Materials

Now in its 43rd 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. This year’s day and a half conference provides an in-depth focus on current topics in business and consumer bankruptcy. 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 then Thursday afternoon, Debbie Langehennig leads a panel for a deeper dive into recent business and consumer cases. The always popular Views from the Bench: Our panel of judges discuss the impact of recent decisions, trends, and creative attorneys. Are there any specific topics you would like to have the panel address? If so, please submit your questions in advance to ConferenceQA@utcle.org or on-site at the conference registration desk. Select from Friday morning concurrent tracks: Business Track including Taking Stock After Purdue Pharma: Discuss the state of third-party releases, channel injunctions, exculpations, and other issues in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Purdue Pharma. Consumer Track including Modular Bankruptcy - A Consumer Scheme of Arrangement: The scheme of arrangement has been the premiere method of UK restructuring for some time now and has been drawing many U.S. firms to take advantage of its intentionally modular approach where some, but not all, of the debt is restructured. Could the same modularity be imported into the consumer realm? Yes, but not without resolving some serious complexities. Gain insight on Subchaper V; merchant cash advances; venue reform; ethical pitfalls in bankruptcy and much more. Also, enjoy interacting and networking with judges, trustees, and practitioners at Thursday Evening’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Reception!  

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice is an informative and informal conference that presents current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners.    Judges Rhoades, Gargotta and Rodriguez present the most relevant, current, and important cases impacting consumer bankruptcy from the Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit and the bankruptcy and district courts in three separate Case Summaries sessions. Judge Morris, provides guidance on how to brush up on forms of evidence and best practices in presenting it in Show … Me … The Evidence!. Judges Bradley and Isgur are joined by Cristina Rodriguez to discuss the debtor’s obligation to disclose and the problems cause by appreciation, increased income and after acquired property in chapter 13, chapter 7, and conversions. Judge Jennifer Elrod, from the U.S Court of Appeals will present a View from The Court Appeals. ​ ​ Discuss your frequently, and sometimes infrequently, asked questions with our judges in this year’s Judicial Panel. Please submit your questions in advance to ConferenceQA@utcle.org. Breakfast Breakout Sessions for each district, featuring casual discussion with district bankruptcy judges and trustees. Following the conference, attendees will receive a bonus eCourse to ensure practitioners can earn their required 15.00/3.00 Texas MCLE hours for the year.

Now in its 42nd 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. This year’s day and a half conference provides an in-depth focus on current topics in business and consumer bankruptcy.   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 then Thursday afternoon, Debbie Langehennig leads a panel for a deeper dive into recent business and consumer cases. Two sessions on Subchapter V that will provide an overview of today’s relevant hot topics and cases along with a thorough discussion of what’s new and what is yet to come that may impact your practice in this area. Select from Friday morning concurrent tracks: Business Track including Appeals of Bankruptcy Sales and Other Appellate Issues: A review of the latest bankruptcy appellate decisions, including MOAC Mall Holdings LLC v. Transform Holdco LLC and its anticipated effect on the finality of sale orders. Consumer Track including Student Loan Litigation: Easier than You Think: “Student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.” That’s the prevailing view…but it’s entirely wrong. This panel examines recent developments in student loan law and discusses how bankruptcy attorneys can help clients eliminate their student loan debt. Multiple opportunities to network including the Thursday Evening Networking Reception and Wednesday Evening Akard Lecture and Reception. Join us Wednesday evening for the John C. Akard Distinguished Lectureship on Coerced Debt: New Data on Debt and Domestic Violence delivered by Professor Angela Littwin, The University of Texas School of Law, with commentary by Teresa A. Sullivan, University of Virginia. Professor Littwin presents brand-new data from her National Science Foundation study of coerced debt, which occurs when the batterer in an abusive relationship uses fraud or coercion to incur debt in his partner’s name. New findings will include the eligibility of participants’ coerced debts for relief under bankruptcy and other debtor-creditor law as well as the effect of coerced debt on participants’ credit scores. If you are attending the Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference on Thursday and Friday, you may RSVP for the Wednesday evening Akard lecture when registering for the conference. If you would like to attend the Wednesday evening Akard Lecture, live at the Four Seasons Austin, but are not planning to register for the Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference, please complete the registration form online.

