BarbriSFCourseDetails
  1. keyboard_arrow_leftBack

Course Details

Course Information
  • smart_display Format

    On-Demand

  • signal_cellular_alt Difficulty Level

    Intermediate

  • work Practice Area

    Bankruptcy

Date & Time
  • event Date

    Wednesday, August 23, 2023

  • schedule Time

    1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT

  • timer Program Length

    90 minutes

Credit Information

  • This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.

$297.00
CLE
ALL

This CLE webinar will equip counsel to negotiate and draft forbearance agreements that provide maximum protection of lender interests while at the same time minimizing the risk of lender liability claims. A well structured and well drafted forbearance agreement can strengthen the lender's position should the debtor-borrower further default, file bankruptcy, or seek other insolvency relief. The program will also discuss how the workout process creates opportunities to correct deficiencies in existing loan terms, shore up weak documentation, or secure additional collateral or covenants.

Faculty

Theodore A. Cohen
Special Counsel
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

Mr. Cohen specializes in creditors' rights and focuses on lender, indenture trustee, and lessor representation in bankruptcies, loan and lease workouts, defaulted bond financings and secured transactions. He also represents buyers of distressed companies in bankruptcy 363 sales and from assignees for the benefit of creditors.

expand_circle_down Expand to View Full Bio expand_circle_up Collapse Bio
Alan M. Feld
Partner
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

Mr. Feld is a partner in the Finance and Bankruptcy Practice Group and Real Estate, Land Use and Environmental Practice Group in the firm's Los Angeles office. He serves as the Leader of the firm's Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Team.

expand_circle_down Expand to View Full Bio expand_circle_up Collapse Bio

Description

Forbearance agreements are essential to protecting a lender's position when the loan is in default or in danger of going into default. Counsel representing lenders must anticipate and successfully navigate obstacles during the negotiation process and avoid pitfalls that might give rise to lender liability challenges by borrowers.

A loan forbearance provides a lender the chance to strengthen its position and minimize risk due to the borrower's bankruptcy or a foreclosure sale. Forbearance agreements also allow the lender to correct deficiencies in existing terms, documentation, or collateral.

Should the borrower file bankruptcy, the forbearance agreement will be reviewed by third parties, such as a court, a trustee, a creditors' committee, or others who may wish to challenge it. Thus, in any forbearance situation, counsel must structure and document the forbearance with bankruptcy considerations in mind. Waivers of the automatic stay by the borrower and stipulations supporting relief in a bankruptcy filing are critical.

Listen as our authoritative panel of attorneys discusses best practices for crafting forbearance agreements that minimize lender risks and liabilities. The panel will also address steps lenders can take during the workout process to correct deficiencies in existing terms, documentation, or collateral.

Outline

  1. Correcting loan documentation deficiencies and strengthening collateral position
    1. Updated UCC searches
    2. Loan document review
    3. Special collateral perfection examination
    4. Tax and judgment lien search
    5. Additional collateral
    6. Guarantees
  2. Drafting the forbearance agreement
    1. Waiver of existing defaults
    2. Borrower representations and warranties
    3. Strict compliance with loan documents
    4. The expiration date and early termination
    5. Fees
    6. Ratification of obligations
    7. Confirmation of liens and security interests
    8. Agreements to prejudgment remedies, such as receivership
    9. Release of claims
    10. Other lender protections

Benefits

The panel will review these and other high priority issues:

  • What are the critical provisions in the forbearance agreement?
  • What unique risks does the borrower's bankruptcy pose and how can counsel minimize these risks in crafting the forbearance agreement?
  • What steps can the lender take during a loan workout to strengthen its position and minimize its bankruptcy or foreclosure sale risks?