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Since 1989, Jim has been certified as a specialist in bankruptcy law by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of Arizona. Jim concentrates his practice exclusively on bankruptcy matters in the federal courts. His client representation covers the entire spectrum of bankruptcy law. Jim's past and present clients range from debtors' trustees, examiners, secured and unsecured creditors to equity and unsecured creditor committees.
Jim has also represented clients in appeals before the federal appellate courts. Jim was counsel for the debtor in a case of first impression by the Ninth Circuit on the issue of subordination of equity claims under 11 U.S.C. §510(b), reported at In re Betacom of Phoenix, Inc., 240 F. 3d 823 (9th Cir. 2001)
As counsel for chapter 11 debtors and troubled business entities in workouts, Jim's clients have ranged from businesses involved in the operation of: radio stations, fast food franchisees/franchisors, golf courses, real estate development, agricultural enterprises, multi-family housing, industrial and retail real property management, medical practice groups, integrated circuit production, consumer health care and professional sports management.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona, Phoenix Division, has appointed Jim to serve as an examiner and mediator.
From 1974 to 1980 Jim served in the United States Air Force and the Ohio Air National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant.
Education
J.D., Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University, 1983; Sun Devil Foundation Scholarship recipient
B.A., International Studies, The Ohio State University, 1980; Murray Award Recipient; Gold Key Honor Society Member
Professional Recognitions and Awards
The Best Lawyers in America®, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law, edition 2008
Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating, 1999
Arizona Board of Legal Specialization, certified specialist in bankruptcy law since 1989
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
Arizona, 1983
Texas, 1989
Court Admissions
U.S. Supreme Court, 2006
Supreme Court of Arizona, 1983
Supreme Court of Texas, 1983
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1983
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1983
Professional Activities
Federal Bar Association, Member, 1989
American Bar Association, Member, 1983
Maricopa County Bar Association, Member, 1983
American Bankruptcy Institute, Member, 1989
Co-Chair, State Bar of Arizona, Bankruptcy Section Judicial Relations Subcommittee, 2002-2004
State Bar of Arizona, Bankruptcy Section Executive Committee, Member, 1991-2004
Bankruptcy Advisory Commission, Member, 2001-2004, Chair, 2002-2003
State Bar of Arizona Bankruptcy Section, Chair, 1999-2000
Lawyer Representative to the Nonth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2005-2008
Co-Founder of Maricopa County Volunteer Lawyer Program Bankruptcy Pro Bono Clinic
Community Activities
Youth Sports Coach, St. Francis Xavier School, Phoenix, Arizona
Co-founder, Bankruptcy Bar and Bench Golf Tournament
Volunteer Lawyer Program, 1984-
Representative Matters
American Broadcasting Systems, Inc. v. Nugent, 240 F.3d. 832 (9th Cir. 2001)
In re Circle K Corporation
In re America West Airlines
In re First Magnus Financial Corporation
Publications and Presentations
Contributing Author of the Professional Education Systems, Inc's (PESI)'s publication The Fundamentals of Bankruptcy Practice in Arizona, 1998, 2003
Frequent Lecturer on CLE Programs presented by Bar and private organizations |
