compromises: The Heart of the Bankruptcy Practice

It is often said that compromise is the heart of bankruptcy practice. Review the principles and procedures for approval of settlements in bankruptcy, including the strategic and ethical considerations that must inform both the negotiation and the presentation of the deal.

Brian T. Cumings, Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody - Austin, TX
Josiah M. Daniel III, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Dallas, TX
11:20 am

0.75 hr

Cramdown or in Hipster-speak "Cram"

"Cram" is a Plan weapon of choice and necessity for many debtors. Investigate secured creditor cram, with an emphasis on cram interest rates in the current environment, lien retention terms, indubitable equivalent issues, and secured class voting.

Hon. H. Christopher Mott, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas - Austin, TX
William L. Wallander, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Dallas, TX
Bettina M. Whyte, Bettina Whyte Consultants, LLC - Jackson, WY
12:05 pm

Lunch on Your Own
Thursday Afternoon, Nov. 17, 2016
Business Track
Presiding Officer:
Rebecca A. Roof, AlixPartners LLP - Houston, TX
1:35 pm

0.75 hr

The Sabine Bankruptcy Decision: Do Midstream Gathering and Processing Agreements Run With the Land in Texas (and elsewhere)?

The Sabine bankruptcy decision allowed the Bankruptcy Trustee to avoid a gas gathering and processing agreement that the parties expressly agreed was a covenant running with the land. The case has influenced other bankruptcies. Was Sabine correctly decided, what are the immediate consequences of the decision, and what are its long-term consequences?

Owen L. Anderson, Professor and Distinguished Oil and Gas Scholar and Kuntz Chair Emeritus & Cross Research Professor Emeritus The University of Oklahoma College of Law, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX
Hon. David R. Jones, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas - Houston, TX
2:20 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

A Second Look at a Fifth Circuit Take on Third Party Releases

Take another look at the “impossibility” of third party releases in the Fifth Circuit.

Michael P. Cooley, Bryan Cave LLP - Dallas, TX
Christopher Manuel Lopez, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP - Houston, TX
2:50 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Bankruptcy Remoteness

Analyze whether or not debtors may abrogate their fiduciary duty to seek bankruptcy relief either through contract or granting a "golden share." If so, does it violate public policy by restraining the right to file bankruptcy?

Hon. Craig A. Gargotta, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas - San Antonio, TX
Ashley L. Gargour, Andrews Kurth - Houston, TX
3:20 pm

Break
3:35 pm

0.75 hr

Restructuring Public Finances—Chapter 9 and Alternatives

Zack A. Clement, Houston, TX
4:20 pm

0.50 hr

Drilling Deeper into the Significance of Louisiana Oil Well Liens in Energy-Related Bankruptcies

Review the process for protecting the rights afforded to parties under the Louisiana Oil Well Lien Act, La. R.S. 9:4861, et seq., prior to and during the pendency of an energy-related bankruptcy. Discuss the scope of the statutory lien, the relevant perfection procedures, and the interplay in bankruptcy of statutory liens and liens granted pursuant to mortgages and security agreements.

Hon. Marvin Isgur, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas - Houston, TX
Benjamin W. Kadden, Lugenbuhl Wheaton Peck Rankin & Hubbard - New Orleans, LA
4:50 pm

Adjourn
Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference Reception

Join program faculty and attendees for drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Thank You to Our Reception Sponsor
AlixPartners LLP
Consumer Track
Presiding Officer:
Hon. John C. Akard, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Retired - Houston, TX
1:35 pm

0.75 hr

Frost and Its Progeny: The Proceeds Saga Continues

Review important tips and information on how to make sure to keep those important exemptions in place.

Michael V. Baumer, Law Office of Michael Baumer - Austin, TX
Hon. Eduardo V. Rodriguez, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas - McAllen, TX
2:20 pm

0.50 hr ethics

Ethical Issues for Debtor's Counsel

How can you avoid ethical “bankruptcy?” Hear a lively discussion on how to avoid becoming part of the grievance system, including when closing down a practice and representing joint debtors during a post-petition divorce.

