Recently, in Artesanias Hacienda Real S.A. De C.V. v. North Mill Capital, LLC; Leisawitz Heller, the Third Circuit held that creditors can pursue claims of the bankruptcy estate that have been abandoned by the trustee.

Earlier this year, Chapter 11’s new Subchapter V became a part of the Bankruptcy Code when the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (SBRA) became effective.

In practice, it is not uncommon for bankruptcy debtors to file suit against creditors or debt collectors for stay and discharge injunction violations. Often, they will do so before making any meaningful attempt to communicate with the creditor or debt collector to request that they stop their improper collection efforts.

O QUE É CHAPTER 11?

Ever since governors across the country implemented Stay at Home orders to slow the spread of COVID-19 by closing non-essential businesses, experts have debated whether a force majeure provision of a lease would excuse a tenant’s obligation to pay rent.

In the very unusual period in which we find ourselves today, it seems to be common wisdom that an avalanche of commercial loan defaults is coming. As such, it is a good time to take a fresh look at the terms and provisions used in commercial workout documents, whether in a simple agreement that extends a maturity date or in a complex forbearance document that restructures the collateral arrangement and financial covenants.

For debtors seeking to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, creditors with claims against reorganizing debtors, and purchasers of assets in bankruptcy court-administered sales, this alert flags seven things to keep in mind about the treatment of environmental liabilities in bankruptcy.

I. Bankruptcy Doesn’t Excuse Compliance with Environmental Rules

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COVID-19 Webinar Series

On April 24, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act was signed into law and provided an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Small Business Administration (SBA) resumed accepting PPP loan applications on April 27, 2020. In light of the quick exhaustion of initial PPP loan funds, eligible businesses should apply for PPP loans soon to increase the likelihood of receiving available funds.

The SBA has also provided additional guidance for entities applying for loans.

Small businesses often struggle to reorganize in bankruptcy. To address this issue, Congress passed the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (the SBRA). The SBRA took effect in February 2020 and makes small business bankruptcies faster and less expensive.