Now in its 41st 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. This year’s conference will be a day and a half and provides an in-depth focus on current topics in business and consumer bankruptcy. 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 then Thursday afternoon, Debbie Langehennig leads a panel for a deeper dive into recent business and consumer cases. An overview of strategies implementing the Texas Two Step in recent mass tort cases and a debate on whether it is a proper process for resolving bankruptcy mass tort cases. Too Many Hats in the Ethical Ring: When Insiders, Affiliates, Friends, and Family Show Up All Over a Restructuring Friday morning opens with the perspective of new and not so new judges with the annual Judges Panel. Select from Friday morning concurrent tracks: Business Track includes insight on the latest trends in Chapter 11 plans; intersection of federal energy policy and the bankruptcy code; hot topics in healthcare; and examining the role of the independent director in Chapter 11. Consumer Track includes issues in digital assets, NFTs, and cash apps; changes to rule 3002.1; student loan updates, and conversions from 13 to 7 and avoiding malpractice. Gain insight on bankruptcy alternatives; privacy and sealing; subchapter V for small and not so small business; and much more. Also, enjoy interacting and networking with judges, trustees, and practitioners at Thursday Evening’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Reception!

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice is an informative and informal conference that presents current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners.    Three Case Summaries sessions provide the most relevant, current and important cases impacting consumer bankruptcy from the Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit and the bankruptcy and district courts. Examine the facts of a case and walk through the full process from counseling the client to the trial proceedings in Fact Pattern Part 1 and 2. Hear a recap of the Supreme Court's discharge decisions since the bankruptcy code went into effect. Discuss your frequently, and sometimes infrequently, asked questions with our seasoned judges in this year’s Open Forum Judicial Panel. Please submit your questions in advance to ConferenceQA@utcle.org. Breakfast Breakout Sessions for each district, featuring casual discussion with district bankruptcy judges and trustees. Following the conference, attendees will receive a bonus eCourse to ensure practitioners can earn their required 15.00/3.00 Texas MCLE hours for the year.

UT Law CLE's Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference is celebrating 40 years as one of the premier bankruptcy programs in the nation. The conference attracts a stellar national faculty of prominent judges, academics, and practitioners. It also provides an in-depth focus on current topics in business and consumer bankruptcy. 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 then Friday afternoon, Debbie Langehennig leads a panel for a deeper dive into recent business and consumer cases. Select from Thursday afternoon concurrent tracks: Business Track includes insight on contracting issues with midstream agreements; liability management issues in COVID Chapter 11 DIP; Chapter 11 plan protections and third-party releases; and redesigning disclosure statements. Consumer Track includes issues regarding the means test; CARES Act and other tips for debtor representation, including moratorium and forbearance; and a discussion of judicial estoppel and recent cases. Overview of the Texas electricity industry, Winter Storm Uri’s operational and financial impact on the key segments of the market, the Texas legislature’s response, and the subsequent bankruptcy and litigation fallout. Preliminary Findings from National Science Foundation Study on Debt & Domestic Violence. Helpful tips and reminders to avoid ethical pitfalls in auctions, virtual mediations, and committee meetings in Look Before You Leap. Gain insight on the proposed Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act, SBRA and sub chapter V; the use of market evidence to refute or establish insolvency in fraudulent conveyance cases; claim objections; and much more. Also, enjoy interacting and networking with judges, trustees, and practitioners at Thursday Evening’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Reception and be sure to join us for a special 40th Anniversary Celebration on Friday afternoon! The John C. Akard Distinguished Lectureship on Wednesday evening will be delivered by John A. E. Pottow. Pottow, the John Philip Dawson Collegiate Professor of Law, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of commercial law. His award-winning scholarship concentrates on the issues involved in the regulation of cross-border insolvencies as well as consumer financial distress, and his extensive public service work focuses on international trade and pro bono representation of bankrupt debtors. If you wish to attend the Akard Lecture, Live at the Fairmont Austin, but are not attending the Westbrook Conference please complete the registration form online. If you are attending the Westbrook Conference you may you may RSVP for the Akard lecture when registering for the conference.

