Optimizing the Outcome of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case

Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases provide for the liquidation of a debtor's assets in a process that is controlled by a Chapter 7 Trustee. There are more Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases filed each year than cases filed under Chapters 11, 12 and 13 combined. In 2015, there were twice as many business Chapter 7 cases than business Chapter 11 cases. Chapter 7 business bankruptcy cases present unique challenges and opportunities for the debtor's secured and unsecured creditors, including landlords, tenants and employees, the debtor's officers, directors and owners, and those interested in acquiring the debtor's assets.

This course explains the Chapter 7 process and the role played by the Chapter 7 trustee, identifies the benefits and risks of the process, and provides strategies to optimize client outcomes, whether you represent the debtor, a creditor, or a potential purchaser of assets from a Chapter 7 estate. Many of these topics are equally applicable in consumer and business bankruptcy cases.

This course is presented by Jil Mazer-Marino, a partner in Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.'s bankruptcy department and a Chapter 7 Trustee for the Southern District of New York.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the responsibilities and motivations of the Chapter 7 Trustee and the roles played by the debtor, its management, creditors, the bankruptcy court and the Office of the United States Trustee
2. Learn steps to maximize the effectiveness of the bankruptcy process for the commercial Chapter 7 debtor
3. Identify strategies to maximize recoveries for unsecured and secured creditors
4. Maximize opportunities for purchasers of assets from the Chapter 7 Trustee