CBF 2024 Conference Program Book

President’s Message

Welcome to the California Bankruptcy Forum!

As the 2023-2024 President of the California Bankruptcy Forum (CBF), it is my privilege to welcome you to our 36th annual Insolvency Conference at the Ritz-Carlton in Santa Barbara. Four years ago, as one of the conference co-chairs, I was looking forward to greeting everyone at Bacara resort. Of course, we all know what happened then. So, it seems fitting that now, as outgoing CBF President, I am finally able to welcome everyone to Santa Barbara. I am thrilled that over 300 people — our largest attendance in years — have registered to participate in the event.

As you know by now, this year’s event features presentations on hot topics such as the looming commercial real estate crunch, student loan debt, the new UCC Article 12 and the increase in Subchapter V cases. That’s in addition to a wide selection of practical talks on nuts-and-bolts subjects including mediation, litigation, and chapter 11 plans. Among our panelists are bankruptcy judges sitting throughout California, who offer their insights on trending bankruptcy law issues. We’ll also hear from keynote speaker Bill Dedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose New York Times bestseller on the life of reclusive heiress Huguette Clark is being adapted into a Hollywood film.

I am sure there will be plenty to discuss at our networking events, which include coffee breaks, dinners, and receptions, as well as optional activities.

As the largest statewide insolvency organization in California, CBF brings together lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, auctioneers, trustees, receivers, bankruptcy judges and all other professionals involved in the insolvency practice. The Forum has over 500 members and is the preeminent insolvency organization in California, providing education to insolvency professionals practicing in both the consumer and business settings, and is a forum for the free exchange of ideas to further the personal growth of our members and the professionalism of our industry.

It has been a true pleasure to serve on the CBF board for the last four years and as your president for the 2023-24 term. Our conference co-chairs have done amazing work setting up this year’s event and I congratulate them on what I know will be an excellent program. I’d also like to express my gratitude to our entire conference team, Group Concepts and the CBF leadership for all their hard work in the past year. None of this would happen without you.

Finally, I’d like to wish incoming President John Tedford the very best of luck as he takes the reins of the CBF in the coming year.

Michael A. Sweet, 2023-2024 President

Schedule-at-a-Glance

Thursday, May 16, 2024

1:00 – 6:00 PM

Conference Registration Desk Open

3:00 – 5:00 PM

California Bankruptcy Forum (CBF) Board of Directors Meeting

5:00 – 5:30 PM

California Bankruptcy Journal (CBJ) Board of Directors Meeting

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Welcome Reception for CBF & CBJ Board of Directors, conference committee, sponsors, exhibitors and Judges

Friday, May 17, 2024

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Conference Registration Desk Open

8:00 – 9:00 AM

California Bankruptcy Journal (CBJ) Editorial Board Meeting

8:00 – 9:00 AM Coffee Meet and Greet with the California Receivers Forum

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Looking for the Shorebreak: The Use of the Bankruptcy Code in Equity Receiverships*

8:30 – 10:00 AM

California Lawyers Association (CLA) Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) Meeting

9:00 – 10:00 AM

The Crashing Wave: Commercial Real Estate Receiverships*

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Exhibitors Open

10:15 - 11:30 AM

Welcome Refreshments

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Keynote Luncheon: Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune

2:00 – 3:00 PM Judges Roundtable The Swell of Subchapter V Cases*

3:00 – 3:15 PM Networking Break

3:15 – 4:15 PM

Hang Loose, a Nuts-and-Bolts on Joint Stipulations and Professional Courtesies*

3:15 – 4:15 PM

Business Session Lessons for Trial Attorneys from Appellate Counsel*

4:30 – 5:30 PM Hang Nine*

6:00 – 7:00 PM CLA / ILC Reception for all attendees

Saturday, May 18, 2024

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Conference Registration Desk Open

7:30 – 9:30 AM Breakfast

7:30 AM – 12:00 PM Exhibitors Open

8:00 – 9:00 AM Business Session Commercial Real Estate*

8:00 – 9:00 AM Hang 12 Dude! Make Way For The New UCC Article 12*

8:30 – 9:30 AM Pier to Pier Networking*

8:30 – 9:30 AM

The Line Up Waiting to Catch a Wave: The Different Types of Receiverships*

9:30 – 10:30 AM Wheels of Misfortune with Honorable Sheri Bluebond*

10:30 – 11:00 AM Networking Break

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Judge’s Roundtable Shredding*

12:15 – 1:15 PM

Young Insolvency Professionals (YIP) Lunch and Judges Roundtable

Navigating the Rip Tide: Ethical Dilemmas and Considerations for YIPs*

(Please Note: This session is only available to YIP Registrants)

Optional Activities

1:00 – 5:00 PM

CBF Annual Golf Tournament at Sandpiper Golf Club

1:30– 3:20 PM Ellwood Hike & Bike

1:30 – 4:30 PM Painting Party

1:30 – 2:30 PM YIP Session

Beware the Undertow: Creating a Chapter 11 Plan that Breaks Through the Surfline*

1:30 – 2:30 PM Consumer Session

The Impact Zone of Probate Law and Bankruptcy*

2:30 – 2:45 PM YIP Networking Break

2:30 – 3:30 PM

Consumer Session

Waiting for Your Set: How to Prepare for and Engage in Mediation*

2:45 – 3:45 PM YIP Session

Swimming Smoothly Around the Rocky Shoals of Litigation*

3:30 – 4:00 PM

Consumer Networking Break

4:00 – 5:30 PM Mingle with the YIPs Mixer and Lawn Games

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Consumer Session

Riding the Barrel: Will the new DOJ Guidance provide debtors with much needed relief from student loan debt?*

6:30 – 7:00 PM

Final Night Reception

7:00 – 9:00 PM Dinner and Entertainment

Sunday, May 19, 2024

8:00 – 10:00 AM

California Receivers Forum (CRF) Board Meeting

8:00 – 10:00 AM

CBF Future Planning Meeting

*An application requesting MCLE credit for this activity is pending for approval

Driving Results

Congratulations to our Partner Michael Sweet on a successful tenure as President of the California Bankruptcy Forum.

Michael leads a national team of attorneys who provide creative solutions in financial restructuring and bankruptcy matters.

Solving problems is our top priority.

Michael A. Sweet Chair, Financial Restructuring & Bankruptcy Department

Platinum Sponsors

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Exhibitors

Ellwood Hike & Bike

Explore this diverse habitat, home to hundreds of predatory birds and thousands of monarch butterflies. After biking to the grove, the guided tour will proceed on foot through the grove and to the coastline.

�� Saturday, 1:30 pm - 3:20 pm

�� $160 for e-bikes, must be 18 or older

Painting Party

A trained artist will guide you through a step-bystep process to paint the view in front of you and create a masterpiece to be proud of.

�� Saturday, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

�� $105, includes supplies and snacks

CBF Golf Tournament

Sandpiper is an inspiring combination of challenge and beauty at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. With breathtaking views from every hole, Sandpiper is truly a memorable experience.

�� Saturday, 2:15 pm

�� $260 per golfer, $85 rental clubs

Conference Meeting Spaces

Chart a course through bankruptcy litigation

Don’t let the complexity of bankruptcy litigation and reorganization throw you o course. Backed by a nationwide practice, our attorneys in California help our clients navigate the rough waters of Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcies. From representing creditors and fiduciaries, to corporate debtors, Dinsmore has the depth of experience to get you to your destination.

