Table of Contents

• Jurisdiction: United States

Table of Contents

I. Introduction (Leslie A. Berkoff and John G. Loughnane)..................1

II. When Mediation Should Be Considered (Robert M. Fishman).........................................................3

A. The Dispute.................................................................................................4

B. The Procedural Posture..............................................................................6

C. The Parties and Their Respective Interests.............................................7

D. Conclusion..................................................................................................7

III. Types of Bankruptcy-Related Disputes (Robert M. Fishman - Introduction)..............................................9

A. Early-Case Issues (Scott K. Brown)........................................................12

1. Cash-Collateral Disputes...............................................................12

2. Advantages of Early-Case Mediation for Cash-Collateral Disputes...............................................................15

3. Other Early-Case Needs for Mediation........................................17

B. Middle of the Case....................................................................................18

1. Mediating Preference, Fraudulent Conveyance and Other Avoidance Actions (Francis L. Carter)..............................18

2. Breaches of Contract, Collection and Turnover Actions (John G. Loughnane).....................................31

3. Validity of Liens/Avoidance of Lien (John G. Loughnane)........33

4. Adversary Proceedings/Contested Matters (John G. Loughnane)...................................................................34

5. Disputes Relating to Claims Against the Debtor (John G. Loughnane).................................................35

C. Late-Stage Case (The Honorable Lisa Hill Fenning (Ret.)).................38

1. Plan Mediation: "Mediating" Without an Appointed Mediator........................................................................39

2. Cases that Would Especially Benefit from Having a Plan Mediator.................................................................45

3. Timing of Plan Mediation Efforts..................................................50

4. Choosing a Plan Mediator.............................................................51

D. Disputes Concerning Dischargeability in

Individual Cases (Judy W. Weiker).......................................................52

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