Introduction
Doug helps businesses and individuals in bankruptcy and out-of-court workouts, asset sales, contract and lease disputes and preference and fraudulent transfer claims. As a senior associate in Fredrikson & Byron’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workout Group, Doug has extensive experience representing business and individual debtors in Chapter 11 cases. He has represented individuals in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, negotiation of personal guaranties and workouts with lenders. He has also represented buyers of assets from distressed sellers in Article 9 sales. Doug represents creditors in bankruptcy cases to asset trade, contract and large claims, as well as defense of preference and fraudulent transfer claims.
Prior to joining Fredrikson & Byron, Doug spent nine years as the Plant Manager and Eastern Regional Manager of a closely-held manufacturer of ceramic supplies.
Doug has spoken at local, regional and national events and written materials on personal insolvency issues such as individual Chapter 11 cases and personal guaranties, as well as general business bankruptcy issues.
Education
- University of Wisconsin, J.D., 2006, magna cum laude
- Duke University, B.A., 1992, cum laude
Bar Admissions
Practice Areas
Representative Experience
Bankruptcy
- Lead attorney representing debtor in hospitality industry in Chapter 11 reorganization.
- Lead attorney representing delivery service company in chapter 11 reorganization.
- Represented individual in Chapter 11 case discharging over $280 million in personal guaranty liability.
- Local counsel for 90-location fast-food franchisee in 363 sale process and plan of liquidation.
- Represented debtors in manufacturing, software, commercial real estate, marine, multifamily, telecommunications and printing industries in reorganizations and 363 sales.
- Lead attorney representing individuals and small businesses in Chapter 7 cases.
- Regularly consults with commercial landlords, manufacturers, and suppliers on reducing exposure to insolvency through lease and supply contract provisions.
Restructuring & Workouts
- Represents individuals in negotiating settlements of personal guaranties with lenders, the Small Business Administration, lessors and trade vendors, avoiding bankruptcy filings.
- Represents businesses and lenders in sales of assets in out-of-court sales and foreclosures under Article 9 of the UCC.
Selected Publications & Presentations
- Panelist, “The Individual Conundrum - Chapter 7, 11 or 13?,” American Bankruptcy Institute 31st Annual Spring Meeting, April 19, 2013
- Presenter, “The Absolute Priority Rule in Individual Chapter 11 Cases: Deciding What Congress Meant and Practical Implications for Practitioners,” Minnesota CLE Bankruptcy, April 16, 2013
-
Co-Presenter, "Bankruptcy Practice Deskbook – Chapter 11 in Minnesota – It’s All About Procedure (Oh, and Who Gets the Money)," Minnesota CLE Bankruptcy/Debtor-Creditor Series, January 2013
-
Co-Presenter, “(Almost) Everything you Wanted to Know About…Individual Chapter 11 Cases,” 86th Annual National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, San Diego, CA, Wednesday, October 24, 2012
- Presenter, “Planning for an Individual Chapter 11 Case,” 2012 Bankruptcy Institute, October 2, 2012
- Co-Presenter, “Personal Guarantees: Regulatory, Underwriting and Enforcement Issues,” Upper Midwest Turnaround Management Association, October 2011
- Author and Presenter, “Dissolution and Liquidation,” Minnesota State Bar Association, The Business from Cradle to Grave, November 2010
- Author and Presenter, “Dissolution, Liquidation, Receivership, and Bankruptcy,” Minnesota State Bar Association, Business Law Deskbook: Corporations and LLCs, July 2010
- Presenter, “Bankruptcy Basics for Creditors,” Hennepin County Bar Association, September 2008
- “BAPCPA’s Effects on Consumer Bankruptcy Filings,” Fredrikson & Byron’s Bank Focus Newsletter, June 2007
Professional Activities
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- Turnaround Management Association
- American Bar Association
Honors & Distinctions
- Order of the Coif