August 14, 2020

Second Circuit Holds that Flip Clauses in Swaps Are Enforceable

Even if flip clauses are ipso facto clauses, the Second Circuit holds that enforcement is permitted by the safe harbor in Section 560.

2nd Circuit

December 30, 2019

Third Circuit Issues an Important Decision on Liquidation of Repo ‘Credit Enhancements’

Appeals court upholds finding that the mortgage securities market in 2007 was declining, not dysfunctional.

3rd Circuit

December 03, 2019

Fifth Circuit Revokes a Controversial Opinion with Dicta on the Solvent-Debtor Exception

Fifth Circuit upholds its prior ruling that disallowing part of a claim under the Bankruptcy Code does not render the claim ‘impaired’ to allow voting on a chapter 11 plan.

5th Circuit

December 02, 2019

First Circuit Explains How to Avoid Liability for an Underfunded Pension Plan

To avoid liability for an underfunded pension plan, the First Circuit describes a structure for investors to employ when buying a sick company

1st Circuit

March 20, 2019

An Adroitly Drafted Makewhole Is Allowable in Bankruptcy, New York Judge Says

Judge Bernstein distinguishes a Second Circuit opinion to rule that a makewhole premium is allowable in bankruptcy.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern District

January 23, 2019

Disallowing Part of a Claim Doesn’t Make the Claim Impaired, Fifth Circuit Says

Newly appointed circuit judge uses ancient English law to illuminate the Bankruptcy Code.

5th Circuit

October 09, 2018

District Judge Rules Section 562 Does Not Apply to Terminations by Agreement

Section 562 applies to fix the date for calculating damages only if the debtor rejects or the creditor terminates, New York district judge says.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern District

September 24, 2018

Makewhole Premium Disallowed When the Debt Had Been Accelerated

Judge Flatley avoids taking sides in the Second/Third Circuit split.

4th Circuit, West Virginia, West Virginia Northern District

May 24, 2018

Fifth Circuit Issues a Narrow Opinion Requiring Corporate Authority to File a Petition

The appeals court avoids ruling broadly on the ability of a golden share or blocking provision to bar a company from filing bankruptcy voluntarily.

5th Circuit

March 20, 2018

Flip Clauses in Swaps Held Enforceable by District Judge in New York

For swaps, the Section 560 safe harbor overrides the anti-ipso facto provisions in the Bankruptcy Code.

2nd Circuit, New York, New York Southern District