Mark B. French, Law Office of Mark B. French - Bedford, TX
Thomas H. Watkins, Husch Blackwell LLP - Austin, TX
2:50 pm

0.50 hr

The Student Loan Crisis and Bankruptcy Relief for Student Loan Debtors Under the Bankruptcy Code's "Undue Hardship" Standard: Are the Courts Ruling More Compassionately Toward Distressed College Loan Debtors?

More than 40 million Americans have outstanding college loans, totaling $1.3 trillion. Millions of people are struggling to repay these student loans, and more than 7 million borrowers are in default. Until recently, student loan debtors found it very difficult to discharge their college loan debt in bankruptcy. Learn how, several recent court decisions may be an indication that bankruptcy courts are ruling more sympathetically toward distressed student loan debtors.

W. Richard Fossey, University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Baton Rouge, LA
3:20 pm

Break
3:35 pm

0.75 hr

Chapter 13 Pitfalls and Traps—Things to Watch Out For

There are traps for the unwary. Discuss protecting the discharge, what to do with mortgage lenders that will not foreclose on surrendered property, disclosure and judicial estoppel, the 6-month homestead rule, and more.

Pamela A. Bassel, Standing Chapter 13 Trustee - North Richland Hills, TX
Ravi Patrick Ratnala, The Ratnala Law Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX
4:20 pm

0.50 hr

The Early Innings: Vesting and Surrendering Real Property

Hear updates on the score of cases considering whether debtors may vest title to real property in a secured lender or other third party. Also, discuss the meaning of “surrender” and the “dirt-for-debt” option in chapter 13.

Tara Twomey, National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center - CA
Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois - Chicago, IL
4:50 pm

Adjourn
Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference Reception

Join program faculty and attendees for drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Thank You to Our Reception Sponsor
AlixPartners LLP

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Nov. 18, 2016
Presiding Officer:
Robin Russell, Andrews Kurth - Houston, TX
7:50 am

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
Oil and Gas
8:30 am

0.50 hr

Wildcatter 101—Oil and Gas Basics for Bankruptcy Professionals

Listen to an introduction to and overview of key concepts, issues, and topics that arise in insolvency proceedings involving companies in the oil and gas industry. This presentation “drills down” on the issues that insolvency professionals should be aware of when exploring for work in the oil patch.

Eli O. Columbus, Haynes and Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX
9:00 am

0.75 hr

Oil and Gas Restructuring 101

J.P. Hanson, Houlihan Lokey - New York, NY and Houston TX
Shad E. Sumrow, Thompson & Knight LLP - Dallas, TX
9:45 am

0.50 hr

Oil and Gas Environmental Concerns and Issues

Hear an overview of the treatment of environmental obligations in recent oil and gas bankruptcy cases, including the treatment of obligations such as plugging and abandonment and decommissioning costs and other regulatory compliance obligations. This presentation addresses the recent cases testing the limits of abandonment of assets, rejection of contracts, federal and state law compliance, bonding obligations for the oil and gas debtor, and how joint interest owners and predecessors-in-interest may be left holding the bag.

Paul J. Goodwine, Looper Goodwine P.C. - New Orleans, LA
Mark W. Wege, Dentons US LLP - Houston, TX
10:15 am

0.75 hr

Six Numbers to Remember—7, 11, 18, 22, 29, and 363: Oil and Gas Bankruptcy Exit Strategies and Realities

Charles A. Beckham Jr., Haynes and Boone, LLP - Houston, TX
Todd Perry, FTI Consulting - Dallas, TX
Hon. Tony M. Davis, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas - Austin, TX
11:00 am

Break
11:15 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Fraudulent Transfer Update: Important Developments on Many Fronts

Review the recent issues bankruptcy counsel may encounter in prosecuting or defending fraudulent transfer disputes. Analyze the interplay between section 546(e) and fraudulent transfer actions brought under state law. Make note of the common issues in cross border litigation, including serving foreign parties and enforcing bankruptcy court judgments in jurisdictions outside the United States and its territories.

M. Jermaine Watson, M.J. Watson & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
Joseph J. Wielebinski Jr., Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. - Dallas, TX
12:00 pm

0.50 hr

Class Warfare—Class Litigation Proceedings and Structures in Bankruptcy

Two distinct worlds of coordinated claims resolution proceedings collide through this discussion of the use, treatment and relevance of class litigation structures and proceedings in and to Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, and the issues that can arise under this dynamic.

