Category Archives: Uncategorized


Judge Rhodes to Rule Today on Swap Agreement

Judge Rhodes to Rule Today on Swap Agreement

January 16, 2014  | Posted by: Patrick O'Keefe

Betting Judge Rhodes approves swap settlement today at 2pm.  The City got reduction in settlement amount that Judge Rhodes requested they get.  Judge Rhodes appointed mediator, Judge Rosen, has approved new settlement.  It seems City has accomplished what Judge Rhodes… Continue Reading  

Positive Impacts: From Businesses to our Community

Positive Impacts: From Businesses to our Community

January 12, 2014  | Posted by: Patrick O'Keefe

After finishing our 13th year in business, the end of the year is always a good time to reflect. The firm was once again recognized for successful outcomes in difficult transactions. The agricultural industry continues to provide opportunities for our… Continue Reading  

Potential Costs of Poor Project Management

Potential Costs of Poor Project Management

January 6, 2014  | Posted by: oadmin

When a business is considering undertaking a new, large project, there can be many issues to consider along the way.  It is critical to examine all aspects of a significant project carefully before starting.  Moving ahead blindly will result in… Continue Reading  

GAO Patent Infringement Study

GAO Patent Infringement Study

December 20, 2013  | Posted by: oadmin

Section 34 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“AIA”) mandated that the United States Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) conduct a study on the consequences of patent litigation by nonpracticing entities (NPEs).  As such, the GAO’s objectives were to determine (1)… Continue Reading  

Back to the Drawing Board

Back to the Drawing Board

December 18, 2013  | Posted by: Patrick O'Keefe

Not a big surprise today that Judge Rhodes asked Kevyn Orr to go back to the drawing board on his swap settlement. The beauty of bankruptcy is that it levels the playing field for creditors in terms of understanding the… Continue Reading  

Was Detroit’s Chapter 9 Filing Proper?

Was Detroit’s Chapter 9 Filing Proper?

December 9, 2013  | Posted by: Patrick O'Keefe

This week the Judge rules on whether the City’s filing for Chapter 9 was proper.  I believe he will rule favorably to the EM and allow the bankruptcy.  My guess is this will ignite a flurry of legal activity.  I… Continue Reading  

More Challenges for our Communities – Nonprofit Legacies at Risk

More Challenges for our Communities – Nonprofit Legacies at Risk

November 25, 2013  | Posted by: oadmin

Nonprofit organizations are critical to communities across the nation, providing resources to enrich the lives of many who would otherwise be underserved. Over the past four years nonprofits have fought hard to maintain their private donations as American’s discretionary income… Continue Reading  

To Swap or not to Swap; What to Consider When Converting Variable Rate Debt to a Fixed Rate.

To Swap or not to Swap; What to Consider When Converting Variable Rate Debt to a Fixed Rate.

October 28, 2013  | Posted by: oadmin

Many companies have been enjoying slow sales growth and strong cash earnings since 2011 as the US economy continues to recover from the recession. Even better is that while earnings have improved, companies have continued to see some of the… Continue Reading  

Did the City have the right to file Chapter 9?

Did the City have the right to file Chapter 9?

October 23, 2013  | Posted by: Patrick O'Keefe

Today Judge Rhodes will start to hear arguments from the City and opposing parties (creditors).  The big issues are; did the City meet the requirements for a Chapter 9 filing?  The two big requirements are financial duress (insolvency) and did… Continue Reading  

The City of Detroit

The City of Detroit

October 23, 2013  | Posted by: Patrick O'Keefe

The City of Detroit Bankruptcy is gathering international scrutiny.  Four reporters from WEDGE magazine, a business publication in Japan, visited our offices last week to discuss how the City of Detroit incurred financial duress.  They were interested in the prolonged… Continue Reading