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eConference

2025 Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy eConference

Contains material from Feb 2026
2025 Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy eConference
3.96 out of 5 stars
What was the overall quality of the course (presentation, materials, and technical delivery)?
Rate the overall teaching effectiveness and presentation skills of faculty for the course.

I always like this conference --- some comments -- Sessions #2, #3, #18, and #19 (except for Mr. Bienenstock) -- were not very practical or helpful in my opinion. If the out of town presenters were given reimbursed for their airfare and a room at the Four Seasons, then the biggest winner would be Professor Cortes because his contribution to Session #19 was to increase the maximum for SubChapter V back to $7mm --- that was the extent of his contribution. The Chiefs panel was good --- i wish the first part was more like the second part when it became a little more practical in nature.

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Now in its 44th year, UT Law CLE's 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. 

Program Highlights:
  • The perennial favorite Recent Developments will have two sessions: Professor Jay L. Westbrook will lead the opening session to discuss the year’s most important cases, and Aaron Kaufman leads a panel for a deeper dive into recent business and consumer cases.
  • Hail to the Chiefs! For the first time in the history of this conference, the four Texas Chief Bankruptcy Judges provide insights into their courts from a perspective only they can offer. 
  •  
    • Business Track including Healthcare Bankruptcy: A timely discussion on the mounting financial distress in the healthcare sector, highlighted by the recent Chapter 11 filings of Steward Health Care and Prospect Medical Holdings. Delve into the complex legal and business issues facing hospitals today—particularly those serving rural communities in states like Texas—and consider what the future holds for both private equity-backed and nonprofit healthcare systems.
    • Consumer Track including Cash, Clash, and Confirmation: Disposable Income Disputes in Chapter 13: When it comes to confirmation, one person's "disposable" is another's "untouchable." This session unpacks the ongoing tug-of-war over what income debtors must commit to their plans—and what they can keep in their pockets.

  • Gain insight on roll-ups and other common issues in DIP financing; developments in the LEM market; issues with the sale of consumer data, and much more.
After this program, participants will be able to:
  1. Analyze recent developments in business and consumer bankruptcy law.
  2. Evaluate ethical responsibilities of bankruptcy professionals.
  3. Interpret trends in DIP financing, liability management, and mass tort proceedings.
  4. Compare international insolvency practices and their relevance to U.S. proceedings.
  5. Engage with judicial perspectives from Texas Chief Bankruptcy Judges.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 14.75 | 2.00 ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, OK, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 2/28/2027
You must be signed in, have purchased this eConference, and the eConference must be active to have access.

Sessions

Credit
1. Recent Developments – Part I (Feb 2026)

R. Byrn "Byrnie" Bass Jr., Demetra Liggins, Bill Rochelle

1.00 0.25 0.00 1.00 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 373 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 15 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 24 pgs

Session 1 —68 mins 1.00 | 0.25 ethics

Recent Developments – Part I (Feb 2026)

A prime selection of the latest in business and consumer bankruptcies.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

R. Byrn "Byrnie" Bass Jr., Attorney at Law - Lubbock, TX
Demetra Liggins, McGuireWoods - Houston, TX
Bill Rochelle, American Bankruptcy Institute - New York, NY

2. Occasionally Accurate Prognostications About Bankruptcy Filing Trends (Feb 2026)

Megan F. Clontz, Robert M. Lawless

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 57 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 18 pgs

Session 2 —29 mins 0.50

Occasionally Accurate Prognostications About Bankruptcy Filing Trends (Feb 2026)

After nearly twenty years of tracking bankruptcy filing trends, explore why so many predictions about filing rates turn out to be wrong—and why we keep making them anyway. To prove the point, the speakers offer a summary of where the numbers are today and then make their own 100% accurate* forecasts for where filing rates are headed. (*Forecasts may not prove to be accurate.)

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Megan F. Clontz, Ferguson Braswell Fraser & Kubasta PC - Plano, TX
Robert M. Lawless, University of Illinois College of Law - Champaign, IL

3. The Role of Bankruptcy Professionals: Independence, Fiduciary Duties, and More (Feb 2026)

Christopher D. Hampson, Stephen J. Lubben

0.75 0.25 0.00 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 79 pgs

Session 3 —43 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics

The Role of Bankruptcy Professionals: Independence, Fiduciary Duties, and More (Feb 2026)

What are the ethical obligations of key players in the bankruptcy context? What is independence and who gets to decide? Do the players in a bankruptcy case owe fiduciary duties, and what law applies to them if they do?