Don’t miss

Peter J. Mastan. Speaker, “Swimming Smoothly Around the Rocky Shoals of Litigation,” May 18, 2:45 p.m.

dinsmore.com

Welcome

to Santa Barbara! We are excited to have you at the California Bankruptcy Forum’s 36th Annual Insolvency Conference, where we will be “Navigating the Wave” at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

This year’s Sponsorship, Education, Consumer, and YIP Co-Chairs, along with each of the producers, speakers, and judges have worked incredibly hard to showcase an impressive and broad spectrum of insightful educational content. Our panels will cover a wide range of issues and industries, including major Supreme Court cases and their potential impact on bankruptcy and restructuring, important issues in commercial real estate cases, new developments in the Uniform Commercial Code, subchapter V considerations, artificial intelligence, student loans, resolving disputes consensually, be it through mediation or other settlement approaches, and more. Last year, we collaborated with the California Receivers Forum to host educational and social programming, and we are excited to welcome back CRF and its members this year.

Our annual conference would not be complete without Judge Sheri Bluebond’s beloved game show, so don’t miss it on Saturday morning! Similarly, we are grateful to all of our California bankruptcy judges who will present on panels and engage with attendees in lively roundtable discussions. Continuing the Forum’s efforts to expand the reach of its programs, the Conference will include programs specially tailored for Consumer and Young Insolvency Professionals.

We also are excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Bill Dedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of the bestselling biography, Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune. We look forward to hearing from Bill as he shares his experiences as a reporter and the penning of this critically acclaimed story of Huguette Clark, who owned multiple estates, including the Bellosguardo, located right here in Santa Barbara. We encourage you to consider touring the property before you depart.

Adding to the fun, we have the annual golf tournament at the esteemed Sandpiper Golf Club and several exciting activities planned on Saturday afternoon, including a hike and bike to the Ellwood Eucalyptus Grove and an on-site painting party. Please also consider supporting our annual pro bono program by participating in some fun, competitive bingo throughout the conference. Finally, don’t miss our signature Saturday evening dinner and reception—the capstone to a fabulous weekend in Santa Barbara.

As always, this conference could not take place without our wonderful community - thank you to each sponsor, exhibitor and advertiser, every attendee, all of our esteemed judges, and our knowledgeable speakers for your support of the California Bankruptcy Forum and its annual conference. Your active participation and engagement, year after year, are what make CBF the great organization that it is. We also extend our special thanks to the Sponsorship Co-Chairs, who embraced this newly created leadership role, and were integral to securing our generous sponsors who make this conference a success.

Please don’t be shy this weekend! Say hello and share with us your thoughts on the programs and conference. We have sincerely looked forward to connecting with you all as we planned this conference over the last year.

Jeannie, Jake, and Claire 2024 Conference Co-Chairs

2024 Conference Leadership Team

President

Sweet Fox Rothschild LLP San Francisco msweet@foxrothschild.com

Vice President & Pro Bono Chair

Tedford Danning Gill Los Angeles jtedford@danninggill.com

Secretary

Schroedter Robberson Schroedter LLP San Diego (619) 353-5691 maggie@thersfirm.com

Treasurer

Marshack

Hayes LLP Irvine (949) 333-7777 marshack@marshackhays.com

Judicial Liaison

of CA Los Angeles Sheri_Bluebond@cacb.uscourts.gov

Conference Co-Chair

San Francisco jekim@sheppardmullin.com

Conference Co-Chair

(Jason) Rios Felderstein Fitzgerald Willoughby Pascuzzi & Rios Sacramento jrios@ffwplaw.com

Conference Co-Chair

Wu Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Los Angeles claire.wu@pillsburylaw.com

Education Co-Chair

(Anthony) Bisconti Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP Los Angeles tbisconti@bklwlaw.com

Education Co-Chair

Witthans

Hayes LLP San Francisco rwitthans@fhlawllp.com

Education Co-Chair

King

Soto Leeds LLP San Diego mking@fsl.law

Sponsorship Co-Chair Zev Shechtman Saul Ewing Los Angeles Zev.Shechtman@saul.com

Sponsorship Co-Chair Sandi Colabianchi Fennemore Oakland SColabianchi@fennemorelaw.com

Sponsorship Co-Chair Hagop Bedoyan McCormick Barstow LLP Fresno hagop.bedoyan@mccormickbarstow.com

YIP Co-Chair Evan Reed EY-Parthenon San Diego evan.reed@parthenon.ey.com

YIP Co-Chair Meghann Triplett Margulies Faith LLP San Luis Obispo meghann@marguliesfaithlaw.com

Consumer Co-Chair Rika Kido Shulman Bastian Friedman & Bui LLP Irvine rkido@shulmanbastian.com

Consumer Co-Chair Roksana Moradi-Brovia RHM Law LLP Los Angeles roksana@rhmfirm.com

CRF Liaison Mia Blackler Lubin Olson Newiadomski LLP San Francisco mblackler@lubinolson.com

CRF Liaison

Dominic LoBuglio Dominic LoBuglio CPA, Inc. Pasadena dominic@lscpa.net

CRF Liaison

Daniel Miggins Hilco Real Estate San Diego dmiggins@hilcoglobal.com

BKLW specializes in white-collar criminal defense and investigations, complex civil ligation, and bankruptcy and insolvency matters.

The firm’s trial results include complete defense verdicts, favorable outcomes in criminal cases including zero restitution and no jail time, and multi-million dollar judgments and recoveries for plainti s, trustees, and creditors. In cases resolved short of trial, the firm has secured numerous dismissals in defense cases and adversary proceedings, and settlements in plainti cases totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

TONY BISCONTI, PARTNER STEVEN JAY KATZMAN, PARTNER

LOS ANGELES OFFICE ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE (949) 369-3700 (213) 528-3400 www.bklwlaw.com skatzman@bklwlaw.com tbisconti@bklwlaw.com

SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR

OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE CALIFORNIA BANKRUPTCY JOURNAL

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS

**denotes members of the Board of Directors

Leslie A. Cohen

Jeffrey I. Golden **

Eric P. Israel **

Lance N. Jurich

Ashley Marie McDow

Hutchison B. Meltzer

Aram Ordubegian

David M. Reeder

Zev Shechtman

Leonard M. Shulman

John N. Tedford, IV

J’aime K. Williams Kerper

EDITORS IN CHIEF

Jeffrey I. Golden and Eric P. Israel

EDITORS EMERITUS

Vincent M. Coscino

George W. Kuney

Peter J. Gurfein**

Janet Shapiro Levitt**

Elmer Dean Martin III**

ADMINISTRATIVE

Andrea Casillas

TYPESETTER

Patricia Morris

VOLUME 36.1

AUTHORS

J. Scott Bovitz

Jenny L. Doling

Nikki Farris

Marilyn Macron

Elmer Dean Martin III

Aram Ordubegian

Nancy Simons

John N. Tedford, IV

Sen. Bob Wieckowski

Christopher K.S. Wong

VOLUME 36.2

AUTHORS

Alan M. Ahart

Daniel B. Besikof

Leslie A. Cohen

Brian A. Link

Elmer Dean Martin III

VOLUME 36.3

AUTHORS

Laura N. Coordes

Joan N. Feeney

Samuel M. Kidder

Bruce A. Markell

Robert K. Rasmussen

Zev Shechtman

FORUM LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES

David Goodrich (San Diego County)

Uzzi O. Raanan (Los Ángeles)

Peter Sauer (Central)

Wayne Silver (Bay Area)

Kailey Wright (Orange County)

The Inland Empire Bankruptcy Forum

PRESIDENT

Misty Perry Isaacson

Pagter and Perry Isaacson, APLC

PRESIDENT-ELECT / PROGRAM CHAIR

Tinho Mang

Marshack Hays Wood LLP

TREASURER/SPONSORSHIP

Richard Marshack

Marshack Hays Wood LLP

SECRETARY

Shalah Fisher

New Tomorrow Law, APC

MEMBERSHIP

Michael Gouveia

Law Office of Michael Gouveia

DIRECTOR

e e & Hodges LLP

D Edward Hays

Marshack Hays Wood LLP

ger LLP

DIRECTOR

Summer M Shaw

Shaw & Hanover, PC

The Insolvency Law Committee of the Business Law Section of the is honored to host a

Welcome Reception

Friday, May 17, 2024 ▪ 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Ballroom Terrace Hors d'Oeuvres ▪ Beer & Wine ▪ Music ▪ All Conference Attendees Welcome

MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Pro Bono Project News

CBF has a long history of giving back to the community through donations to charitable organizations in the communities where CBF’s annual conference is held. In 2012, CBF leadership elected to formalize its pro bono project with the goal of making meaningful differences in our communities. Since that time, CBF has donated funds to public libraries and self-help desks and other organizations throughout California to assist those organizations in providing assistance to pro se debtors and to alleviate some of the burden that the growing percentage of pro se debtors has imposed on the Bankruptcy Courts throughout our state. Last year, CBF raised funds for the Honorable Richard M. Neiter Summer Bankruptcy Fellowship & Externship Fund (the “Neiter Fellowship”). This year, CBF is pleased to devote its pro bono project to raising funds for Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and the Neiter Fellowship.