Katharine Clark, Thompson & Knight LLP - Dallas, TX
Jay H. Ong, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. - Austin, TX
12:30 pm

Pick Up Lunch

Included in registration
Friday Afternoon, Nov. 18, 2016
Presiding Officer:
Aaron Michael Kaufman, Dykema Cox Smith - Dallas, TX
Luncheon Presentation
Thank You to Our Luncheon Sponsor

SierraConstellation Partners, LLC
12:50 pm

0.75 hr

Trustee Duties and Liability

Being a trustee is a scary business, especially in Texas!

Hon. Keith Lundin, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Retired - Nashville, TN
1:35 pm

Break
1:50 pm

0.50 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Considerations When Choosing and Determining Venue

Address criteria for selecting an appropriate venue for a bankruptcy filing. Discuss the ethical, economic, and equitable factors that courts and parties must consider when determining venue in general, and particularly in situations involving simultaneous filings in different venues by domestic and affiliated debtors.

Sean B. Davis, Winstead PC - Houston, TX
John P. Melko, Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP - Houston, TX
2:20 pm

0.75 hr

Where Have all the Equities Gone?

Section 105: hackneyed or under-used? Explore the re-characterization and subordination of equity jurisprudence and its limits.

Hon. Jeff Bohm, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas - Houston, TX
Hon. Tony M. Davis, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas - Austin, TX
Patricia Baron Tomasco, Jackson Walker LLP - Austin, TX
3:05 pm

0.50 hr

Constraints and Opportunities Offered by the Involvement of Hedge Funds and Private Equity

Hedge funds and banks operate by different rules, respond to different incentives, and recoil from different threats. Hear the panelists discuss their differing financial underpinnings and goals, the forces that can destabilize them, and their treatment by the Bankruptcy Court.

Moderator:
Michael R. "Buzz" Rochelle, Rochelle McCullough, L.L.P. - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Stephen T. Crosson, Capright - Dallas, TX
Dr. Gerald Olson, GN Olson & Company, LLC - Dallas, TX
3:35 pm

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Pre-Bankruptcy Planning: Pigs, Hogs and Great Ideas That Weren’t

My Grandmother’s rule—"Say it out loud first and if you want to slap yourself, it ain’t a great idea"—as lawyers we should know when to slap ourselves. Discuss the strange tales and law applicable to the prickly field of pre-bankruptcy planning, including a lawyer's duties and how to keep your head.

Louis M. Phillips, Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP - Baton Rouge, LA
4:20 pm

Adjourn

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Owen L. Anderson

Professor and Distinguished Oil and Gas Scholar and Kuntz Chair Emeritus & Cross Research Professor Emeritus The University of Oklahoma College of Law, The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

R. Byrn "Byrnie" Bass Jr.

Attorney at Law
Lubbock, TX

Pamela A. Bassel

Standing Chapter 13 Trustee
North Richland Hills, TX

Michael V. Baumer

Law Office of Michael Baumer
Austin, TX

Charles A. Beckham Jr.

