Our firm is currently assisting in the prosecution of an international white collar crime matter. The allegations read like a James Bond novel and are so outlandish that film rights are being discussed. Like I said, this is interesting stuff. The thrust of the case centers on an international financial institution that uncovered a would-be depositor's scheme to launder … [Read more...]
Yes, You Must Disclose All International Property Holdings When Filing for Bankruptcy in the U.S.
I recently came across a situation where someone unwisely sought the advice of one of those late night television bankruptcy attorneys offering the deal of the century. You know the one. Well, unfortunately certain foreign property holdings were not disclosed and the court came very close to denying the debtor’s bankruptcy petition. In a very similar case, the court held the … [Read more...]
Why “10 + 2” Does Not Always Equal 12: What You Need to Know About the U.S. Importer Security Filing Rule.
Last month I received an email from a potential foreign client regarding the Importer Security Filing (ISF) Rule, known in the international shipping industry as the “10+2” Rule. Specifically, this person wanted to know what the penalties were for failing to comply with the rule’s filing requirements. I’m not sure whether it was a coincidence or whether the writer knew that … [Read more...]
Yes, Your Foreign Company Can File for U.S. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection.
Several months ago, I handled a matter on behalf of a foreign company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection here in the U.S. When I explained the general details of this case to a seasoned bankruptcy attorney, whom I had run into at legal seminar, I was surprised that he didn't think it was possible for a foreign company to do so. I went on to tell them that not … [Read more...]
How Lawyers (And Lawsuits) Drive Our Economy.
The first thing we’ll do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” This famous quote from Shakespeare’s Henry IV has become a rallying cry, of sorts, for those who bash the legal profession. What they forget, however, is the context of the statement. In fact, the reason the lawyers must be killed is not to cure political corruption, nuisance lawsuits and the various other malfeasant … [Read more...]