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ABI Journal

10th Circuit

Complete Disgorgement Is the Default Sanction for Failure to Disclose a Fee Agreement

Anything less than full disgorgement must be supported by ‘sound reasons’ and ‘solid evidence,’ the Tenth Circuit says.

Judge Romero Explains Why Lenders Can’t Claw Back Retainers Paid by Debtors

The UCC protects retainers in the hands of lawyers from secured lenders bent on glomming their collateral.

Tenth Circuit BAP Says that Section 364(d)(1) Can’t Be Used for Priming Lien in a Plan

In a SARE case, the BAP says that the bankruptcy court cannot deny a lift-stay motion without finding that confirmation is reasonably possible in a reasonable time.

Tenth Circuit Protects Subsequent Recipients of Fraudulent Transfer with a New Defense

In a fraudulent transfer of a contract claim, a subsequent recipient of cash proceeds from the claim has no liability under Section 550(a)(2), according to the Tenth Circuit.

Subchapter V Isn’t Always an Antidote for a Failing Chapter 11 Reorganization

Misconduct in the prior chapter 11 case barred debtors from proceeding as a small business reorganization under subchapter V of chapter 11.

Beware: Closing a Case Quickly Can Preclude Filing New Avoidance Actions

Judge Thuma describes nonstatutory exceptions to the statutes of limitations in Sections 546(a) and 550(f).

District Judge Rejects the Majority’s ‘Gotcha’ Approach to Automatic Abandonment

Sufficiently listing an asset anywhere in the schedules and SOFA will result in abandonment if the asset was not administered by the trustee, Utah district judge holds.

Postpetition Default on a Mortgage Is a Prepetition Debt for Setoff Purposes

The obligation on a mortgage is incurred when the mortgage is granted, even though the payment default may occur after filing, Judge Thuma says.

An Exempt Asset Effectively Loses Its Exemption in Chapter 13

Lower courts are split on whether an exempt asset is included in the calculation of “projected disposable income” in chapter 13.

Tenth Circuit Strictly Reads Section 326(a) Regarding a Trustee’s Right to Compensation

Successful liquidation doesn’t automatically mean maximum compensation.