Haynes and Boone, LLP
Houston, TX

Hon. Jeff Bohm

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
Houston, TX

Katharine Clark

Thompson & Knight LLP
Dallas, TX

Zack A. Clement

Houston, TX

Eli O. Columbus

Haynes and Boone, LLP
Dallas, TX

Michael P. Cooley

Bryan Cave LLP
Dallas, TX

Stephen T. Crosson

Capright
Dallas, TX

Brian T. Cumings

Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody
Austin, TX

Josiah M. Daniel III

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Dallas, TX

Sean B. Davis

Winstead PC
Houston, TX

Hon. Tony M. Davis

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas
Austin, TX

W. Richard Fossey

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Baton Rouge, LA

Mark B. French

Law Office of Mark B. French
Bedford, TX

Hon. Craig A. Gargotta

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas
San Antonio, TX

Ashley L. Gargour

Andrews Kurth
Houston, TX

Paul J. Goodwine

Looper Goodwine P.C.
New Orleans, LA

J.P. Hanson

Houlihan Lokey
New York, NY and Houston TX

Hon. Marvin Isgur

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
Houston, TX

Hon. David R. Jones

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
Houston, TX

Benjamin W. Kadden

Lugenbuhl Wheaton Peck Rankin & Hubbard
New Orleans, LA

Aaron Michael Kaufman

Dykema Cox Smith
Dallas, TX

Deborah B. Langehennig

Chapter 13 Trustee
Austin, TX

Angela Littwin

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Christopher Manuel Lopez

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Houston, TX

Hon. Keith Lundin

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Retired
Nashville, TN

John P. Melko

Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP
Houston, TX

Hon. H. Christopher Mott

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas
Austin, TX

Dr. Gerald Olson

GN Olson & Company, LLC
Dallas, TX

Jay H. Ong

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
Austin, TX

Todd Perry

FTI Consulting
Dallas, TX

Louis M. Phillips

Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
Baton Rouge, LA

Ravi Patrick Ratnala

The Ratnala Law Firm, PLLC
Houston, TX

Bill Rochelle

American Bankruptcy Institute
New York, NY

Michael R. "Buzz" Rochelle

Rochelle McCullough, L.L.P.
Dallas, TX

Hon. Eduardo V. Rodriguez

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
McAllen, TX

Dr. Janis Sarra

University of British Columbia, Peter Allard School of Law
Vancouver, BC

Shad E. Sumrow

Thompson & Knight LLP
Dallas, TX

Patricia Baron Tomasco

Jackson Walker LLP
Austin, TX

Tara Twomey

National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center
CA

William L. Wallander

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Dallas, TX

Thomas H. Watkins

Husch Blackwell LLP
Austin, TX

M. Jermaine Watson

M.J. Watson & Associates, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois
Chicago, IL

Mark W. Wege

Dentons US LLP
Houston, TX

Jay L. Westbrook

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Bettina M. Whyte

Bettina Whyte Consultants, LLC
Jackson, WY

Joseph J. Wielebinski Jr.

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Planning Committee

Demetra L. Liggins—Chair

Thompson & Knight LLP
Houston, TX

Hon. John C. Akard

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Retired
Houston, TX

Omar J. Alaniz

Baker Botts
Dallas, TX

R. Byrn "Byrnie" Bass Jr.

Attorney at Law
Lubbock, TX

Michael V. Baumer

Law Office of Michael Baumer
Austin, TX

Charles A. Beckham Jr.

Haynes and Boone, LLP
Houston, TX

Allison D. Byman

Hughes Watters Askanase, LLP
Houston, TX

Hon. Leif M. Clark

Mediator/Arbitrator/Consultant
San Antonio, TX

Michael P. Cooley

Bryan Cave LLP
Dallas, TX

Josiah M. Daniel III

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Dallas, TX

Sean B. Davis

Winstead PC
Houston, TX

Hon. Tony M. Davis

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas
Austin, TX

Vickie L. Driver

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
Dallas, TX

Miguel A. Flores

Tanzy & Borrego
El Paso, TX

Hon. Craig A. Gargotta

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas
San Antonio, TX

Hon. Marvin Isgur

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
Houston, TX

Hon. Stacey G. C. Jernigan

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas
Dallas, TX

Aaron Michael Kaufman

Dykema Cox Smith
Dallas, TX

Lisa L. Lambert

Office of the U.S. Trustee
Dallas, TX

Deborah B. Langehennig

Chapter 13 Trustee
Austin, TX

Angela Littwin

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Christopher Manuel Lopez

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Houston, TX

Jay H. Ong

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
Austin, TX

Hon. Brenda T. Rhoades

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Texas
Plano, TX

Louis E. Robichaux IV

Deloitte
Dallas, TX

Michael R. "Buzz" Rochelle

Rochelle McCullough, L.L.P.
Dallas, TX

April Rogers

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Vicki M. Skaggs

Atlas Hall & Rodriguez LLP
McAllen, TX

Berry D. Spears

Locke Lord LLP
Austin, TX

Patricia Baron Tomasco

Jackson Walker LLP
Austin, TX

M. Jermaine Watson

M.J. Watson & Associates, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Mark W. Wege

Dentons US LLP
Houston, TX

Jay L. Westbrook

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Deborah D. Williamson

Dykema Cox Smith
San Antonio, TX

Credit Info

Austin

MCLE Credit

Texas – 13.00 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Bankruptcy Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 13.00 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Louisiana – 13.00 hrs | 2.25 hrs Ethics

At the completion of the conference you must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Supreme Court of Louisiana Continuing Legal Education Committee within 30 days after the conference.