UT Law's 39th 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. It also provides an in-depth focus on current topics in business and consumer bankruptcy. This year’s webcast is a new experience and still remains the same high-caliber program, highlights include: Professor Jay L. Westbrook and Debbie Langehennig will again lead two sessions of the perennial favorite Recent Developments. In place of the of business and consumer tracks, we have woven more consumer topics throughout the two days of conference. All registrants will also receive an additional 1.75 hours of accredited prerecorded consumer sessions in “Your Briefcase”. Explore the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 and its implications for both debtors and creditors, including what the CARES Act means for those seeking qualification under the SBRA. Hear Chief Judges Hale, Jones, King, and Rhoades discuss technology and the courtroom before and after COVID-19. Judge Mott explores the real differences between Delaware and Texas with Chief Judge Sontchi and Judge Isgur. Judges Gargotta, Jones, and López weigh in on Vexing Issues in Consumer Cases including internet-based consumer firms, the use of appearance counsel, and more. Examine the requirements for debtors and official committees to retain professionals in bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code and Rules, including recent developments in retention of investment bankers, financial advisors, and Chief Restructuring Officers. Ethics session, Me? Biased? Studying Implicit Bias and How it Affects Your Decisions. Gain insight on complex Chapter 11 cases; retail bankruptcies during a world health crisis; unique challenges of a “free fall” bankruptcy; swapping boards and other management strategies; and much more. This is an online event you do not want to miss!

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice is an informative and informal conference that presents current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners.  Three Case Summaries sessions provide the most relevant, current and important cases impacting consumer bankruptcy from the Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit and the bankruptcy and district courts. Hear about the CARES Act’s changes to the Bankruptcy Code and how small businesses can (and cannot) get stimulus money.  An interactive discussion among four experienced Texas bankruptcy court law clerks, highlighting unique practices and rules in each district. Gain insight on Non-Exemptions and Weird Exemptions. Living on the Means Test, a judge shares his limited experience in living under the means test.  Discuss your frequently, and sometimes infrequently, asked questions with our seasoned judges in this year’s Open Forum Judicial Panel. Please submit your questions in advance to ConferenceQA@utcle.org. Breakfast Breakout Sessions for each district, featuring casual discussion with district bankruptcy judges and trustees. Following the conference, attendees will receive a bonus eSupplement containing up to an additional 1.75 hours of MCLE (including 0.75 hour of ethics) to ensure practitioners can earn their required 15.00/3.00 Texas MCLE hours for the year. Pro Bono Clinic – Back Again This Year! Join UT Law CLE, Lone Star Legal Aid, and the Bankruptcy Law Section of the State Bar of Texas for a pro bono clinic following the conference on Tuesday, July 28 from 1:15 – 3:15 p.m. Attendees will learn about the services LSLA offers, how attendees can use their training to make a difference in the community, and will be matched immediately with a pre-screened Lone Star Legal Aid client for a live Zoom consultation. Attendees are encouraged to sign up to help a client in need of legal services. Those who register and attend the clinic will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to UT Law CLE's eLibrary, comprised of audio, video, slides and papers from conferences spanning dozens of practice areas (a $295 value). For more information and to sign up for the clinic, contact Lone Star Legal Aid by phone 800.733.8394 x1217 or by email to mpitts@lonestarlegal.org. You can also add the clinic to your order when registering for the webcast.

UT Law's 38th 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. It also provides an in-depth focus on current topics in business and consumer bankruptcy. Program highlights: This year, 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 then Friday afternoon, Debbie Langehennig leads a panel for an in-depth look at the best and worst of the cases. Select from Thursday afternoon concurrent tracks: Business Track includes discussions on recidivist debtors; modifying labor and retirement obligations in bankruptcy; utilizing and interpreting make whole provisions; rights offerings; and the drivers of the recent turmoil in the retail industry. Consumer Track includes discussions on the ABI Consumer Commission Report; litigation in consumer cases; discharging IRS debt; and practical considerations for consumer attorneys, including creating a debtor’s saving plan, increasing the disbursement from the trustee for attorney fees and ethical considerations. Have a question for the judges? Friday morning, Judges Davis, Isgur, Jernigan and Parker will be ready to answer them! Submit questions in advance to conferenceQA@utcle.org. Explore contemporary discovery techniques that lawyers utilize to keep pace with constantly changing communications in modern society. Gain insight on the use of arbitration in bankruptcy; health care bankruptcies; unique aspects of chapter 11 cases triggered by sexual abuse tort claims; the contours of ethical negotiations, illegal extortion, and bankruptcy bribery; and much more. Also, enjoy interacting and networking with judges, trustees, and practitioners at Thursday Evening’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Reception!

