National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ)

While some of us choose to live in denial, the Federal Rules of Evidence are not optional, as they represent one of the foundational pillars of any successful insolvency practice. This program will explore some of the more complex evidentiary issues confronted by insolvency professionals. The program is designed to provide an interactive format through discussion, debate, polling, and ultimately, observations from the Oracle of Evidence herself.

Resolution of important issues in bankruptcy occasionally depend on which Circuit the case is pending. In this session, a panel of three preeminent judges will hear arguments by three sets of outstanding advocates on important topics where the Circuits are divided.

2021 kicks off a new version of the Broken Bench program: Jeopardy Host, Chief Judge Pamela Pepper, will challenge contestants Judge Cate Furay, Professor Nancy Rapoport, and Demetra Liggins with educational and fun questions. The Jeopardy categories will include:

• Famous Debtors,
• Bricks & Mortar,
• Supremely Strange,
• Sex & Religion, and
• Covid-19.

A conversation on how bankruptcy courts can get ready for the expected tsunami of mortgage defaults post-COVID and beyond. The panelists will share recent updates on extending the same process to address student loan defaults in chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

Consolidations and closures of small colleges, and increasing demands on charter schools' finances, have been growing trends that have only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. This panel will discuss how the pandemic has impacted enrollment, financing and out-of-court workouts, and, where appropriate, chapter 7 and 11 filings. The panelists will also consider the effects of COVID-related litigation regarding tuition reimbursement and potential enrollment contract modifications.