Douglas Bates
Partner
Douglas Bates ensures that creditors are well-advised of their rights and understand how to enforce those rights as efficiently as possible using the full measure of available remedies in state and federal court, as well as in complex bankruptcy cases. He advises creditors in a variety of industries, with a particular focus on financial institutions and real estate development.
In the insolvency, distressed and special asset spaces, Doug helps clients access and evaluate unique information to make informed decisions on asset acquisition opportunities across the United States.
He also maintains a business litigation practice where he helps directors and officers navigate their options related to financial and other business growth opportunities, asset purchases, shareholder relations, or organized wind downs and spin-offs involving complex disputes. Doug represents companies in litigation involving business dissolution, business divorce, shareholder and partnership disputes and breach-of-contract cases.
Experience
- Successfully defended an international real estate company in a class action resulting in a settlement and voluntary dismissal of the case.
- Helped return 100% of distribution to the holders of allowed claims in a chapter 11 bankruptcy case of an agricultural processing company while representing an unsecured creditors committee.
- Represented a boxing promoter in bankruptcy related matters related to a professional boxer. Helped client obtain a successful resolution through settlement after trial.
- Achieved a successful resolution of a chapter 7 bankruptcy case and an efficient exit with a bankruptcy discharge for a former NFL quarterback.
- Obtained plaintiff’s voluntary dismissal of a complex real estate suit on against a real estate client on the eve of trial.
- Defended a regional financial institution against a suit related to an alleged cyber attack. Obtained a successful resolution through a settlement and dismissal of the suit.
- Represented a municipality in connection with a chapter 11 bankruptcy case of a construction company. Secured a settlement for the client after multiple days of mediation.
- Represented a real estate investor group in specific performance litigation that ultimately resulted in a chapter 11 bankruptcy and successful resolution through Bankruptcy Court-ordered mediation.