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Christopher D. Hampson, University of Florida Levin College of Law - Gainesville, FL
Stephen J. Lubben, Seton Hall Law School - Newark, NJ

4. Dealing with Private Consumer Data in Bankruptcy (Feb 2026)

Hon. Christopher G. Bradley, Elise Frejka, Abigail R. Ryan

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 26 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 114 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 71 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 47 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 72 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 7 pgs

Session 4 —45 mins 0.75

Dealing with Private Consumer Data in Bankruptcy (Feb 2026)

From 23andMe to crypto to the Catholic Church cases, privacy issues are cropping up everywhere in bankruptcy court. This panel of experts discuss recent issues concerning the sale of consumer data and protection of the personal information of creditors and other parties in interest.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Hon. Christopher G. Bradley, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas - Austin, TX
Elise Frejka, Frejka PLLC - New York, NY
Abigail R. Ryan, National Association of Attorneys General - Austin, TX

5. Inman’s View of the World (Feb 2026)

Bobby R. Inman

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)

Session 5 —37 mins 0.50

Inman’s View of the World (Feb 2026)

Admiral Inman discusses threats, challenges and trouble spots around the globe that challenge our national security.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Bobby R. Inman, Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs - Austin, TX

6. Recent Developments - Part II (Feb 2026)

Aaron M. Kaufman, Omar J. Alaniz, Brian T. Cumings, Cristina Rodriguez

0.75 0.25 0.00 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 13 pgs

Session 6 —46 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics

Recent Developments - Part II (Feb 2026)

The hits keep coming. More rulings, more nuance, and just enough ambiguity to keep things lively.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Aaron M. Kaufman, Gray Reed - Dallas, TX
Omar J. Alaniz, Reed Smith LLP - Dallas, TX
Brian T. Cumings, Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody - Austin, TX
Cristina Rodriguez, The Office of Tiffany Castro, Chapter 13 Trustee - Houston, TX

7. Unlocking Landlord-Tenant Challenges in Bankruptcy: Why Communication Is Everything (Feb 2026)

Hon. Michelle V. Larson, Michelle E. Shriro, Lydia R. Webb

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 19 pgs

Session 7 —42 mins 0.75

Unlocking Landlord-Tenant Challenges in Bankruptcy: Why Communication Is Everything (Feb 2026)

The role of landlords in Chapter 11 cases has moved well beyond the confines of section 365. By drawing upon the perspectives of both landlord counsel and debtor counsel, gain insight into the latest commercial real estate trends in bankruptcy, including lease sales and auctions, assumption/rejection procedures, DIP/cash collateral issues and adequate assurance and sale issues. Particular emphasis is placed on the essential role of clear, timely, and collaborative communication, illuminating how a shared understanding of potential pitfalls, procedural requirements, and practical solutions can foster more favorable outcomes in the restructuring process.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Hon. Michelle V. Larson, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas - Dallas, TX
Michelle E. Shriro, Singer & Levick - Addison, TX
Lydia R. Webb, Gray Reed - Dallas, TX

8. Renewable Energy and Oil & Gas Issues (Feb 2026)

Hon. Marvin Isgur, Shannon Ratliff, Sean T. Wilson

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 25 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 17 pgs

Session 8 —43 mins 0.75

Renewable Energy and Oil & Gas Issues (Feb 2026)

Overview of the general climate, current tax implications, and forecast of insolvency and restructuring issues in the renewable energy landscape. Also, delve into recent developments in the rejection of midstream agreements containing covenants running with the land and Chapter 67 of the Texas Property Code affecting oil and gas bankruptcies.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Hon. Marvin Isgur, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas - Houston, TX
Shannon Ratliff, Stemwinder - Austin, TX
Sean T. Wilson, Jones Walker LLP - Houston, TX

9. Emerging Trends in International Bankruptcy (Feb 2026)

Christoph G. Paulus, Eric M. Van Horn

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 1 pgs

Session 9 —45 mins 0.75

Emerging Trends in International Bankruptcy (Feb 2026)