This year will see the return of our popular Pro Bono Bingo! There will be multiple opportunities to purchase bingo cards at the conference, and we will run multiple bingo games throughout the weekend before and after education sessions, with prizes for the winners. There will also be a silent auction, so don’t miss the opportunity to support our pro bono project and go home with some nice sporting event tickets and other prizes.

About Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (“NLSLA”). In 1965, a group of young attorneys, motivated by a belief that the law could be a powerful tool for social and economic justice, gathered in a dilapidated office in the northeastern part of the San Fernando Valley. They formed what would one day become one of the largest public interest law firms in the state. They wanted to widen access to justice to the poorest sections of Los Angeles County – areas where residents were struggling with substandard housing, as well as a lack of access to healthcare, education and employment. In the early 2000s, NLSLA opened a pilot self-help legal access center in the Van Nuys Courthouse, one of multiple self-help centers operated by NLSLA to assist unrepresented persons in navigating legal and administrative minefields. NLSLA operates the self-help center in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Woodland Hills, and offers valuable assistance to potential and current debtors who need help understanding the bankruptcy process, completing the legal forms, and filing their cases in the appropriate court.

About the Neiter Fellowship. The Neiter Fellowship was launched in 2021 in honor of former U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Richard M. Neiter. Sponsored by this year’s host forum, the Neiter Fellowship promotes diversity in the Central District of California’s bankruptcy practice and provides financial assistance to law students who will be serving as full-time judicial externs for Central District bankruptcy judges. The Neiter Fellowship’s goal is to promote diversity in the Central District’s bankruptcy practice and provide career opportunities for highly qualified law students from underrepresented backgrounds. Due to the generosity of donors, this year the Neiter Fellowship will be awarding each recipient a stipend worth at least $4,000.

John Tedford

Pro Bono Chair

Education Co-Chairs’ Message

Welcome

to the California Bankruptcy Forum’s 2024 Annual Insolvency Conference,

where we are riding the wave to explore new horizons and navigate the currents of change!

As we gather to enjoy each other’s company and exchange knowledge, we extend a warm welcome to all attendees, whether familiar faces or new friends. Let’s dive into the opportunities that lie ahead and soak in the wisdom of our esteemed judges, panelists, and colleagues. Here is what you can look forward to during our time together:

Catch the Wave of Connection: Whether you’re mingling at the CLA/ILC reception, the YIP Mixer and Lawn Games, or Saturday’s dinner and entertainment, embrace the chance to bond and share experiences with fellow attendees. Be sure to use the CBF app to connect with other attendees before, during, and after the conference.

Ride the Tide of Exploration: Explore the stunning surroundings of our venue at the picturesque Ritz-Carlton Bacara resort and beyond. Hike and bike through the Ellwood eucalyptus grove, golf on the edge of the Pacific coast at Sandpiper, learn to paint the view from the resort by a trained artist, and venture into town to explore the local restaurants and shopping. This year’s conference is sure to have something for everyone.

Dive into the Depths of Learning: Our lineup of educational programs promises to be as refreshing as a dip in the ocean. Join us for engaging discussions led by expert judges and professionals as we delve into topics including commercial real estate trends, new amendments to UCC Article 12, artificial intelligence, Chapter 11 and Subchapter V issues, appellate practice, and other exciting and topical subjects. We are especially thankful for the Consumer and YIP Co-Chairs who have thoughtfully curated a selection of programs for consumer-oriented practitioners and those kicking off their career. Additionally, Friday’s keynote luncheon will feature Bill Dedman, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of the bestselling biography Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune. The CBF leadership team has endeavored to ensure that each of this year’s programs are interesting, insightful, and useful.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our judges, sponsors, speakers, producers, supporters, and attendees, whose dedication has made this event possible. Your commitment ensures that we can continue to ride the rising tide of educational excellence year after year.

Thank you for embarking on this journey with us. Here’s to a conference filled with waves of learning, laughter, and lasting memories. We hope to see you next year in Carlsbad!

Warmest regards,

Ryan A. Witthans, Meredith King, and Tony Bisconti

Education Co-Chairs

Education Sessions

Friday May 17, 2024

8:00 – 9:00 AM Looking for the Shorebreak: The Use of the Bankruptcy Code in Equity Receiverships*

This panel will discuss the interplay between equity receiverships and the Bankruptcy Code and how the bankruptcy toolbox is used in equity receiverships.

Panelists

Brad Foster, FTI Consulting

Matthew Pham, Allen Matkins

Kathy Bazoian Phelps, Raines Feldman Littrell LLP

9:00 – 10:00 AM The Crashing Wave: Commercial Real Estate Receiverships*

This panel will discuss the use of receiverships to address distressed commercial real estate, the benefits that make receiverships attractive, and why they may not be the best solution for particular assets.

Panelists

Krista Freitag, E3 Advisors, San Diego

Meagen E. Leary, Duane Morris, San Francisco

Daniel Miggins, Hilco Real Estate, San Diego

*An application requesting MCLE credit for this activity is pending for approval

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Keynote Luncheon featuring Bill Dedman*

Bill Dedman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of the bestselling biography Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune. He has worked in online news, video, newspapers, television, and magazines.

Bill got his start in journalism at 16 as a copy boy at The Chattanooga Times. Bill has written for The Associated Press, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Boston Globe.

He received the 1989 Pulitzer Prize in investigative reporting. Bill has received national journalism awards for online reporting, feature writing, and public service.

In eight years with NBC News, reporting online for NBCNews.com and msnbc.com, Bill uncovered stories on the Pentagon’s slow efforts to identify servicemen and women killed in past wars, the military police officers who tried to stop coercive interrogations of detainees at Guantanamo, fatal problems with firefighter safety equipment, and lessons learned from studies of school shootings.

Bill stumbled onto the mystery of the reclusive heiress Huguette Clark, who was featured in his series of reports in 2010 on NBCNews.com and the Today show. The Clark series was the most popular story ever on NBCNews.com, with more than 110 million page views. What began as a slideshow and feature story developed into an investigative series, a running daily competitive story, a full-length biography, and now is being developed as a Hollywood film.

He co-wrote the biography Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune. The book debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times best seller list and was chosen among the best books of 2013 by critic Janet Maslin, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads readers. See more at emptymansionsbook.com.

Education Sessions

2:00 – 3:00 PM Judges Roundtable – The Swell of Subchapter V Cases*

A discussion of critical issues impacting Subchapter V cases, including recent decisions from around the country.

