Practice Areas

Practice Overview

Since 1988, David Reeder has focused his practice on representing businesses and individuals in the following areas of law:

1. Bankruptcy and Insolvency.
   
2. Bankruptcy and Commercial Litigation.
   
3. Out-of-Court Debt Restructurings and Loan Work-outs.
   
4. Purchase of Assets from Bankruptcy Estates 

Bankruptcy Courts

Reeder Law Corporation represents clients in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, including the branch courts in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Fernando Valley (Woodland Hills), Riverside, and Santa Barbara. Special assignments are also taken in other bankruptcy courts.

Local Counsel

The firm often acts as local counsel in California for clients throughout the U.S. and internationally, and works in close cooperation with the client's existing attorney.

National and International Practice

David Reeder advises clients throughout the U.S. and internationally, on insolvency and bankruptcy issues.

Bankruptcy and Insolvency

Introduction

David Reeder has over 14 years of experience in bankruptcy and business reorganization practice. Reeder Law Corporation assists businesses and individuals in formulating and executing creative problem solving strategies when they are faced with insolvency; either their own, or that of a customer or borrower. The Firm represents clients with diverse interests, including companies who are reorganizing, creditors committees, bankruptcy trustees, individuals, lenders, landlords, and acquirers of assets from bankruptcy estates.

Specialized Knowledge for a Specialized Practice

Bankruptcy and insolvency practice requires a thorough knowledge of all areas of business law, including the law of contracts, partnerships and corporations, secured transactions, and real and personal property. Added to this is a knowledge of the intricacies of the highly specialized areas of bankruptcy law and bankruptcy procedure. David Reeder has spent years developing the necessary expertise in bankruptcy law and procedure, and laws governing property and commercial transactions. He has published articles on bankruptcy related topics in legal journals, and has done extensive lecturing and teaching on bankruptcy-related topics.

Successful Business Reorganizations

David Reeder has acted as lead counsel in successful business reorganizations under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, with the reorganized businesses including Hallmark Carpet Mills, a carpet mill, Hacienda Mexican Food Products, Inc., a food manufacturer, a musical software manufacturer, and Union China Investment and Development, Inc., a commercial real estate investment company.

David Reeder is well versed in the reorganization process, and works closely with management through the entire reorganization process. This includes counseling management regarding realistic reorganization goals, and, in addition to handling the necessary legal work, guiding management through every step of the reorganization process.

A successful business reorganization requires the active involvement of management, bankruptcy counsel, and other professionals. Increased understanding of the process leads to more successful results.

Creditor Representation and Asset Recovery

Reeder Law Corporation represents secured and unsecured creditors, with the goal of maximizing recovery and protecting or recovering the creditor's collateral. The firm often acts as local counsel in California for creditors throughout the U.S., and works in concert with the creditor's existing attorney.

The firm is able to assist creditors in maximizing recovery on claims in bankruptcy cases, and in recovering collateral from bankruptcy estates. We are well versed in relief from stay litigation, cash collateral matters, responding to objections to claims, and opposing plan confirmation. On several occasions the firm has blocked chapter 11 plan confirmation, which has led to favorable settlements for its creditor clients. David Reeder represented a judgment creditor in the chapter 11 case filed by Zsa Zsa Gabor, which resulted in full payment of the claim. David Reeder represented the holder of a $33,000,000 judgment in the chapter 11 case of Madison Associates, Inc., the successor to Panell Kerr Forster. Mr. Reeder's aggressive opposition to the debtor's plan of reorganization lead to a favorable settlement for the creditor client.

Creditors' Committee Representation

David Reeder has acted as counsel to creditors committees in chapter 11 cases. He is experienced in assisting the creditors committee with the necessary investigation of the company in bankruptcy, and advises the committee on crucial decisions such as when to support the debtor's reorganization efforts, when to take the lead in such efforts, and when to abandon hope of reorganization and seek liquidation of the debtor's assets through the appointment of a trustee. For more detail on creditors' committees, go to the Special Report section.

Purchase of Assets in Bankruptcy Cases

Insolvency often means a sale of assets, and most insolvency matters have transactional components. The firm has assisted its clients with the purchase and sale of assets from bankruptcy cases. This requires a thorough knowledge of both bankruptcy law as well as the ability to negotiate and structure a transaction. Asset purchases made by clients of the firm include the assets of Jumbo Wholesale, Inc., a "cash and carry" warehouse facility, the assets of Cool-a-Coo, Inc., an ice cream manufacturer, as well as assets from Performance Parts, Inc., a specialty auto-parts distributor.

Commercial Landlords

Landlords are in a unique position when their commercial tenant files a bankruptcy case. Reeder Law Corporation is well-versed in this area of bankruptcy practice, and works toward a speedily resolution with either recovery of the premises, or the prompt resumption of rent payments by the tenant.

Trustee Representation

The firm has long represented bankruptcy trustees in both liquidating and operating cases. It is well versed in assisting the trustee in analyzing the character and nature of assets of the estate, in developing case strategies, and assisting the trustee in the execution of the case strategy. The firm's litigation expertise is valuable to the trustee in pursuing avoidance litigation. David Reeder represented the trustee of National Pax Corporation, the manufacturer of OtterPops. The sale of the company's assets, over the vigorous objection of the firm's management and a would-be "suitor", resulted in a substantial recovery for unsecured creditors. David Reeder also represented the trustee of Greenhorn Ranch, Inc., a case that involved a dude-ranch, and adjoining subdivision. The case resulted in a substantial recovery to unsecured creditors.

