On Bankruptcy and Mediation
By Donald L. Swanson Back in February, 2016, we learn that the Bankruptcy Court in Chicago has revoked its local rules on mediation, while still encouraging parties to mediate their disputes. This development seems a bit . . . well . . . bizarre. After all, for example, such an approach appears to violate Federal... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson Here is a photo of the resignation letter from the mediator in the Caesars Entertainment bankruptcy proceeding. Wow!! That's an interesting take. And kudos to the mediator. It's always refreshing to see a principled stance. This Caesars case is pending in the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, located... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson Reuters reports that, Caesars Entertainment signs a "non-disclosure agreement" with various parties "as part of mediation process." Here's saying that the parties to any such "non-disclosure agreement" are in a bit of a pickle. Here's why. The Bankruptcy Court in Chicago recently deleted its Local Rules on mediation. So, the question is... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson Here is my memory from a decade ago in a far-away jurisdiction where I occasionally practiced: the bankruptcy judge's procedural rules have a backwoods feel. --The rules are cumbersome. --The rules are strictly and rigidly enforced. --The judge's attitude comes across like this: You want flexibility to address immediate needs?! --Forget... Continue Reading →
GUEST ARTICLE: Robert M. Fishman mediates bankruptcy disputes across the entire U.S.A. Mr. Fishman hails from Chicago and provides the following article on a recent revocation of Local Bankruptcy Rules on mediation in the Northern District of Illinois. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CULTURE By Robert M. Fishman What makes mediation the “go to” approach... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson The Motion to appoint a mediator in the Caesars Entertainment bankruptcy suggests that an unnamed "sitting bankruptcy judge" be appointed. And filings by others in support of the Motion agree. The unnamed "sitting bankruptcy judge" suggestion seems to be common in many cases. But there is a better approach. Let's begin... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson Fix-it folks have tool boxes full of screw drivers, pliers, box-end and open-end wrenches, crescent and socket wrenches, etc., for handling nuts, bolts and screws. But when fix-it folks need a tool that grabs-and-holds and won't-let-go, they pull a vise-grip from the toolbox. Similarly, judges have local rules [a toolbox] full... Continue Reading →
By Donald L. Swanson Caesars Entertainment recently filed its Motion to appoint a mediator for plan confirmation issues. Thereafter, nearly a dozen responses to the Motion are filed by creditors and other constituencies. No response opposes the Motion—most offer suggestions for maximizing mediation effectiveness. An ad hoc committee’s response even declares: “the Debtors’ proposed mediation... Continue Reading →
Action Item. Let's urge all constituencies in every Chapter 11 case to create a "successful path" toward plan confirmation by seeking the appointment of a mediator. #caesarsentertainment #bankruptcy #mediation #bankruptcymediation
By Donald L. Swanson Mediation should be standard procedure in Chapter 11 plan confirmation processes. Many of us have been arguing this point for years! Caesars Entertainment now agrees and is placing its bet accordingly. Caesars Entertainment files for Chapter 11 relief in the Northern District of Illinois on January 15, 2015 (Case No.15-01145). On... Continue Reading →
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