Altman Riley Esher represents creditors, trustees, creditors’ committees, investors, business debtors, and consumer debtors in all aspects of distressed economic situations, including bankruptcy cases, workouts, and strategic counseling. We are skilled in all aspects of bankruptcy litigation, from investigatory and trial work to briefing and argument before all appellate tribunals.
Our partners have published extensively in national periodicals and treatises, and frequently participate as panelists in conferences exploring the complexity and cutting-edge theories underlying bankruptcy practice. We have developed national reputations for excellence, recognized by appointments to boards of national organizations in the bankruptcy field and selection as leading attorneys in the Massachusetts legal community.
As a firm, and through the varied efforts of our individual attorneys, we are committed to pro bono work and civic involvement locally and nationally.
Debtor Practice
Our debtor practice encompasses commercial and individual representation in chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy cases and out-of-court restructurings and liquidations. Our attorneys have represented factories, national retailing companies, restaurants, and other businesses as chapter 11 counsel, as well as a broad range of individuals in chapter 7 and 13 cases. We offer a cost-effective alternative to larger firms in these matters; our partners are personally involved in each case.
Trustee Practice
Our trustee practice is built on membership of our partner, Lynne Riley, on the panel of chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees for the District of Massachusetts since 1995. We have been appointed by the bankruptcy court as operating trustee and examiner in chapter 11 cases, and as a creditor trustee under confirmed chapter 11 reorganization and liquidation plans. We provide legal representation in connection with these fiduciary appointments, as well as to other non-firm fiduciaries in chapter 7, 11, and 13 proceedings.
Creditor Practice
We represent creditors and creditors’ committees in chapter 11 cases, including having served as committee counsel in the liquidating chapter 11 cases of a major retail chain and a nationally known high-tech company. Our practice includes representation of lenders, landlords, insurers, business partners, domestic partners, trade creditors, employees, and all manner of investors in chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy cases.
Arbitration and Mediation
Our partner, Jack Esher, has served as court-appointed and party-selected arbitrator and mediator in cases of national significance. Our attorneys are skilled in using the art of negotiation to achieve settlements in matters that would otherwise become costly and protracted.
We are considered to be a "debt relief agency" under the Bankruptcy Code, as we represent clients who file for bankruptcy protection.