Producers

Jeffrey K. Garfinkel, Buchalter, Irvine

Shelby Poteet, U.S Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California, San Diego

3:15 – 4:15 PM Concurrent Session – Hang Loose, a Nuts-and-Bolts on Joint Stipulations and Professional Courtesies*

Our esteemed panelists will discuss best practices and strategies on stipulations and professional courtesies that promote civility and advance the efficient and effective practice of law.

Producer

Brent Meyer, Meyer Law, San Francisco

Panelists

Hon. Neil Bason, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California

J. Scott Bovitz, Bovitz & Spitzer, Los Angeles

Peter L. Fear, Fear Waddell, PC, Fresno

3:15 – 4:15 PM Concurrent Session – Lessons for Trial Attorneys from Appellate Counsel*

Led by seasoned practitioners, this panel will lead a discussion on a number of strategic considerations concerning bankruptcy appeals, including:

• A comparison of trial and appellate court advocacy and writing.

• How to best tee up factual and legal issues in the trial court to make the strongest appeal for your client (and/or the weakest appeal for your opponent).

• How to make a good record for appeal.

• How to preserve issues for appeal.

• Thoughts regarding when and where to appeal.

Producer Kelly Ann Tran, Small Law PC, San Diego

Panelists

Hon. Julia Brand, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Keith Banner, Greenberg Glusker LLP, Los Angeles

Paul Leeds, Franklin Soto Leeds LLP, San Diego

Adam A. Lewis, Morrison Foerster, San Francisco

4:30 – 5:30 PM Hang Nine*

A review of the major decisions from the 2022-23 Supreme Court term and examination of major cases and developments of the current term and their potential impact on bankruptcy practitioners.

Producers

Tinho Mang, Marshack Hays Wood LLP, Irvine

Panelists

Hon. Charles Novack, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of California

Matthew J. Olson, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Palo Alto

John Fiero, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP, San Francisco

Robert S. Marticello, Smiley Wang-Ekval, LLP, Costa Mesa

Jennifer Taylor, O’Melveny, San Francisco

*An application requesting MCLE credit for this activity is pending for approval

Saturday May 18, 2024

8:00 – 9:00 AM Concurrent Session – Commercial Real Estate*

The commercial real estate sector is threatened by a looming crunch, with many underwater properties having large payments due in the coming months and years. The owners are having trouble filling the buildings with commercial tenants and may not be able to make payments in full, and the lenders may not wish to foreclose. Creative solutions have been proposed—such as converting offices into residential space, or malls into schools—but no clear answer has emerged. What can bankruptcy and restructuring practitioners expect, and what can they do to prepare?

Producers

Christine M. Fitzgerald, Robberson Schroedter LLP, San Diego

Panelists

Hon. Scott Clarkson, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Garrick A. Hollander, Winthrop, Golubow, Hollander, Newport Beach

J. Jackson Waste, Fennemore, Fresno

Ivo Keller, SSL Law Firm LLP, San Francisco

Vives, Douglas Wilson Companies, San Diego

Christopher O. Rivas, ReedSmith, Los Angeles

8:00 – 9:00 AM Concurrent Session – Hang 12 Dude! Make Way For The New UCC Article 12*

A program exploring the new UCC Article 12, which proposes to modernize existing commercial law and address the transfer of property rights in digital assets, such as cryptocurrency or NFTs.

Producer Garrett Leatham, McCormick Barstow, Fresno

Panelists

Hon. Victoria Kaufman, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Ellen A. Friedman, Friedman & Springwater LLP, San Francisco

8:30 – 9:30 AM Pier to Pier Networking*

Producers

Steven O. Weise, Proskauer, Los Angeles

A discussion about the implications of Artificial Intelligence on the law and legal profession

Jeffrey S. Kwong, Levene Neal Bender Yoo & Golubchick LLP, Los Angeles

Panelists

Hon. M. Elaine Hammond, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California

Shane J. Moses, Foley & Lardner LLP, San Francisco

Doug Flahaut, Arent Fox Schiff, Los Angeles

Chuck Kellner, Everlaw, Oakland

Miriam Kim, Munger, Tolles & Olson, San Francisco

8:30 – 9:30 AM The Line Up Waiting to Catch a Wave: The Different Types of Receiverships*

This panel will discuss what a receiver is, the different types of receiverships, when they are useful and when they are not, and the process for seeking their appointment.

Panelists

Ori Blumenfeld, Levinson, Arshonsky, Kurtz & Komsky, LLP, Sherman Oaks

Gerard Keena, Bay Area Receivership Group, Berkeley

Danielle Mayer, Buchalter, Los Angeles

*An application requesting MCLE credit for this activity is pending for approval

Michele

9:30 – 10:30 AM Wheel of Misfortune with Honorable Sheri Bluebond*

Contestants will compete to guess letters and solve puzzles on the game board consisting of short well-known bankruptcy phrases inspired by recent Supreme Court or Ninth Circuit bankruptcy cases. Once a puzzle has been solved, a member of our panel of judges will explain the holding of the case to which the phrase relates. Audience members will be encouraged to text contestants when they have figured out the solution to the puzzles.

Moderator

Hon. Sheri Bluebond, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Judge Panelists

Hon. Theodor Albert, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. Martin Barash, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. Neil Bason, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. Julia Brand, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. M. Elaine Hammond, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California

Hon. Victoria Kaufman, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Judges Roundtable – Shredding*

Producers

Hon. Sandra Klein, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of Californiaa

Hon. Erithe Smith, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. Maureen Tighe, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Tips from the bench on best practices in dealing with the court and opposing counsel.

Michele Choi, Gibson Dunn, Los Angeles

Judge Panelists

Hon. Alan Ahart, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. Julia Brand, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Daniel Egan, Wilke Fleury, LLP, Sacramento

Hon. Victoria Kaufman, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. Charles Novack, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of California

Hon. Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

YIP Sessions

Saturday, May 18, 2024

12:30 – 1:30 PM YIP Lunch and Judges Roundtable –Navigating the Rip Tide: Ethical Dilemmas and Considerations for YIPs*

Judges Roundtable discussion using hypotheticals of various ethical dilemmas YIPs may face.

Producers

Ryan W. Beall, Golden Goodrich, Costa Mesa

Moderator

Jessica Bagdanov, BG Law, Los Angeles

Panelists

Hon. Martin Barash, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Rebecca M. Wicks, Dentons, Los Angeles

Hon. Julia Brand, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Hon. Charles Novack, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of California

1:30 – 2:30 PM Beware the Undertow: Creating a Chapter 11 Plan that Breaks Through the Surfline*

A discussion about the key considerations in developing a chapter 11 plan and some red flags to avoid.

Producers

Nir Maoz, KTBS Law LLP, Los Angeles

Panelists

Hon. Martin Barash, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Olivia J. Scott, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Los Angeles

Mike Bergthold, Stapleton Group, Los Angeles

Julian Gurule, O’Melveny, Los Angeles

2:45 – 3:45 PM Swimming Smoothly Around the Rocky Shoals of Litigation*

Producers

Annie Y. Stoops, ArentFox Schiff, Los Angeles

A review of the bankruptcy litigation life cycle and practice pointers for the young insolvency professional.

Michael S. Myers, Ballard Spahr, San Francisco

Panelists:

Hon. Maureen Tighe, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Jullian S. Sekona, Keller Benvenutti Kim LLP, San Francisco

Christopher V. Hawkins, Sullivan Hill, San Diego

Peter J. Mastan, Dinsmore, Los Angeles

4:00 – 5:30 PM Mingle with the YIPs Mixer and Lawn Games

Nicholas R. Troszak, DSI Development Specialists, Inc, Los Angeles

Join the Young Insolvency Professionals for a beverage, networking, and a game of putt putt golf, ladder ball, giant connect four, or cornhole.

