I advise clients on all legal issues involving financial distress, whether their own or their counterparties'.

Jim has handled significant litigation in courts and arbitration panels across the country, with an emphasis on cases in U.S. district and bankruptcy courts, ranging from complex commercial disputes to fraudulent transfer actions. In bankruptcy courts, Jim has represented creditors, debtors, and financial advisors in all aspects of adversary and contested proceedings, including Chapter 11 plan confirmation and Section 363 sales.

Outside of court, Jim advises and represents borrowers, lenders, and other creditors in workouts, restructurings, and liquidations. He is frequently consulted on transactional risks such as potential fraudulent or preferential transfers, lender liability, and bankruptcy exposure. His workout experience includes various types and structures of both debt and equity, including restructuring trust preferred securities (TruPS) and corporate liquidations.

Services

Business Litigation

In courtrooms, agencies, and tribunals across the country, we pursue our clients’ interests–both cost-effectively and with positive results.

Credentials

Education

  • Indiana University at Bloomington, Maurer School of Law, 1992
    • J.D., cum laude
  • Indiana University at Bloomington, 1989
    • B.S., with high distinction and departmental honors

Memberships

  • American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Turnaround Management Association
  • Chicago Bar Association

Admissions

  • Illinois, 2001
  • Ohio, 1993 (Inactive)

Professional Achievements

  • Illinois Leading Lawyers, 2014-2021
  • "Asset Sales under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code." Collier's Guide to Chapter 11 Practice, Thomson Reuters, 2010. 
  • "Bankruptcy Issues under BAPCPA." Asset Protection Planning, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2007; 2010.
  • "Representing the Unsecured Creditor in a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case." Creditors' Rights in Chapter 11 Cases, Aspatore, 2009. 
  • Author of dozens of published articles in national publications on litigation and bankruptcy topics. 

Experience

Presentations

  • Howard & Howard/Huron/Rehmann, "Liquidity Management in the Face of COVID-19: What Every Organization Should Know," April 28, 2020, webinar. https://bit.ly/3aKBkE1