Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference

The Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference is a biennial event organized by The Center for American and International Law, bringing together judges, attorneys, and bankruptcy professionals from the Fifth Circuit. The 2026 conference is scheduled for March 26-27 at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The conference agenda includes plenary sessions and breakout discussions on topics such as debt and dignity, administrative insolvency, student loans in bankruptcy, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Notable sessions feature panels on privacy concerns in bankruptcy proceedings and the unwritten laws of corporate reorganizations.

Attendees will have opportunities for networking during receptions and state-specific breakfasts. The event also includes a luncheon presentation and an optional evening gathering at the House of Blues. Distinguished speakers include Chief Judge Stacey G.C. Jernigan and Professor Douglas Baird.

This conference is ideal for bankruptcy judges, attorneys, trustees, and professionals seeking to stay informed on current issues and developments in bankruptcy law within the Fifth Circuit. It offers a platform for education, discussion, and professional networking.