Consumer Sessions

Saturday, May 18, 2024

1:30 – 2:30 PM The Impact Zone of Probate Law and Bankruptcy*

When representing parties in consumer bankruptcy proceedings, bankruptcy law and probate law often collide. A debtor may pass away during the pendency of the case, inherit property within 180 days of the filing, or be the beneficiary of a trust. Perhaps the estate (or its trustee) makes a claim to a debtor’s interest in a probate estate. Join our experienced panelists as they help practitioners navigate the intricate intersection of California probate law and bankruptcy.

Producer

Peter Sauer, Fear Waddell, PC, Fresno

Panelists

Hon. Sandra Klein, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Misty Perry Isaacson, Pagter and Perry Isaacson, Santa Ana

Iain A. Macdonald, Macdonald Fernandez, LLP, San Francisco

Summer Shaw, Shaw & Hanover, PC, Palm Desert

2:30 – 3:30 PM Waiting for Your Set: How to Prepare for and Engage in Mediation*

In consumer bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings, formal mediation of disputes allows litigants to resolve their differences quickly and more cost effectively. Typically, mediation reduces the stress and pressure of litigation. The panelists will discuss how to effectively prepare clients and counsel for a mediation with the best possible outcome.

Producer

Tanisha N. Bostick, Bostick Legal, APC, San Diego

Panelists

Hon. Wayne E. Johnson, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Alphamorlai “Mo” Kebeh, Danning Gill, Los Angeles

Adam N. Barasch, Severson & Werson, San Francisco

Leslie A. Cohen, Leslie Cohen Law PC, Santa Monica

4:00 – 5:00 PM Riding the Barrel: Will the new DOJ Guidance provide debtors with much needed relief from student loan debt?*

Hope or Hype: The panel will provide an overview of the new DOJ (Department of Justice) Guidance in student loan dischargeability proceedings under 11 U.S.C. Section 523(a)(8). The program will also provide attendees with a nuts-and-bolts training on filling out the DOJ attestation form along with practice pointers. The program is a must see for any attorney who is interested in learning more about how the new DOJ Guidance may provide hope for debtors seeking relief from the weight of student loans.

Producer

Brandon J. Iskander, Goe Forsythe & Hodges, Irvine

Panelists:

Hon. Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Deepalie Milie Joshi, Joshi Law Group, San Diego

Elan Levely, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California

*An application requesting MCLE credit for this activity is pending for approval

Company Summaries

Acrisure

Acrisure is an industry leader in providing customized insurance solutions for law firms. As one of the largest full-service insurance brokerages in the country specializing in law firms, we currently deliver the most comprehensive programs to over 9,000 law firm clients.

Arch + Beam

Arch + Beam is a restructuring and advisory firm with experience advising public and private companies across many industries from start-ups to billion-dollar multi-nationals. We have expertise across most turnaround, restructuring and bankruptcy approaches, including turnarounds, out-of-court workouts, going-concern sales, Chapter 11, ABCs, Article 9 sales, receiverships, orderly wind-downs, assignments for the benefit of creditors and liquidating plans. We have held the roles of financial advisor, chief restructuring officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief liquidating officer, receiver, assignee and restructuring consultant.”

ArentFox Schiff

ArentFox Schiff LLP is internationally recognized in core industries where business and the law intersect. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals the firm serves as a destination for an international roster of corporations, governments, private individuals, and trade associations. Our attorneys know that being Smart isn’t just about having great legal skills. It means knowing your business, your industry, and your goals — and using that insight to solve challenges creatively and efficiently. Our highly experienced bankruptcy practice effectively combines restructuring professionals with bankruptcy litigators. ArentFox Schiff’s bankruptcy litigation team has a broad, substantial and deep experience in all areas of bankruptcy, finance, and commercial litigation.

Armanino, LLP

Armanino is one of the top 20 largest independent accounting and business consulting firms in the US. We are a nationwide leader serving privately held companies and private individuals, as well as nonprofit organizations and public entities. We deliver impactful, bold solutions that increase clarity and spark success. No matter what’s next, Armanino has the insight to redefine what’s possible for your organization, both today and in the future.Visit armanino.com to learn more today.

B. Riley Advisory Services - GlassRatner

B. Riley Advisory Services (formerly GlassRatner) provides our clients the full continuum of specialty financial advisory, turnaround management and restructuring services and solutions. Our clients benefit from skilled professionals with deep expertise and experience across a broad range of industries and complex situations.

Our team of over 140 professionals is a trusted partner to companies, boards, attorneys, lenders, creditors, VC and private equity sponsors and religious institutions, helping resolve critical matters and challenges.

B. Riley Advisory Services professionals are recognized leaders in the turnaround and restructuring industry, working on complex and high-profile matters, including real estate, agriculture, healthcare, retail, cannabis, Ponzi schemes and major fraud cases. We serve as CROs and Financial Advisors for debtors, creditor committees and significant creditors; and run § 363 sale processes. We also serve as fiduciaries such as receivers, assignees, post-confirmation trustees and independent directors. Our forensic accounting and litigation support professionals are often called on as testifying experts in valuation and damages and complex fraud and bankruptcy litigation.

We are a national go-to firm for valuation and appraisal services. Contact Seth R. Freeman, Managing Director. Sfreeman@brileyfin.com or 925-899-1550.

Bankruptcy Law Firm, PC

Bankruptcy Law Firm, PC, Los Angeles, owned and operated by former Central District CA Bankruptcy Judge, Kathleen March, Esq. Consumer practice representing individuals and small businesses in Chapter 7 and 13 cases in all five divisions of the Central District of California Bankruptcy Courts. Free first consult. Fair prices. If your firm does NOT represent individuals, make them grateful to you, by sending them to us! We also handle adversary proceedings, representing debtors/ creditors/others, including defending avoiding power adversaries. We do bankruptcy appeals, all levels.March is available as expert witness on bankruptcy issues, for state court suits/arbitrations.

BG Law

At BG Law, our litigators and dealmakers leverage their extensive business acumen into practical legal advice and counsel for our clients. We call upon years of experience and business and financial backgrounds to determine a client’s best course of action. At BG Law, we efficiently and effectively resolve your bankruptcy, litigation and corporate matters and bring a powerful network of business and legal professionals, spanning a wide range of industries including banking, manufacturing and real estate to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP

BKLW specializes in white-collar criminal defense and government investigations, complex civil ligation, bankruptcy and insolvency matters, and internal investigations. The firm’s trial results include complete defense verdicts and multi-million dollar judgments and recoveries for plaintiffs, trustees, and creditors. The firm has secured numerous dismissals in defense cases and adversary proceedings, and settlements in plaintiff cases totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Binder & Malter, LLP

Binder & Malter LLP has been Silicon Valley’s bankruptcy boutique firm for over 34 years, providing financially distressed businesses, individuals and creditors with advice in resolving complex financial problems, restructuring of debt, advocacy in high exposure litigation and appeals and representation in Chapter 7, 11 and 12 bankruptcy cases. The firm also offers representation in real estate and business matters, sales and acquisitions, commercial leasing, deed of trust and foreclosure, entity formation, business acquisitions and dispositions, and secured transactions.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

BCLP’s bankruptcy practice represents secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, debtors-in-possession, trustees, creditors’ committees, acquirers of assets from bankruptcy estates and financially distressed sellers, suppliers, customers, principals, and others affected by insolvency. We have represented clients in a wide range of in-court and out-of-court situations, litigation and similar settings, appeals, arbitrations and other formal and informal proceedings, and have participated in all iterations of alternative dispute resolution. Our attorneys appear in matters pending in the bankruptcy courts throughout California and the United States. BCLP regularly handles bankruptcy matters in the intermediate appellate courts and the Ninth Circuit.

