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Focus on Fellows
We invite all Fellows to submit information about awards, news, and/or recent publications. Member highlights will be published on a bi-monthly basis to all Fellows through email or the College Columns as appropriate. If you have news about yourself or a colleague, please send announcements to Carole McNamara, ACB Communications Director, at [email protected].
Jay Bender (Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP) has received the inaugural Service to Veterans Award from the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) for his pivotal role in drafting and helping to turn into law the “Honoring American Veterans in Extreme Need Act of 2019” (HAVEN Act; H.R. 2938). The award recognizes an ABI member who has contributed to the betterment of the lives of veterans during the past year. Jay was formally recognized at the ABI-co-sponsored Hon. Steven W. Rhodes Consumer Bankruptcy Conference in suburban Detroit on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Bernstein-Burkley announced the firm’s expansion to Cleveland, Ohio. The new office is now open under the direction of Harry W. Greenfield and Jeffrey C. Toole. Both partners joined the firm’s Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice group. Harry will focus on corporate bankruptcy and restructuring involving receiverships, mechanic’s liens, collection actions, foreclosure actions, lease defaults, and Uniform Commercial Code issues.
David S. Rubin will join the offices of Butler Snow. Butler Snow is expanding its Baton Rouge, LA office as Kantrow Spaht Weaver & Blitzer merges with Butler Snow on January 1, 2020.
Jason Watson has joined Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP as “of counsel” in the Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy practice. Watson represents secured lenders and special servicers in large bankruptcy matters including workouts, Chapter 11 cases and creditor rights-related litigation. He also advises borrowers on practical ways of navigating distressed situations, including sales, liquidations and bankruptcy proceedings. He has experience in a broad range of industries including hospitality, construction, retailing and food service. He has done extensive work on the debtor side of transactions, and hopes to utilize those skills as well.