Recognition of and enforcement of foreign bankruptcies in Chapter 15 and otherwise. Should we be delighted or worried? And a comparison with Europe.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Christoph G. Paulus, Professor Emeritus, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Berlin, Germany
Eric M. Van Horn, Spencer Fane LLP - Dallas, TX

10. Healthcare Bankruptcy (Feb 2026)

Thomas R. Califano, David J. Cohen, Clint Neider

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 13 pgs

Session 10 —43 mins 0.75

Healthcare Bankruptcy (Feb 2026)

A timely discussion on the mounting financial distress in the healthcare sector, highlighted by the recent Chapter 11 filings of Steward Health Care and Prospect Medical Holdings. Delve into the complex legal and business issues facing hospitals today—particularly those serving rural communities in states like Texas—and consider what the future holds for both private equity-backed and nonprofit healthcare systems.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Thomas R. Califano, Sidley Austin LLP - New York, NY
David J. Cohen, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP - Miami, FL
Clint Neider, AlixPartners LLP - Dallas, TX

11. Rule 3002.1 Amendments and Other Rules Updates (Feb 2026)

Pam Bassel, Shawn I. Carter, Abbey Ulsh Dreher

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 17 pgs

Session 11 —44 mins 0.75

Rule 3002.1 Amendments and Other Rules Updates (Feb 2026)

The amendments go into effect December 1, 2025. Let's discuss what you need to know.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Pam Bassel, Chapter 13 Trustee - Fort Worth, TX
Shawn I. Carter, Nationstar Mortgage, LLC - Coppell, TX
Abbey Ulsh Dreher, Bonial & Associates, PC - Dallas, TX

12. Appellate Tips in Consumer Cases and a Discussion of the Durand Day Appeal (Feb 2026)

Ethan Cartwright, Vanessa De Leon Guerrero

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 36 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 11 pgs

Session 12 —45 mins 0.75

Appellate Tips in Consumer Cases and a Discussion of the Durand Day Appeal (Feb 2026)

A discussion of appellate procedures and strategies in consumer bankruptcies and how they applied in the context of the recently decided Fifth Circuit Case Durand-Day which involved the 100% payment test and student loan claims.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Ethan Cartwright, Pam Bassel, Standing Chapter 13 Trustee - Fort Worth, TX
Vanessa De Leon Guerrero, Hill Wallack LLP

13. Cash, Clash, and Confirmation: Disposable Income Disputes in Chapter 13 (Feb 2026)

Hon. Brad W. Odell, Tiffany Castro, Miguel A. Flores

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 32 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 15 pgs

Session 13 —46 mins 0.75

Cash, Clash, and Confirmation: Disposable Income Disputes in Chapter 13 (Feb 2026)

When it comes to confirmation, one person's "disposable" is another's "untouchable." This session unpacks the ongoing tug-of-war over what income debtors must commit to their plans—and what they can keep in their pockets.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Hon. Brad W. Odell, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas - Lubbock, TX
Tiffany Castro, Chapter 13 Trustee - Houston, TX
Miguel A. Flores, Tanzy & Borrego - El Paso, TX

14. The Settlement Spreadsheet (Feb 2026)

Carissa Brewster, Timothy Quast

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 1 pgs
Paper (xlsx)
Slides (pdf) – 24 pgs

Session 14 —40 mins 0.75

The Settlement Spreadsheet (Feb 2026)

Calculating Risk in Bankruptcy Cases - Learn how to leverage a spreadsheet tool designed to assess the risks of litigation versus the benefits of settlement. By incorporating financial data and legal parameters, this spreadsheet provides clear, data-driven insights that can guide strategic decisions in bankruptcy cases. Whether you're navigating debt restructurings or weighing settlement offers, this session equips you with the skills to make more informed, confident choices, ultimately improving outcomes for your clients.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Carissa Brewster, McCloskey Roberson Woolley, PLLC - Houston, TX
Timothy Quast, Prudential Financial - Houston, TX

15. Getting Real About Roll-Ups and Other DIP Financing Issues (Feb 2026)

Hon. Stacey G. C. Jernigan, Marcus A. Helt, Kelli S. Norfleet

0.75 0.25 0.00 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 67 pgs

Session 15 —43 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics

Getting Real About Roll-Ups and Other DIP Financing Issues (Feb 2026)

Examine the impact of roll-ups and other common issues in DIP financing. What drives a lender to negotiate for certain terms? How does a debtor handle those negotiations and the decision to enter into a DIP financing arrangement? How does the Bankruptcy Court approach approval of particular DIP financing terms?