Company Summaries

Buchalter

For 80 years, Buchalter’s Insolvency & Financial Law Group has successfully represented clients in complex proceedings throughout the country in all economic climates. With one of the largest insolvency practices on the West Coast, many of the nation’s sophisticated stakeholders trust us to represent them in financial reorganization cases, both in and out of court. Our clients turn to us for our experience in defending threats against senior and subordinate secured status, pursuing rights and remedies concerning reclamation claims, secret liens, environmental liability, third-party creditor disputes, plan confirmation issues, and intellectual property concerns of all types.

CMBG Advisors, Inc.

CMBG Advisors, Inc., is an experienced restructuring firm that provides a wide range of services to suit the particular needs of distressed companies across the board. The team at CMBG strive to provide clients with a variety of alternative solutions to bankruptcy including out-of-court restructuring, creditor negotiations, asset sales, business consulting, and assignments for the benefit of creditors. Headed by its President, James K. Baer, Jim has over thirty years of corporate law experience serving as outside general counsel and business advisor to numerous companies and individuals, for both venture capital firms and their portfolio companies.

The CREM Group

Our founders joined forces to create The CREM Group, out of a desire to set a new standard in court-supervised real estate sales.

Danning, Gill, Israel & Krasnoff, LLP

For over 60 years, Danning, Gill, Israel & Krasnoff, LLP has built and expanded upon its reputation as a premier Los Angeles-based boutique bankruptcy and insolvency law firm. Its attorneys are highly experienced in representing debtors, creditors, creditors’ committees, trustees and receivers, and many of its members serve as courtappointed receivers, chapter 7 and 11 trustees, and examiners. Specialty practice areas within the firm include reorganization and liquidation; out-of-court workouts; appellate matters; avoiding power litigation; landlord-tenant relations; oil/gas, health care, law firm, restaurant, trucking and construction/contractor insolvencies; and bankruptcy-related as well as commercial litigation.

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Dinsmore is a full-service firm with more than 750 attorneys in 34 states. Our clients rely on us to support their critical business and strategic needs from corporate growth, to risk management, litigation and workforce challenges, to protecting innovations and technology. Our bankruptcy practice features lawyers across the nation with decades of experience who counsel corporate debtors, creditors, committees and trustees in all aspects of Chapter 7 and 11 cases and proceedings, and represent clients in sales and receiverships.

Christopher Celentino (SD), Everett Barry, Jr. (SD), Peter Mastan (LA), and Lovee Sarenas (LA) lead the California team. Our tailored approach enables us to provide efficient, cost-effective, and comprehensive solutions for clients. Dinsmore prides itself on a strong and highly experienced litigation practice particularly in the context of avoidance power litigation.

Donlin Recano/Equinity

Donlin, Recano & Company, Inc. - 35 Years Strong! Founded in 1989, Donlin, Recano & Company, a division of Equiniti (EQ) - www.equiniti. com, is a leading bankruptcy administration firm that has served hundreds of national clients across a broad range of industries and business sectors. Working with counsel, financial advisors, restructuring officers, and the client company, Donlin Recano helps organize and guide Chapter 11 clients through required bankruptcy tasks. We assist in creditor matrix creation and notification, Schedule/ SOFA support, case website establishment, professional call centers, claims management, solicitation, balloting, distribution and other administrative services. As part of Equinity (EQ) and D.F. King, we have the added capabilities of being able to assist public companies with outstanding equity and debt. Our team has wide-ranging experience assisting debtors with public equity and debt, including holder identification, consent solicitation, rights offering, information agency, exchange offers and tender offers.

Douglas Wilson Companies

Douglas Wilson Companies (DWC) was founded in 1989 to provide a wide range of problem resolution and real estate services. Our professional team has earned a unique track record of success with our diverse client base including financials institutions, law firms, investors, state and federal courts, and property owners located throughout the country. With a seasoned team of business, real estate and financial service professionals, DWC offers a level of specialized services not found elsewhere.

Downey Brand LLP

Helping clients achieve what matters most to them – that’s what drives Downey Brand. Since 1926, Downey Brand has provided legal vision and expertise to clients throughout California and beyond in the core areas of business, litigation, and natural resources. From its offices in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Stockton, Downey Brand attorneys assist businesses and business owners, individuals, nonprofits, and governmental entities of all sizes, and throughout numerous key industries.

DSI Consulting, Inc.

Development Specialists, Inc. (DSI) is one of the leading providers of management consulting and financial advisory services, including turnaround consulting, financial restructuring, litigation support, fiduciary services and forensic accounting. Our clients include business owners, private-equity investors, corporate boards, financial institutions, secured lenders, bondholders and unsecured creditors. For 45 years, DSI has been guided by a single objective: maximizing value for all stakeholders. With our highly skilled and diverse team of professionals, offices in the U.S. and international affiliates, and an unparalleled range of experience, DSI has built a solid reputation as an industry leader.

Fear Waddell PC

Fear Waddell, P.C. is a boutique bankruptcy firm serving clients in California’s Central Valley. Bankruptcy is all we do, and we are passionate about helping our clients get a fresh start from overwhelming debt. Led by multiple specialists certified by the State Bar of California, we handle all aspects of bankruptcy, including both consumer and business, and represent debtors, trustees, and creditors.

Company Summaries

Felderstein Fitzgerald Willoughby Pascuzzi & Rios LLP

Our firm and partners are highly ranked by Chambers USA, US News & World Report, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers of Northern California. We represent clients in bankruptcy and commercial law matters, including debtors, creditors, receivers, equity holders, secured creditors, official committees, trustees, landlords, government agencies, and asset purchasers. We have expertise in financial restructuring and debtor/creditor issues, complex Chapter 11 reorganizations, commercial/bankruptcy litigation, workouts, receiverships, assignments for the benefit of creditors, and Chapter 7 liquidations.

Fennemore

For 138 years and counting, Fennemore’s client-focused culture has helped shape the business environment in the West. It’s what sets us apart. Our purpose, and why we exist is to help our business clients thrive by creating endless possibilities. We go beyond the expected, and do MORE for you with forward-thinking advocacy, creativity and care.

Fiduciary Real Estate Services

FRES is a boutique family-owned brokerage utilizing a Team approach to obtain the highest and best price for commercial sellers. Protecting your interest is a highly experienced broker who is a certified commercial investment member as well as a broker associate who is a licensed attorney.

Financial Software Solution

Financial Software Solutions, LLC, (FSS) provides enterprise-level, cloud-native software solutions that increase efficiency, productivity, and mobility for busy insolvency professionals acting in a fiduciary capacity. Our lead productivity-enhancing, web-based product, CORE (Case Organization for Receivers & Executives), provides a system of record for court-appointed receivers and chapter 11/ liquidating trustees. Through integrated banking, flexible accounting, and professional support, CORE cuts down the generation of status reports to a matter of minutes. Automation tools that take advantage of the “one free look” for ECF documents will save your staff hours of time and increase profitability.

Fox Rothschild LLP

Fox Rothschild is a national law firm with 1,000 attorneys in offices coast to coast, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Our 50-attorney team of Financial Restructuring & Bankruptcy lawyers represents secured and unsecured creditors, Chapter 11 debtors, statutory committees, Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 trustees, purchasers and stalking horse bidders in Section 363 transactions, foreign representatives who commence Chapter 15 cross-border insolvency cases and creditors in Chapter 15 cases. We also guide companies of all sizes in out-of-court workouts, reorganizations and going-concern sales. Chambers USA has recognized Fox’s bankruptcy team among the best nationwide and has ranked a number of our bankruptcy lawyer as leaders in the field. Fox is a full-service firm with 70+ practice groups. Enterprising and forward thinking, our top priority is solving your problem.

Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, LC

Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, LC is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over four decades, we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships, and solutions that work.