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice is an informative and informal conference that presents current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners. This year’s highlights include: A review of the recent rule changes, including some older cases you should know. Insight on Accounting for Lawyers, including balance sheets, income statements, and amortization schedules. A closer look at burden of proof in Beast of Burden and Prosecuting and Defending Exceptions to Discharge. Advice on Some Practical Ideas for Fixing, or at Least Mitigating, Common Bankruptcy Practitioner Errors. Analysis of the uses and abuses of Data Mining when building your bankruptcy case. Discuss your frequently, and sometimes infrequently, asked questions with our seasoned judges in this year’s Open Forum Judicial Panel. Breakfast Breakout Sessions for each district, featuring casual discussion with district bankruptcy judges and Chapter 13 trustees. Networking reception where attendees can connect with old colleagues and meet new ones. Attendees also receive additional on-demand programming after the conference to ensure they have the opportunity to meet their full 15.00/3.00 hours of required Texas MCLE.   Pro Bono Clinic – Back Again This Year! Join UT Law CLE, Lone Star Legal Aid, and the Bankruptcy Law Section of the State Bar of Texas for a pro bono clinic following the conference on Friday, July 26 from 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. Attendees will learn about the services LSLA offers, and how attendees can use their training to make a difference in the community, and are encouraged to sign up to help a client in need of legal services. Sign-up for the clinic when you register for the conference and receive a free one-year subscription to UT Law CLE's eLibrary (a $295 value) and for more information about the clinic, contact Lone Star Legal Aid at (800) 733-8394 x1217 or visit them online at lonestarlegal.blog

UT Law's 37th 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. It also provides an in-depth focus on current topics in business and consumer bankruptcy. Program highlights: Led by Professor Jay L. Westbrook Recent Developments, the perennial favorite, is back with a panel of distinguished practitioners to discuss this year’s cases. Learn what makes the judges tick as the old guard, Judges Isgur, Parker and Gargotta interview the new guard in the Judicial Spotlight. Hear valuable guidance and explore the ethical issues that lawyers need to be aware of regarding cryptocurrencies and social media use. Select from Thursday afternoon concurrent tracks: Business Track includes discussions on the use of in-house counsel as witnesses; the trends of adequate protection in the use, sale or lease of property of the estate; what tactics or strategies should be considered if Chapter 11 is not the preferred alternative; and recent Chapter 11 plan-related developments including substantive consolidation, “per plan” versus “per debtor” considerations, and third-party releases. Consumer Track includes discussions on Jevic in the consumer context; turnover after In Re Cowan, 849 F. 3rd 943; the latest on the loan modification program proposed for Texas; and how to deal and not deal with exemption issues  pre-bankruptcy. Gain insight on the use of technology in the courtroom; circuit splits; ethical considerations in section 363 sales; how to maximize the potential for a positive mediation outcome; and much more. Also, enjoy interacting and networking 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 Melissa B. Jacoby the Graham Kenan Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jacoby teaches bankruptcy law, contract law, and commercial law, including and especially secured transactions. Jacoby is an elected member of the American Law Institute, the National Bankruptcy Conference, the American College of Bankruptcy, and the American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers, and has served as the Robert M. Zinman Scholar for the American Bankruptcy Institute. 

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice is an informative and informal conference that presents current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners. This year’s highlights include: A review of the recent rule changes, including tips you should know and traps you should avoid. Insight from the Acting U.S. Trustee for Region 7 on topics such as the means test and debtor audits. Audience voting on the “Sweet Sixteen” cases to include in your briefcase to take to hearings. Advice on How to Claim, Attack, and Defend Exemptions, including the reasons behind exemptions and how to ensure creditors receive some payment. Analysis of The Intersection of Bankruptcy and Criminal Law: From Bankruptcy Crimes to the Fifth Amendment. Breakfast Breakout Sessions for each district, featuring casual discussion with district bankruptcy judges and Chapter 13 trustees. Networking reception where attendees can connect with old colleagues and meet new ones. Attendees will also receive additional on-demand programming to ensure they have the opportunity to meet their full 15.0/3.0 hours of required Texas MCLE. Pro Bono Clinic - New This Year! Join UT Law CLE, Lone Star Legal Aid, and the Bankruptcy Law Section of the State Bar of Texas for a pro bono clinic following the conference on Friday,  July 27 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the services LSLA offers, and how attendees can use their training to make a difference in the community, and are encouraged to sign up to help a client in need of legal services.   Those who register and attend the clinic will receive a $100 discount off their registration for the conference.  For more information about the clinic, contact Lone Star Legal Aid at (800) 733-8394 x1217. To register for the conference and the clinic (and to claim your $100 discount) contact UT Law CLE Customer Service at (512) 475-6700.

