Privacy in an Open Forum: Managing Sensitive Information in Bankruptcy Cases
Friday, October 9th, 2026 – 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Marriott Grand Ballroom – 8 – 13
Moderator:
Hon. Brian Walsh
Speakers:
Brad Knapp
Elise Frejka
Abigail Ryan
Description:
Bankruptcy is, by design, a transparent process. Debtors are expected to provide full and accurate disclosure to allow courts, creditors, and other stakeholders to evaluate assets and liabilities and participate fully in the reorganization or liquidation. That transparency, however, often collides with legitimate concerns about privacy and data protection. Debtors may hold vast quantities of personally identifiable information (“PII”) and highly sensitive commercial data. Creditors and other parties in interest may also be exposed when their information surfaces in schedules, claims, or sale processes.
Bios:
Brian Walsh has served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri since January 2023. Before taking the bench, he practiced for more than 25 years in Atlanta and St. Louis, principally in bankruptcy, restructuring, and related fields. He is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy.
Brad Knapp is a bankruptcy partner at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP in New Orleans, Louisiana. Brad has extensive experience in energy industry bankruptcies on the debtor, creditor, and committee side. Brad recently served as co-counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the bankruptcy case of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Abigail R. Ryan is Bankruptcy Counsel for the National Association of Attorneys General, advising and representing state and territorial attorneys general in complex governmental bankruptcies. With over 20 years of experience, including as a Texas Assistant Attorney General, she specializes in multi state matters involving consumer protection, environmental, and privacy issues. Ms. Ryan also oversees NAAG’s annual national bankruptcy conference.