Michael Gomez

1000 Wilshire Boulevard, 19th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017-2427

Phone: (323) 852-1000

516 West Shaw, Suite 200, Fresno, CA 93704

Phone: (559) 221-2591

Frazier Capital Valuation & Brokerage

Business and Commercial Real Estate Brokers and Valuation Specialists for Businesses, Fractional Interests, Commercial Real Estate and Equipment throughout the United States.

Friedman & Springwater LLP

Friedman & Springwater LLP is a certified woman-owned firm dedicated to providing clients with exceptional legal representation since its founding in 2003. Based in San Francisco, Friedman & Springwater has represented creditors in bankruptcy cases all over the United States, and handles a wide range of commercial transactions, including the sale of financial assets and asset-based financing. The firm has participated in financial restructurings and liquidations, implementing solutions for businesses in troubled debt situations inside and outside of bankruptcy courts. Our lawyers also handle civil and regulatory litigation, including before the California Public Utilities Commission and in related appellate proceedings.

Goe Forsythe & Hodges LLP

Goe Forsythe & Hodges LLP is a Southern California based business law firm that is committed to the highest level of service to its individual and business clients. The firm’s full-service law practice is centered on comprehensive counsel and representation of individuals and businesses throughout California, including complex litigation and bankruptcy matters.

Greenberg Glusker LLP

The attorneys in Greenberg Glusker’s Bankruptcy, Reorganization & Capital Recovery group shape business solutions specific to each client’s concerns. Our counsel ranges from early stage evaluations, transactional advice, and prepetition planning for chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations, to out-of-court restructurings, and asset sales. Our broad client base and years of experience litigating in the bankruptcy courts of Southern California make us well suited to efficiently advise on bankruptcy-related issues. By drawing on the skills of other disciplines within the firm, we can deliver cost-effective advice to address the many business legal issues that arise in connection with financially distressed enterprises.

Grobstein Teeple

Grobstein Teeple’s (GT) professionals provide specialized expertise for companies and individuals facing financial difficulties. Whether advising on restructuring, stepping in as a CRO or interim officer, assisting in the decision and requirements to file bankruptcy, serving as Chapter 7 or 11 trustees, representing DIPs or trustees as trusted financial advisors, or filling post-confirmation roles as liquidating trustee, disbursing agent, or tax preparer, GT can assist with any client’s restructuring and insolvency needs.

Hona

Hona is an innovative client-updating software purpose-built for legal professionals. Streamline communication with clients and keep them in the know throughout every stage of the case.

Keller Benvenutti Kim LLP

Keller Benvenutti Kim LLP is a corporate bankruptcy, restructuring, and crisis management law firm based in San Francisco. KBK attorneys represent distressed companies, creditors’ committees, investors, purchasers, and others in restructuring, bankruptcies, and other riskladen situations, including litigation. As a boutique law firm, the small size and lean staffing model ensure clients can rely on the personal attention and active involvement of the most experienced senior lawyers. KBK has been nationally recognized for its experience and efficacy in a range of business sectors including technology, biotech, construction, energy, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, municipal debt, retail, transportation, telecom, and professional services.

Lubin Olson & Niewiadomski LLP

In the nearly four decades since its founding, Lubin Olson & Niewiadomski LLP has developed a reputation as one of California’s leading mid-size law firms. We offer an extensive complement of legal services relating to real estate, business, land use, litigation, finance and workouts, bankruptcy and creditor’s rights, construction law, and affordable housing matters.

Marshack Hays Wood LLP

Marshack Hays Wood LLP a business and bankruptcy litigation firm having the highest reputation with our clients and peers, comprises a team of exceptional attorneys, paralegals, and support staff committed to our clients’ success.

McCormick Barstow LLP

McCormick Barstow LLP is a full service law firm committed to providing the highest quality legal representation, with 45 attorneys included on the Northern California SuperLawyers list and more Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated attorneys than any other law firm in the Central Valley.

Our bankruptcy practice represents clients in all aspects of bankruptcy litigation, as well as bankruptcy appeals. Our team includes a Certified Bankruptcy Specialist and a Certified Appellate Specialist certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Whatever the needs of our clients, McCormick Barstow’s attorneys have the expertise to achieve successful results.

Omni Agent Solutions

Omni Agent Solutions has revolutionized the corporate restructuring and legal administration services industry. Our dedicated professionals utilize cutting edge data, specialized information management systems, and other select trade resources to provide comprehensive results that exceed our clients’ expectations. Our full-service solutions include pre-petition preparation, noticing and fulfillment, claims facilitation, solicitation and balloting, call center personnel, disbursements, U.S. Trustee compliance, public securities and equity-identification, and post-confirmation trustee management. As legal procedures change, Omni continually adapts our technology and training to maintain our exceptional standards while also being cost effective. Omni’s expertise, reputation, and experience make it the optimal restructuring business partner. For more information on Omni go to www.omniagnt.com.

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones is the nation’s leading chapter 11 restructuring law firm with more than 75 attorneys practicing in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Wilmington, New York and Houston.

Company Summaries

Perry Group International

Perry Group International is a reorganization, receivership, management, and consulting firm specializing in hospitality and related businesses since 1985. We have worked with lenders, investors, owners, and their legal and real estate professionals on over 500 distressed and under-performing hotels and resorts, restaurants and food service, bars and nightclubs, retail, and mixeduse real estate. The firm has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego and available nationwide.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is an international law firm with a particular focus on the technology & life sciences, energy, financial, and real estate & construction sectors. Recognized as one of the most innovative law firms by Financial Times and one of the top firms for client service by BTI Consulting, Pillsbury and its lawyers are highly regarded for their forward-thinking approach, their enthusiasm for collaborating across disciplines and their authoritative commercial awareness.

Prime Equity Properties Group

Todd Frelinger and the Prime Equity Properties Group have been working with Fiduciaries and Trustees for nearly 20 years in the disposition of Commercial and Residential real property assets. With Prime Equity Properties Group by your side, you’re not just choosing a partner — you’re forging a collaboration that amplifies your expertise, elevates your impact and ensures the transitions are orchestrated with expertise and finesse. Prime Equity understands the challenges associated with court-appointed insolvency real estate transactions. From residential gems to sprawling commercial ventures, we manage the sale of every asset meticulously, echoing your dedication to precision. Trust Prime Equity Properties Group to stand as your beacon of excellence in real estate asset disposition. Together, we navigate the complex terrain of insolvency real estate sales, charting a course toward seamless transitions, unparalleled value and a legacy of success that reflects your professional acumen.

Receivership Specialists

Receivership Specialists is committed to protecting and improving the value of your real estate, business, or assets, at the lowest cost, while disputes are resolved, and justice is served. Well versed in real estate, business, and working with the courts, our office consists of experienced court receivers, partition referees, trustees, attorneys, property managers, accountants, and professional staff. Having served in over 535 cases, we offer our experience in managing and selling real estate, operating and selling businesses, completing construction projects, handling estate and portfolio liquidations, enforcing judgments, operating and dissolving corporations, and handling health and safety receiverships.

Robberson Schroedter LLP

Robberson Schroedter LLP is a boutique business law firm located in downtown San Diego, California, focused on commercial litigation, business bankruptcy and restructuring, cross-border litigation and mediation. The Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights practice group is led by Maggie E. Schroedter, and represents creditors, financial institutions, and lenders in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcy proceedings, and business debtors with pre-insolvency planning, Chapter 11 and out-of-course restructurings. Our attorneys have substantial experience prosecuting and defending nondischargeability claims, objections to discharge, preference and voidable transfer actions, and automatic stay relief. Robberson Schroedter champions diversity and inclusivity, both within the firm and the clients we represent.

