Tax-qualification requirements generally prohibit plan sponsors from eliminating optional methods of distribution under a retirement plan. This “anti-cutback” requirement is subject to only a limited number of exceptions. A recent modification to this rule adds a new exception for single-employer defined benefit plans maintained by employers in bankruptcy. Such employers may amend their plans to eliminate lump-sum distribution options if certain conditions are met.

The Anti-Cutback Rule

Two significant changes were made to the Virginia recording tax statutes applicable to deeds of trusts during the 2012 session of the General Assembly. First, the exemption from recording taxes for deeds of trust whose purpose is to refinance an existing debt with the same lender was eliminated. Second, on deeds of trust securing debt in excess of the fair market value of the real estate, the recording tax now may be paid on the value of the property conveyed rather than the amount of the debt.

Seventh Circuit reverses district court decision that discretionary beneficiary lacked standing to bring surcharge claim for $200 million in investment losses from investment concentration.

Forum selection clause in an investment management agreement is valid and enforceable.

Senator Charles Grassley has sent a letter to the Justice Department asking how Justice has enforced “key employee retention plans” (KERPs) under 503(c) of the U.S.

A Chicago bankruptcy court declined to dismiss the Chapter 11 case of a “bankruptcy remote” limited liability company even though the debtor failed to obtain the unanimous consent of its members as required by its operating agreement. See In re Lake Mich. Beach Pottawattamie Resort, LLC, Case No. 15bk42427, 2016 Bankr. LEXIS 1107 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. April 5, 2016).

In a case of first impression, the Seventh Circuit recently issued an opinion that may cause landlords and their advisors to re-evaluate the consequences of terminating a financially distressed commercial tenant’s lease prior to bankruptcy. Official Comm. of Unsecured Creditors of Great Lakes Quick Lube LP v. T.D. Investments I, LLP (In re Great Lakes Quick Lube LP), --- F.3d ---, 2016 WL 930298 (7th Cir. Mar. 11, 2016) (Posner, J.).

Today, the Second Circuit reissued the latest in a line of cases adopting an expansive reading of the safe harbor under Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. In re Tribune Co. Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., Case 13-3992, Doc. 356-1 (2d Cir. Mar. 29, 2016). (This opinion was originally issued on March 24 and withdrawn on March 28. The opinion released today contains minor, non-substantive alterations to the text on pages 8, 22, 26, and 40. In all other respects, it is identical to the opinion withdrawn last week).

Challenges, Risks and New Developments in the Distressed Oil & Gas Industry MARK A. PLATT, Partner 214 932 6433 | [email protected] Dallas, TX JOHN H. THOMPSON, Partner 202 857 2474 | [email protected] Washington, DC The authors thank the following colleagues for their assistance with this material: Courtney A.

Can Gathering Agreements Be Rejected as Executory Contracts?