UT Law's 36th 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: Listen as Professor Jay L. Westbrook leads a panel of distinguished practitioners to discuss this year’s cases in the perennial favorite, Recent Developments. A Peek Under the Robes: Judicial Panel, moderated by Judge H. Christopher Mott offers a unique showdown between Bankruptcy Judges and their trusty Law Clerks. Hear the latest on bankruptcies in the real estate, healthcare, and retail industries. Select from Thursday afternoon concurrent tracks: Business Track includes discussions on the rise of equity committees; the briefing, arguments, and implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration (and perhaps decision) of the scope of the Section 546(e) safe harbor in Merit Management Group v. FTI Consulting; what steps a company should and should not take prior to a bankruptcy filing; implications of Jevic on business bankruptcy cases; and practice tips to avoid pitfalls in post-confirmation subject matter jurisdiction. Consumer Track includes discussions on dischargeability of taxes in Chapter 7 and 13 cases; Community Property, Divorce and Bankruptcy—What Could Possibly go Wrong; How to Make the Trustee Happy and Keep Your Client out of Trouble; Espinosa Update and Other Post-Confirmation Chapter 13 Matters. Gain insight on Jevic; student loans; SCOTUS judicial decision making; formulating, confirming and implementing complex plans; trail advocacy for bankruptcy practitioners; and much more. Also, enjoy interacting and networking with judges, trustees, and practitioners at Thursday Evening’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Reception!

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice is an informative and informal conference that presents current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners.   2017 highlights include:  Analyze updates on consumer bankruptcy cases from the Fifth Circuit with Hon. Marvin Isgur, Hon. Brenda T. Rhoades, Hon. Craig A. Gargotta, and Hon. Eduardo V. Rodriguez. Employ practical tips on what to do when things go wrong, with Oops! Fixing Errors in Pleadings, Scheduled, Plans, Prior Testimony, Proposed Orders, and Entered Orders and Filling Out the Mortgage Proof of Claim Form. Determine what's on the minds of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Trustees through candid discussions among the trustees. Review the nuances of Client Relationships, including how to best create, manage, and divorce relationships with clients. Prepare how to keep your costs down and ethics up with Unauthorized Practice of Law: How Much Can Your Paralegal Do? Examine the “Snapshot Rule” in the newest installment of the Smackdown: Exempt Property is Forever Yours??? with Hon. Marvin Isgur and Hon. Russell F. Nelms. Interact and network with judges, trustees, and practitioners throughout the conference, including breakfast breakout sessions on Friday morning.  Attendees and faculty are encouraged to dress “beach casual,” and bring the family to enjoy Moody Gardens on Galveston Island.

Co-presented by the American Bankruptcy Institute, The University of Texas School of Law, and The Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors, VALCON 2017 is a unique opportunity to hear from and meet some of the leading professionals in the distressed debt, restructuring and valuation business. If you are a dealmaker, fund investor, or financial or legal advisor, you'll want to join us!

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.  