Company Summaries

Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Rutan & Tucker, LLP is the largest full-service law firm based in Orange County, California. Rutan’s Corporate Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights Group includes attorneys with specialized knowledge and expertise in corporate restructuring, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, transactions, and litigation. The Group’s bankruptcy experience includes representing creditors, debtors, debtors in possession, trustees and other fiduciaries, committees, landlords and tenants, asset purchasers and sellers, directors and officers, and other parties in reorganizations, liquidations, and litigation. The Group’s nonbankruptcy experience includes representing parties in out-of-court debt restructurings, loan workouts, assignments for the benefit of creditors, receiverships, foreclosures, and litigation.

Saul Ewing

Saul Ewing’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring attorneys are well‐versed and recognized leaders in bankruptcy and restructuring law. We provide practical guidance and creative solutions to companies facing financial and operational challenges. Whether a company is experiencing financing constraints, is in need of strategic advice for specific segments of its business, or guidance through workouts or restructurings in times of distress, our attorneys offer strategic advice and realistic goals in order to reach the best outcome. Our practice is regularly involved in out‐of‐court workouts and restructurings, bankruptcies, reorganizations and other related insolvency issues.

The Seymour/Weinberger Group

The Seymour Weinberger Group has earned a prestigious reputation as the premier choice for Receivers, Bankruptcy Trustees, Partition Referees, and Probate Attorneys. Their status as the go-to firm underscores their unwavering reliability and the trust they’ve fostered within the Fiduciary community. This trust is a testament to their consistent track record of success and their steadfast commitment to securing optimal outcomes for their clients. With over two decades of exclusive service to the Fiduciary Community, the Seymour Weinberger Group is renowned for its unparalleled dedication and expertise in court-appointed real estate sales, specializing in highvalue residential and commercial properties. Their reputation for exceptional negotiation skills consistently places them on the upper echelon of professionals in the real estate industry. The Seymour Weinberger Group’s deep understanding of the complexities inherent in court-appointed real estate transactions and innovative marketing strategies ensures that every property they represent reaches a global audience and receives maximum exposure. With nearly 30 years of unmatched experience, their technical proficiency and ability to navigate complex legal and financial landscapes set the standard for excellence in court-appointed real estate transactions.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard Mullin is a full-service, global 100 firm handling corporate and technology matters, high-stakes litigation and complex financial transactions. Founded in 1927, our more than 1,100 attorneys across our 16 offices in North America, Europe and Asia offer global solutions to our clients around the world, providing seamless representation in multiple jurisdictions. Sheppard Mullin’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring team brings to bear high-caliber expertise and on-point experience to any complex, multi-jurisdictional restructuring or distressed situation. The team regularly represents debtors, official committees, major secured and unsecured creditors, directors, officers, managers, special committees, lenders, and countless other stakeholders in and out of court.

Sherwood Partners, Inc.

Since 1992, Sherwood’s reputation is high-quality work, excellent communications and delivering impressive results. We work closely with owners, managers and boards to create solutions to tough problems, when the tough decisions need to be made. Sherwood acts as corporate advisors in corporate recovery and reorganization, liquidating trust agents, Assignees in Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors (ABCs), and IP monetization.

SSL Law Firm

SSL Law Firm is a boutique firm based in San Francisco, specializing in real estate, land use, and environmental law. SSL’s core values are efficient, personalized client service at competitive rates. The firm’s areas of expertise include complex purchase and sale transactions, leasing, land use entitlements, environmental law, all types of real estate-related litigation, and creditor-side bankruptcy representation.

Stretto

Stretto is a market-leading firm delivering an unparalleled portfolio of mortgage loss mitigation services, case-management services, depository solutions, and technology tools to fiduciaries. For more information about Stretto, visit www.stretto.com.

Wanger Jones Helsley PC

Wanger Jones Helsley is a full-service law firm based in Fresno with a regional practice. In addition to general business, litigation, real estate, and family law matters, the firm has a strong debtor and creditor practice with substantial experience in Chapters 9, 11, and 12, workouts, and receiverships. The firm is experienced in insolvencies of farms, ranches, wineries, dairies, feed lots, grower/packer/ shippers, hospital districts, processors, and commercial concerns. The firm handles litigation concerning water rights, agricultural liens, PACA, and P&S Act. Insolvency services are primarily provided by Riley C. Walter, Kurt F. Vote, Steven K. Vote, and Ian J. Quinn.

Western Alliance Bank

With more than $70 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, offers a full spectrum of tailored commercial banking solutions and consumer products, all delivered with outstanding service by banking and mortgage experts who put customers first. Major accolades include being ranked as a top U.S. bank in 2023 by American Banker and Bank Director and receiving #1 rankings on Institutional Investor’s All-America Executive Team Midcap 2023-2024 for Best CEO, Best CFO, Best Company Board of Directors and Best Investor Relations Team. Serving clients across the country wherever business happens, Western Alliance Bank operates individual, full-service banking and financial brands with offices in key markets nationwide. For more information, visit Western Alliance Bank.

Wilke Fleury LLP

Wilke Fleury LLP proudly serves the greater Sacramento and Central Valley business communities in insolvency and bankruptcy matters, with a special emphasis on the reorganization or sales of agricultural companies and assets.

Wilke Fleury proudly serves

Steve Williamson

Wilke

Dan Egan

Company Index

Sponsors

Arch + Beam 8, 36

Armanino, LLP 8, 17, 36

ArentFox Schiff 7, 15, 36

B. Riley Advisory Services – GlassRatner 7, 36

Bankruptcy Law Firm, PC 8, 20, 36

BG Law 4, 7, 36

Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP 8, 20, 36

Binder & Malter, LLP 7, 12, 36

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisne 8, 19, 36

Buchalter 8, 37

CMBG Advisors, Inc 8, 37

The CREM Group 8, 16, 37

Danning, Gill, Israel & Krasnoff, LLP 7, 37

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 7, 12, 37

Donlin Recano/Equinity 8, 37

Douglas Wilson Companies 7, 8, 16, 37

Downey Brand LLP 8, 37

DSI Consulting, Inc. 7, 37, 45

Fear Waddell PC 8, 23, 37

Felderstein Fitzgerald Willoughby

Pascuzzi & Rios LLP 7, 35, 38

Fennemore 6, 24,38

Fiduciary Real Estate Services 8, 38, 42

Fox Rothschild LLP 5, 7, 38

Exhibitors and Advertisers Index

CMBG Advisors, Inc. 8,

The CREM Group 8, 16, 37

Douglas Wilson Companies 7, 8, 16, 37

Fear Waddell PC 8, 23, 27

Fiduciary Real Estate Services 8, 42

Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, LC 8, 38

Friedman & Springwater LLP 8, 38, 17

Goe Forsythe & Hodges LLP 8, 21, 38

Greenberg Glusker LLP inside front cover, 6, 38

Grobstein Teeple 7, 35, 38

Keller Benvenutti Kim LLP 8, 20, 39

Lubin Olson & Niewiadomski LLP 7, 18, 39

Marshack Hays Wood LLP 7, 39

McCormick Barstow LLP 8, 20, 39

Omni Agent Solutions 6, 39

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP 5, 7, 39

Perry Group International 8, 16, 39

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP 7, 39, 45

Prime Equity Properties Group 8, 21, 39

Robberson Schroedter LLP 7, 17, 39

Rutan & Tucker 7, 40

Saul Ewing 8, 9, 40

The Seymour/Weinberger Group 8, 40, back cover

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP 7, 23, 40

SSL Law Firm 8, 40, 41

Stretto 7, 19, 40

Wanger Jones Helsley PC 7, 40

Western Alliance Bank 7, 40, 41

Wilke Fleury LLP 8, 40, 41

8, 38

8, 38

8, 38

8, 16, 39

Receivership Specialists 8, 39

Sherwood Partners, Inc. 8, 40

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