NCBRC’s Tara Twomey has filed an amicus brief on behalf of NACBA in the case of In re Friedman, No. 11-1149 (9th Cir. BAP) arguing that the absolute priority rule in chapter 11 does not apply to individual debtors. NCBRC’s brief argues that when Congress enacted the 2005 amendments it made significant amendments to chapter 11 in order to steer debtors toward reorganization rather than liquidation. Application of the absolute priority rule would have the contrary effect. This case presents one of the first opportunities for an appellate court to address whether the 2005 amendments to the Code abrogate the absolute priority rule for individuals. Other cases addressing this issue that are currently in the courts include: In re Maharaj, No. 11-217 (4th Cir.); In re Kamell, No. 11-1246 (9th Cir. BAP); In re Stephens, No. 11-29 (10th Cir. BAP); and In re Cobb, No. 09-25620 (Bankr. C.D. Cal.). Click here for the brief.