Oklahoma – 15.50 hrs | 3.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Other Credit

National Accounting CPE – 15.50 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law 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 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.

Delivery Method: Group-Live (UT Law CLE is a provider of NASBA Group-Live credit only, which excludes online offerings.

To comply with NASBA Standards, attendees claiming CPE credit must sign in to verify attendance for each segment. Attendance sign-in sheets will be available at the registration desk. You will need your CPA license number to sign in. A CPE Certificate of Completion will be provided at the conclusion of the conference.

Reporting: CPAs are responsible for reporting CPE credits earned to their state's accountancy board, and must retain appropriate documentation of their participation in learning activities. Visit your state’s reporting website for more information or www.nasba.org.

Key Dates

Austin – Nov 16*, 17-18, 2016 – Four Seasons Hotel

*Wednesday Evening John C. Akard Lecture

Conference Concluded

Buy

Austin

Individual
Last day for $595.00 Regular pricing: Nov 9, 2016

$645.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $520.00 Regular pricing: Nov 9, 2016

$570.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $460.00 Regular pricing: Nov 9, 2016

$510.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Nov 11, 2016

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Nov 14, 2016

Venue

Four Seasons Hotel

98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701-4082
512-478-4500 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

$260 room rate good through October 17, 2016 (subject to availability).

Parking Information

$12 daily self-parking; $16 valet
$32.50 overnight self or valet
(subject to change)

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

SierraConstellation Partners LLC

SierraConstellation Partners (SCP) is an interim management and advisory firm that provides services to middle-market companies navigating their way through difficult business challenges. The firm’s real-world experience, operational mindset and hands-on approach enable it to deliver effective operational improvements and financial solutions to help companies restore value, regain creditor confidence, and leverage opportunities. As former CEOs, COOs, CFOs, private equity investors and investment bankers, the firm’s team of senior professionals have decades of experience operating companies. sierraconstellation.com
AlixPartners LLP

AlixPartners is a leading global business advisory firm offering comprehensive services across five main disciplines―enterprise improvement, turnaround and restructuring, financial advisory services, information management services, and leadership and organizational effectiveness. The firm’s expertise is in helping clients of many types―healthy companies, challenged companies, private equity firms and attorneys―realize increased value in the face of high-impact business challenges. We make a difference by serving our clients with senior teams motivated by incentives aligned with the client’s interests, and with a heritage of a total commitment to getting results. Founded in 1981, the firm has more than 1,500 professionals in offices around the world.
alixpartners.com
Andrews Kurth

Since 1902, Andrews Kurth has built its practice on the belief that “straight talk is good business.” Real answers, clear vision and mutual respect define the firm’s relationships with clients, colleagues, communities and employees. With 10 offices worldwide, Andrews Kurth represents a wide array of clients in multiple industries. For more information about Andrews Kurth, please visit andrewskurth.com.
andrewskurth.com
Chiron Financial, LLC

Chiron Financial LLC is an investment banking firm that arranges private placements of debt and equity capital as well as mergers, acquisitions and sales for middle market companies. We raise start-up capital and growth capital, and assist with refinancing, financial restructuring, and other special situations. Chiron’s clients have included companies in oil and gas, oil service and equipment, midstream and downstream energy, power, building products, basic materials, health care, real estate, retailing, light and heavy manufacturing, and non-profits. For more information, visit www.chironfinance.com. chironfinance.com
Dentons US LLP

Dentons' Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice represents one of the largest, most highly regarded teams of dedicated professionals in the world. As the world's largest law firm, we offer extensive skill and experience in all industry sectors leveraged by our broad geographical coverage. Our partners are consistently recognized as market leaders and our team has been praised for providing "clear, unambiguous advice," "outstanding service" and for being "extremely pragmatic in their approach." We provide advice to a wide range of clients in connection with the largest and most complex restructurings, insolvencies and bankruptcies, and our depth and breadth of experience covers every aspect of bankruptcy, reorganization and creditors’ rights representation. Our lawyers are equally at home in out-of-court workout scenarios and in Chapter 11 cases, and we regularly advise debtors, potential debtors, creditors and other clients as to the relative advantages and disadvantages of each undertaking in any particular situation. dentons.com
Dykema Cox Smith

