Bankruptcy
Practice Area

Bankruptcy Conference

Austin – Four Seasons Hotel – Nov 19-20, 2026

Live Webcast – Nov 19-20, 2026

Now in its 45th year, UT Law CLE’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference stands as one of the nation’s premier bankruptcy law programs. Each year, the conference brings together a distinguished national faculty of leading judges, academics, and practitioners for cutting‑edge discussions on the most important issues in bankruptcy practice. Recognized for its depth, insight, and exceptional networking opportunities, the Westbrook Conference continues to be a cornerstone event for professionals across the bankruptcy community. Program Highlights Recent Developments Returns with Expanded Coverage A perennial attendee favorite, Recent Developments will feature two dedicated sessions. Professor Jay L. Westbrook will kick off the conference with a review of the year's most significant bankruptcy cases. On Thursday afternoon, Aaron Kaufman will lead a panel discussion offering a deeper dive into the latest business and consumer bankruptcy developments.  New This Year: Choose Your Learning Path Customize your conference experience by selecting one of three concurrent educational tracks on Thursday afternoon: General Business Track Explore practical and emerging issues, including DIP Financing and Alternative Financing Strategies in Lower to Middle Market Cases, Hot Topics in Subchapter V: From Eligibility to Confirmation and Beyond, Understanding and Contending with Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs), and more. Complex Business Track Gain insights into sophisticated restructuring and insolvency matters through sessions such as The State of Private Credit and Potential Impacts on Restructuring Practice, To Opt-In or Opt-Out: Practical Approaches to Third-Party Releases, Comparisons of Foreign and U.S. Insolvency Regimes and Predictions for the Future, and more. Consumer Track Focus on challenges and best practices in consumer bankruptcy with sessions including Addressing Practical Problems in Consumer Cases, Judicial Estoppel Under the Totality of the Circumstances Test, and Making the Call: Personal vs. Commercial Chapter 7, Including Navigating SBA Loans Inside and Outside Bankruptcy, and more.  Closing Luncheon Keynote During Friday's closing luncheon, Professor Mechele Dickerson will examine the challenges facing lower- and middle-income young adults and discuss why entering and remaining in the middle class has become increasingly difficult in today's economic environment. Network with Industry Leaders Connect with judges, trustees, and fellow practitioners at the Thursday Evening Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Reception, an excellent opportunity to build relationships and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the profession. Why Attend? Stay current on the latest legal developments, tailor your learning experience through specialized tracks, hear from nationally recognized bankruptcy experts, and expand your professional network with leaders in the field.