Out of Court Workouts

Often it is possible for both companies and their creditors to achieve better and more controlled results through out of court workouts. The firm has been involved in such workouts, and can engage such negotiations from a position of strength, using its knowledge of the limits of the other side's options in the court system.

Special Bankkruptcy Issues.

Reeder Law Corporation engages special bankruptcy issues such as the determination of the rights on intellectual property licensors and licensees, and the appointment of trustees in bankruptcy cases.

Representation of Individuals in Bankruptcy Cases

David Reeder has represented individuals in bankruptcy cases since 1988. He was the founder and chair of the Individual and Consumer Bankruptcy Subcommittee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and has lectured and written widely on consumer bankruptcy issues.

The sweeping changes that Congress made to the Bankruptcy Code in 2005 make bankruptcy relief more difficult to attain for may people.   Reeder Law Corporation works to find creative solutions to the new hurdles put in front of people who need bankruptcy relief.”

Personal bankruptcy is not a "first resort", and the decision to seek bankruptcy relief is not an easy one for an individual. Such a decision requires a combination of information, planning, and appropriate action, which can only be provided by an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Reeder Law Corporation assists individual clients in assessing the appropriateness of seeking bankruptcy relief and vigorously represents individuals during all phases of the bankruptcy process, with the goal of maximizing the client's fresh start. For example, in a recent case, the firm successfully defended a popular former professional athlete, after he had filed bankruptcy, from fraud claims made by a former employee. The result was a ruling by the Bankruptcy Court clearing the client of any fraud whatsoever, and discharging the claim.

A Focus on Business Solutions to Business Problems

We recognize that the purpose of the court system is to serve as a crucible for resolving the most difficult disputes, but that many disputes can be handled through focused and goal oriented efforts. Reeder Law Corporation is dedicated to achieving cost-effective business solutions for business problems. The firm speaks the language of business, and recognizes that it is the client who has the most at stake. The Law Offices of David M. Reeder prides itself in understanding the client's needs and problems, and arriving at a focused plan of action.

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Bankruptcy and Commercial Litigation.

Litigation Practice

A detailed knowledge of the unique bankruptcy procedures, as well as a extensive experience in overall case strategy make Reeder Law Corporation extremely effective in bankruptcy litigation. The Firm has been involved in a wide range of bankruptcy litigation, including preference and fraudulent transfer litigation, litigation regarding claims in bankruptcy, relief from stay litigation, and litigation regarding contested plans of reorganization. David Reeder recently represented Berryman Health, Inc., the holder of a claim against MedPartners, Inc. The case began with MedPartners suing the client for alleged overpayments, and attempting to have the client's claim denied. The case ended with MedPartners writing a check to the client for the full amount of its claim.

Areas of Litigation

David Reeder has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in litigation matters including:

• Preferential transfers
• Fraudulent transfers
• Fraud
• Non-dischargeability of debt
• Objections to discharge
• Real estate title disputes
• Money owed
• Disputed claims in bankruptcy
• Defense of physicians in medical licensure actions brought by the California Medical Board

Negotiated Settlements

The firm believes in consensual resolution of disputes, but not at the expense of our client's rights. Substantial care is taken in advising clients regarding settlement options, negotiating settlements on behalf of our clients, and balancing the potential litigation costs with the benefits to be achieved through litigation.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The firm utilizes both traditional litigation and ADR to resolve disputes. The firm calls upon resources from numerous disciplines to mediate, arbitrate, or otherwise resolve disputes.

Negotiation From a Position of Strength

The firm believes in negotiating from a position of strength. This means making it clear to the opponent, from the outset, that the firm is willing and able to take the matter to trial, and if necessary through an appeal. Once this fact is established, there is a dramatic increase in the possibility of a favorable negotiated settlement.

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Out-of-Court Debt Restructurings and Loan Work-outs.

In certain situations, a negotiated settlement with creditors can be reached, with no need for a bankruptcy filing. The keys to success in debt restructurings and loan work outs are preparation and creativity. Reeder Law Corporation makes a thorough assessment of its client's position before attempting a restructuring. Often other disciplines, such as accounting, valuation, and investment banking may be utilized. Alternatives to the company's current business model need to be considered. Realistic and result-oriented representation by Reeder Law Corporation can lead to a successful debt restructuring.

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Purchase of Assets from Bankruptcy Estates

Reeder Law Corporation assists its clients in purchasing assets from bankruptcy estates.  We handle the negotiation and documentation of the transaction, as well as the representation of the client in hearings before the bankruptcy court. 

 Purchasing assets from bankruptcy estates often presents great opportunities.  The opportunities are accompanied by unique challenges.  In order to take advantage of the opportunities, the buyer must have someone on their team who knows the bankruptcy system, and can guide them through the unique process of involved in successfully purchasing the asset and with the proper Bankruptcy Court approval of the transaction.  Good representation and proper planning can help the buyer successfully take advantage of an opportunity, while minimizing surprises.

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