Dykema Cox Smith, a leading national law firm, is one of the largest business law firms in Texas. The firm services local, national and international companies from 15 U.S. offices, including five Texas locations—Austin, Dallas, El Paso, McAllen and San Antonio. Our bankruptcy practice encompasses all aspects of business bankruptcy and represents creditors and creditor committees, debtors, trustees, and acquirers of assets. We are recognized by Chambers USA both for the size of our practice and our nationwide capabilities. Deborah Williamson has been awarded the American Bankruptcy Institute's (ABI) Lifetime Achievement Award, marking only the second time the award has ever been presented in the ABI's nearly 30-year history.
dykema.com
FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,600 employees located in 28 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. fticonsulting.com
Haynes and Boone, LLP

Haynes and Boone, LLP is a full service law firm with a national presence and an international reach. With more than 575 lawyers located in Texas, New York, California, Chicago, Denver, Washington, DC, London, Shanghai and Mexico City, we are trusted advisors, zealous advocates and creative strategists. We have a client-first philosophy, defining our success as providing exceptional value and practical business-minded solutions to our clients and innovative contributions to their businesses. The Bankruptcy and Business Restructuring Practice Group at Haynes and Boone has long been recognized as one of just a handful of teams in the nation fully equipped to handle the largest and most complex out-of-court financial restructurings and Chapter 11 reorganization cases. Clients, whether debtors, creditors, lenders, equity security holders or agent banks, benefit from a team with significant experience, diverse skills and deep bench. Having handled matters across a wide variety of industries, our lawyers are adept at learning the “ins-and-outs” of clients’ businesses.
haynesboone.com
Locke Lord LLP

Locke Lord is a full-service, international law firm that ranks among The American Lawyer’s top U.S. law firms. Our team has earned a solid reputation in complex litigation, regulatory and transactional work. We serve our clients’ interests first, and these clients range from Fortune 500 and middle market public and private companies to start-ups and emerging businesses. Through its wide-ranging international footprint, Locke Lord has received numerous industry recognitions as a global leader in the middle market sector. Locke Lord's team builds collaborative relationships and crafts creative solutions to solve problems – all designed and executed with long-term strategic goals in mind.

lockelord.com
Rochelle McCullough, L.L.P.

The law firm of Rochelle McCullough, L.L.P. primarily focuses its practice on matters involving corporate bankruptcy; counsel to financially distressed business entities; and commercial reorganization and creditor rights. The firm typically is retained by debtors-in-possession, official and unofficial committees of creditors, bond holders and equity owners, corporate Chapter 7 trustees, post-confirmation trustees and other interested parties in the various commercial transactions involving bankruptcy estates. Rochelle McCullough also has a litigation department which handles civil trials and appellate work in State and Federal Courts, representing litigants in general matters of commercial litigation, typically involving the legal claims of directors and officers liability, professional misconduct and malpractice, fraudulent conveyances, fraudulent transfers, Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action, personal injuries, wrongful death and employment, sex, age and racial discrimination.
www.romclawyers.com
Thompson & Knight LLP

Established in 1887, Thompson & Knight today is a full-service law firm of more than 300 attorneys. The Firm has U.S. offices in Texas, New York, and California, and international offices and associations in the Americas, North Africa, and Europe. For more than four decades, the Firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice Group has played a leading role in corporate reorganizations, both in and out of court, and in bankruptcy proceedings of all types throughout the nation. Thompson & Knight received a national tier-one ranking in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law in the 2016 edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” and the Firm is ranked among the top firms in Texas for Bankruptcy/Restructuring in Chambers USA 2016 by Chambers & Partners. tklaw.com
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Vinson & Elkins lawyers are committed to excellence – with a dominant worldwide energy practice and experience servicing clients in numerous industries in complex transactional, dispute, and restructuring matters. The firm’s deep bench of approximately 650 lawyers collaborating across 16 offices allows a multi-disciplinary approach with innovative strategies, seeking exceptional results. V&E lawyers provide legal services to some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated business enterprises, addressing a multitude of challenges in a way that always reflects the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit.

