It is not uncommon for non- bankruptcy federal practitioners to find themselves thrust into the unfamiliar world of bank- ruptcy law. Even for attorneys whose practice areas are wholly unrelated to bankruptcy, some knowledge of bankruptcy con- cepts is critical. An unwary prac- titioner may face unanticipated and severe outcomes if a party to a case, or its subsidiary, parent, or affiliate, either commences a bankruptcy proceeding or is im- pacted by a bankruptcy court order. Also, in formulating litiga- tion strategy, knowledge of bankruptcy law may allow for a complete analysis of the anticipated time- line, desired counter- claim parties, costs, damages, and possibil- ity of settlement. Thus, all federal prac- titioners ought to have a basic understanding of, and familiarity with, the nature of bankruptcy pro- ceedings and rules. This article pro- vides a brief overview of four concepts that federal practitioners may encoun- ter when confronted with bankruptcy issues. In discussing bankruptcy concepts, it is Bankruptcy Basics: A Brief Overview Of Bankruptcy Law For Non-Bankruptcy Federal Practitioners By Arjun Sivakumar and Honieh O.H. Udenka* F Fall/Winter 2018 Newsletter Date Fall/Winter 2018 FBA/OC UPCOMING EVENTS: xAnnual Judges’ Night October 18, 2018 xBehind the Glass October 25, 2018 xCriminal Practice Seminar November 13, 2018 xSwearing In Event December 2018 xSupreme Court Up- date February 8, 2019 For more details and to register for events visit www.fbaoc.com IN THIS ISSUE: Bankruptcy Basics: A Brief Overview of Bankruptcy Law for Non-Bankruptcy Federal Practitioners 1 Into the Briar Patch: Discovery in Arbitrations 1 From the Editor 2 President’s Message 3 Reception for Judge Gandhi and Judge Spaeth 9 The Newsletter of the Federal Bar Association/Orange County Chapter Into the Briar Patch: Discovery in Arbitrations By Robert A. Merring* “What do you mean I can’t serve interrogatories or take a deposition in an arbitration proceeding?”1 Even experienced litigators have expressed incredulity over the guiding principle in arbitrations that there generally is no “right” to conduct discovery. This article first explores the historical bases for the traditional rule and how the courts and alternative dispute resolution providers have modified that position in recent years. It then examines the increasingly important role that preliminary hearings and mandatory prehearing