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice is an informative conference presented in a relaxed setting. The conference focuses on current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners.   2016 highlights include:   Updates on consumer bankruptcy cases from the Fifth Circuit with Hon. Marvin Isgur, Hon. Brenda T. Rhoades, Hon. Craig A. Gargotta, and Hon. Eduardo V. Rodriguez, and deeper insights into key Fifth Circuit and Supreme Court cases with Sally Henry, Texas Tech University School of Law Practical tips on the bankruptcy process from start to finish, including Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Automatic Stay (But Were Afraid to Ask) and Top 5 Ways to Lose Your Discharge An exploration of domestic support obligations in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy with Ashley Carroll, Office of the Attorney General and Tracie M. Shelby, The Shelby Law Firm Updates on the Homestead Exemption, RESPA's Impact on Chapter 13 and Monthly Escrow Payments and New Forms and Rule 3002.1 Notices Audience Q&A with Hon. Tony M. Davis, Hon. Douglas D. Dodd, Hon. H. DeWayne “Cooter” Hale, and Hon. Jeffrey P. Norman Hello from the Other Side: Law Clerk Panel on Ethics and Court Procedures, featuring discussion of court procedures and preferences among clerks from each of Texas’ judicial districts The Return of the Smackdown with Michael V. Baumer and Hon. Marvin Isgur Interaction and networking opportunities with judges, trustees and practitioners throughout the conference, including breakfast breakout sessions on Friday morning   Attendees and faculty are encouraged to dress “beach casual” and bring the family to enjoy Moody Gardens on Galveston Island. Enrich your conference experience with a conference mentor/mentee    Whether you’re new to the practice area, a seasoned pro, or looking for a peer to bounce ideas with, consider conference mentoring. This is a first for UT Law CLE, and we’re keeping it casual and unstructured – no scheduled activities or commitments. Simply chat during a break, or set aside time for more substantive conversation. Make your choice (mentor, mentee or peer) on the registration form, and we’ll match you to a fellow attendee!  

UT Law's outstanding Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference, now in its 34th year, is one of the premier bankruptcy programs in the nation. This 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 Judge H. DeWayne "Cooter" Hale, moderates discussion with new bankruptcy judges within the Fifth Circuit—Judge Clifton R. Jessup, Jr., Judge John Kolwe, Judge Mark X. Mullin, and Judge Eduardo V. Rodriquez—as they share their experiences and first impressions from their short time on the bench Thursday afternoon concurrent tracks—the Business Track includes tips on how to adjust your practice in seeking compensation post-Woerner and post-ASARCO, as well as recent developments in cross-border sales, structured dismissals and fraudulent transfer law; the Consumer Track provides an analysis of this year’s best, worst and most useful decisions affecting Chapters 7 and 13, along with practical advice for plan confirmation in sections 1322 and 1325, and the opportunity to learn about the current developments, open issues and best practices in the complex and very important area of exemptions Judge Bruce A. Markell, Northwestern University School of Law, examines three significant bankruptcy opinions, Wellness, Caulkett, and Bullard Learn about bankruptcy and insolvency in the Oil and Gas field, with presentations on Exploration and Production Companies vs. Service Companies, Oil and Gas Valuation Dislocation, and The ABC’s of Financing Oil and Gas Transactions Professor Michael W. Brandl, The Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University, provides an economist's insight on the current state and the future of both domestic and international lending and debt markets 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 Edward (Ted) Janger, the David M. Barse Professor at Brooklyn Law School. He has published in the areas of bankruptcy law, commercial law and data privacy in many of the leading law reviews. Professor Janger speaks on Realization, Option Value and Governance in Chapter 11.  

Consumer Bankruptcy Practice presents current developments and practical tips for bankruptcy attorneys and trustees, offers essential information on the Bankruptcy Code, and provides must-have written materials and resources for practitioners. 2015 highlights include: An update on Fifth Circuit consumer bankruptcy cases from the past year, with Hon. Tony Davis, Hon. Douglas D. Dodd, Hon. Craig Gargotta, Hon. DeWayne Hale and Hon. Marvin Isgur A review of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions affecting consumer bankruptcy A look at developments since passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Trustees from various districts focus on recent decisions and issues from the past year Edgar Borrego and Mark Castillo present How to Marry and Divorce Clients Breakfast breakout sessions with the Judiciary and Chapter 13 Trustees from Texas and Louisiana U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Gregg Costa provides his view from the Fifth Circuit with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions Hon. H. DeWayne Hale, Hon. Craig Gargotta, Hon. Marvin Isgur, Hon. Jeffrey P. Norman and Hon. Brenda T. Rhoades present Mini-Trial: How Big Is Too Big regarding disposition of luxury goods in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy Fun, interactive sessions that encourage attendee participation on evidence and direct and cross examination Interact and network with judges, trustees and practitioners throughout the conference, including the Night Out at the Aquarium Reception and Dinner–bring your family and enjoy the Aquarium in this ticketed event without the large crowds of summer This conference is informative and informal—attendees and faculty are encouraged to dress “beach casual” and bring the family to enjoy Moody Gardens on Galveston Island.