Scott Williams spoke at the Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute’s 52nd Annual Seminar, held March 18-20, where bankruptcy professionals from across the region gathered to discuss evolving issues in the field.

During his presentation, Scott offered a seasoned litigator’s perspective on recent developments impacting bankruptcy practitioners. His session covered key case law shaping how attorneys frame arguments, updates related to preference actions and fraud complaints, the growing role of artificial intelligence in drafting court documents and practical guidance on effective advocacy before the bankruptcy court.

From courtroom fundamentals to emerging issues in bankruptcy law, he focused on how both experience and adaptability play a role in successful advocacy. Key takeaways included:

  • Recent case law continues to shape how litigators frame issues and staying grounded in those developments is critical to effective advocacy.
  • In bankruptcy matters involving leases, setting client expectations early and understanding the value of assumption versus rejection are essential to sound strategy.
  • At its core, strong litigation still comes down to fundamentals such as preparation, perspective and knowing what works in the courtroom.

“Important recent case law can shape how litigators frame the issues for the court. At the same time, remembering the lessons of the past can guide how we approach advocacy both in and outside the courtroom.”

Scott Williams

He closed his session with a nod to renowned trial lawyer Clarence Darrow, paraphrasing a well-known sentiment about the profession and reinforcing the enduring importance of trial advocacy fundamentals, saying, “The only real lawyers are trial lawyers, and trial lawyers try cases.

In addition to his presentation, Scott also participated in a closing panel discussion focused on the treatment of leases in bankruptcy. The panel provided practical insights on best practices, including how to guide clients on expectations and how to approach the valuation of lease assumptions versus lease rejections.

Throughout the discussion, he emphasized a consistent theme. While the law continues to evolve, effective advocacy remains grounded in preparation, clarity and the fundamentals developed over time.