velaw.com
Weil, Gotshal & Manges

Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has been a preeminent provider of legal services for more than 80 years. With approximately 1,100 lawyers in offices on three continents, Weil has been a pioneer in establishing a geographic footprint that has allowed the Firm to partner with clients wherever they do business. The Firm's four departments, Business Finance & Restructuring, Corporate, Litigation, and Tax, Executive Compensation & Benefits, and more than two dozen practice groups are consistently recognized as leaders in their respective fields. Weil has served as chief debtors’ counsel in five of the six largest U.S. bankruptcy filings in history and has represented clients in numerous complicated international insolvencies. weil.com
Baker Botts

bakerbotts.com
Bryan Cave LLP

Bryan Cave LLP

bryancave.com
Jackson Walker

Founded more than 125 years ago, Jackson Walker L.L.P. is one of the oldest and largest Texas-based law firms. Today, the firm has more than 340 attorneys in seven Texas offices and represents Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, major financial institutions, and a wide range of public companies and private businesses. Our bankruptcy attorneys advise clients in connection with a variety of matters, from complex Chapter 11 corporate debtor cases, to reorganization and liquidation proceedings for small business entities and individuals. They regularly represent clients in bankruptcy courts nationwide, with a network of experienced local counsel and are regularly involved in preference and fraudulent transfer litigation, valuation and automatic stay proceedings, objections to discharge/dischargeability and commercial litigation arising in connection with bankruptcy cases.
jw.com
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP

khh.com
Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

munsch.com
Winstead PC

winstead.com
Tanzy & Borrego

Tanzy & Borrego

tanzyborrego.com

35th Annual Jay L. Westbrook

Bankruptcy Conference

Austin Nov 16*, 17-18, 2016 Four Seasons Hotel *Wednesday Evening John C. Akard Lecture Conference Concluded

Buy

Related products: eConference Materials

Overview

Event Schedule

Wednesday Evening, Nov. 16, 2016

Thursday Morning, Nov. 17, 2016

Thursday Afternoon, Nov. 17, 2016

Friday Morning, Nov. 18, 2016

Friday Afternoon, Nov. 18, 2016

Conference Faculty

Owen L. Anderson

R. Byrn "Byrnie" Bass Jr.

Pamela A. Bassel

Michael V. Baumer

Charles A. Beckham Jr.

Hon. Jeff Bohm

Katharine Clark

Zack A. Clement

Eli O. Columbus

Michael P. Cooley

Stephen T. Crosson

Brian T. Cumings

Josiah M. Daniel III

Sean B. Davis

Hon. Tony M. Davis

W. Richard Fossey

Mark B. French

Hon. Craig A. Gargotta

Ashley L. Gargour

Paul J. Goodwine

J.P. Hanson

Hon. Marvin Isgur

Hon. David R. Jones

Benjamin W. Kadden

Aaron Michael Kaufman

Deborah B. Langehennig

Angela Littwin

Christopher Manuel Lopez

Hon. Keith Lundin

John P. Melko

Hon. H. Christopher Mott

Dr. Gerald Olson

Jay H. Ong

Todd Perry

Louis M. Phillips

Ravi Patrick Ratnala

Bill Rochelle

Michael R. "Buzz" Rochelle

Hon. Eduardo V. Rodriguez

Dr. Janis Sarra

Shad E. Sumrow

Patricia Baron Tomasco

Tara Twomey

William L. Wallander

Thomas H. Watkins

M. Jermaine Watson

Hon. Eugene R. Wedoff

Mark W. Wege

Jay L. Westbrook

Bettina M. Whyte

Joseph J. Wielebinski Jr.

Planning Committee

Demetra L. Liggins—Chair

Hon. John C. Akard

Omar J. Alaniz

R. Byrn "Byrnie" Bass Jr.

Michael V. Baumer

Charles A. Beckham Jr.

Allison D. Byman

Hon. Leif M. Clark

Michael P. Cooley

Josiah M. Daniel III

Sean B. Davis

Hon. Tony M. Davis

Vickie L. Driver

Miguel A. Flores

Hon. Craig A. Gargotta

35^th Annual Jay L. Westbrook

Austin Nov 16, 17-18, 2016 Four Seasons Hotel
Wednesday Evening John C. Akard Lecture
Conference Concluded