Canadian Insolvency Reform
by John N. Birch
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP; Toronto
Not only has the last year been marked by a new Canadian government under the leadership of conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, it has also brought about significant revisions to Canada’s federal insolvency statutes.
The Attorney-Client Privilege and Chapter 15: How Secure Are Your Communications?
by Michael D. Fielding
Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin, LLP; Kansas City, Mo.
As a general matter, the attorney-client privilege is perceived as an almost bullet-proof wall against disclosure of client communications. This perception rests largely on the often unstated assumption that the corporate entity will continue to operate as a going-concern and desires to maintain the confidentiality of its communications. Bankruptcy, however, fundamentally alters that assumption.
Varig Airlines – Recovery or Liquidation?
by Jorge Queiroz
Brazilian Institute of Corp. Mgmt. & Turnaround; Sao Paulo, Brazil
One of the most polemic, intricate, worst and largest cases of corporate distress in Brazilian history, the Varig Airlines case came to an end last week. The first case resolved under Brazil’s new bankruptcy law has left numerous lessons for its stakeholders as well as billions of dollars of destruction in its wake. It also leaves many questions regarding (i) acts of management and decision-making, (ii) the question of substance vs. form, (iii) concrete effects and results, and (iv) responsibilities. The outcome of this case poses a risk to the credibility of the new bankruptcy statute, as well as the players involved in future cases if these issues are not properly adjusted.
International Insolvency Symposium
September 8, 2006
The Savoy
London, England
The American Bankruptcy Institute’s second program in Europe will bring together top international speakers to discuss the issues of the moment in international insolvency and restructuring. One of London’s premier hotels, The Savoy, provides a first-class and memorable venue for the symposium. The event has attracted significant support from the industry’s top professional firms in the United States and Europe.
Special guest speaker: London native and Washington Times editorial page editor Tony Blankley, author of The West's Last Chance, a wake-up call on the many dangers facing Europe.