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Hon. Stacey G. C. Jernigan, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas - Dallas, TX
Marcus A. Helt, McDermott Will & Emery - Dallas, TX
Kelli S. Norfleet, Haynes and Boone, LLP - Houston, TX

16. Liability Management Exercises (Feb 2026)

Paul E. Heath, Emil A. Kleinhaus, Ashim Midha, Adam L. Shpeen

0.75 0.25 0.00 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 18 pgs

Session 16 —43 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics

Liability Management Exercises (Feb 2026)

Liability management exercises have become an increasingly used “out of court” tool for companies facing stress or distress. The panel provides an overview of developments in the LME market, including the negotiation dynamics and structures of choice for LME transactions and recent litigation in the area.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Paul E. Heath, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Dallas, TX
Emil A. Kleinhaus, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz - New York, NY
Ashim Midha, PJT Partners - New York, NY
Adam L. Shpeen, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP - New York, NY

17. Mass Torts: Bankruptcy Releases, Opt In and Opt Out, Red River, Highland and More (Feb 2026)

Hon. Chris López, Jason S. Brookner, Jeffrey L. Jonas

0.75 0.25 0.00 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 20 pgs

Session 17 —45 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics

Mass Torts: Bankruptcy Releases, Opt In and Opt Out, Red River, Highland and More (Feb 2026)

Review what’s hot and what’s not in the release and mass tort arena, with an eye towards recent decisions, including the good, the bad and the ugly.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Hon. Chris López, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas - Houston, TX
Jason S. Brookner, Gray Reed - Dallas/Houston, TX
Jeffrey L. Jonas, Brown Rudnick LLP - Boston, MA

18. Navigating Neurodivergence in the Legal Profession (Feb 2026)

Zachary H. Hemenway, Eric M. Van Horn

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 26 pgs

Session 18 —46 mins 0.75

Navigating Neurodivergence in the Legal Profession (Feb 2026)

Address what neurodivergence means, how to recognize it, and why it matters in the legal profession. Explore how to support neurodivergent team members, collaborating with neurodivergent colleagues to maximize their unique talents and insights, and how to ensure equal access to justice in the bankruptcy practice and in a courtroom setting for neurodivergent parties, witnesses, and other participants. 

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Zachary H. Hemenway, Stinson LLP - Kansas City, MO
Eric M. Van Horn, Spencer Fane LLP - Dallas, TX

19. Historical Perspective’s Lessons and Chapter 11 Reform (Feb 2026)

Martin J. Bienenstock, J. Douglas Cortes, Stephen J. Lubben

0.75 0.25 0.00 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 2 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 14 pgs
Paper (pdf) – 36 pgs

Session 19 —47 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics

Historical Perspective’s Lessons and Chapter 11 Reform (Feb 2026)

Should the Bankruptcy Code be amended to better address mass torts, emergency sales, cross-border cases, questionable amendments since 1978, Article III, mandatory trustees in cases arising from liability management and similar exercises, and other matters?

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Martin J. Bienenstock, Proskauer Rose LLP - New York, NY
J. Douglas Cortes, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law - Little Rock, AR
Stephen J. Lubben, Seton Hall Law School - Newark, NJ

20. Hail to the Chiefs! (Feb 2026)

Deborah D. Williamson, Hon. Craig A. Gargotta, Hon. Stacey G. C. Jernigan, Hon. Brenda T. Rhoades, Hon. Eduardo V. Rodriguez

0.75 0.25 0.00 0.75 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)

Session 20 —45 mins 0.75 | 0.25 ethics

Hail to the Chiefs! (Feb 2026)

For the first time in the history of this conference, the four Texas Chief Bankruptcy Judges provide insights into their courts from a perspective only they can offer. What do they say? What is covered? Well, you’ll just have to attend to find out for yourself.

Originally presented: Nov 2025 Bankruptcy Conference

Deborah D. Williamson, Dykema Gossett PLLC - San Antonio, TX
Hon. Craig A. Gargotta, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas - San Antonio, TX
Hon. Stacey G. C. Jernigan, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas - Dallas, TX
Hon. Brenda T. Rhoades, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Texas - Plano, TX
Hon. Eduardo V. Rodriguez, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas - McAllen, TX