Perspectives on Crisis Management

Facing a government investigation, experiencing an environmental disaster or filing for bankruptcy can be a defining moment for a company. But facing all three or more is the definition of crisis management. How should company or outside counsel help the business prioritize its response? How do you resolve competing or conflicting issues while under the glare of public, shareholder and government scrutiny? Join our panel of experts as they explore the effect of multiple interconnected crises using the events facing Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. (PG&E) as a jumping off point. In March 2019, PG&E filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it braced for the impact of billions of dollars in liability claims for California’s deadliest wildfires. An immediate issue in the case is whether the Bankruptcy Court will take exclusive jurisdiction over the power contracts over which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) asserts concurrent jurisdiction. At the same time, tort litigation and government investigations into the cause and responsibility for the wildfires continue. Using the popular "game show" format, the expert panel, will explore issues in energy, bankruptcy, white collar, mass torts, and environmental law such as handling and planning for environmental disasters in the age of climate change, the fiduciary duties owed to creditors ( tort claimants and energy contract parties), and the effect of a criminal investigation on handling these types of crises.

Moderators:
Lily Chinn 

Speakers:
Norman C. Bay, 
Anna C. Catalano, 
Jane Kim, 
Hyun Park

Click here to view the current agenda and please visit NAPABA for more information.