C.J. is a trusted advisor in navigating complex bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings, distressed transactions, and financial and commercial litigation. He partners with clients to address uncertainty, manage risk, and creatively find solutions to secure the best outcome.
Overview
C.J.'s practice centers on bankruptcy, restructuring, distressed transactions, and commercial and financial litigation. He is skilled as both a litigator and a transactional advisor, making him uniquely positioned to handle a broad array of bankruptcy, insolvency, and restructuring matters.
He has represented creditors, lessors, creditor committees, debtors, franchisors, and other stakeholders in bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings across the country. His client representation spans multiple industries, including banks and alternative lending, agribusiness, mining and minerals, equipment supply and leasing, franchising, manufacturing, and retail.
He has successfully litigated cases in state and federal courts, including at trial and on appeal. He is also experienced in guiding clients through successful sales and acquisitions of assets in various distressed contexts, including bankruptcy sales, receiverships sales, Article 9 dispositions, and out-of-court sales.
In addition to his finance and restructuring practice, C.J. is also a member of Stinson’s Cannabis Law & Services practice, which helps clients navigate cannabis regulations and business issues, including entity formation, finance, and real estate issues.
Experience
Represented directors and officers in litigation regarding breaches of duties related to cryptocurrency bankruptcy proceeding.
Represented receiver in proceeding that resulted in sale of multi-location manufacturing business.
Represented receiver for commercial office complex, including ongoing operations and litigation.
Represented lender in bankruptcy and subsequent Article 9 sale of brewery operation and production assets.
Represented lender in disputed Chapter 11 plan confirmation in multi-debtor case.
Represented borrower in workout of commercial real estate loan, including release of personal guarantees and sale of real estate.
Represented contract counterparty in trial and appeal as to disputed contract assumption sought by debtor in bankruptcy proceeding.
Represented largest creditor in bankruptcy case of traffic-management company, including at trial challenging Chapter 11 plan confirmation.
Represented secured lender in restructuring of senior secured loan facility with natural gas extraction company.
Represented secured lender in litigation to secure summary judgment for lender on breach of contract and fraud claims.
Represented purchaser of intellectual property assets of distressed manufacturing company in assignment for the benefit of creditors proceeding.
Represented U.S. purchaser in acquisition of manufacturing assets in Mexico under Maquiladora Program in receivership proceeding.
Served as US counsel to purchaser in cross-border transaction (US/Canada) for acquisition of largest paintball and accessory company.
Represented purchaser in acquisition of assets of a mail order and online retailer in a Section 363 sale in bankruptcy.
Represented purchaser in acquisition of the plant and other assets of ethanol producer in a receivership proceeding.
Represented secured lender in restructuring of $50M+ loan facility, including debt-to-equity conversion.
Represented secured creditor in Article 9 default enforcement and subsequent sale of assets.
Represented numerous parties against more than $25 million in fraudulent transfer claims related to the Petters Co. Ponzi scheme.
Represented defendants in litigation against claims of fraudulent transfer and breach of fiduciary duty in the construction company bankruptcy cases, including at trial and in successful appeal.
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
"Creative Options for Getting Paid by Vendors and Contractors" – Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Minnesota, February 2025
"From the Expert’s Corner: Status of Commercial Bankruptcy," Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute, October 2023
"Dealing with Digital Assets: Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and Digital Payment," American Bankruptcy Institute, August 2022
"Acquisition of Distressed Real Estate Debt: Due Diligence, Key Contract Provisions, Mortgage and Mezzanine Issues," Strafford CLE, February 2021 and April 2022
"Navigating Distressed Franchisee Issues: Understanding Franchisee Bankruptcies and Exploring Alternatives," International Franchise Association Legal Symposium, May 2021
Publications
"Secured Transactions under Uniform Commercial Code Article 9," Debtor-Creditor Practice in Minnesota Deskbook, 2024 Updated Version, Co-author
"UCC Article 9 Sales," Practical Law Guides, 2024, Co-author
"Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors," Practical Law Guides, Pending, Co-author
"The Automatic Stay," Bankruptcy Practice in Minnesota Deskbook, 2022 Updated Version
"Receiverships: Minnesota," Thomson Reuters Practical Law, August 2022
"Strategies for Purchasing IP Assets from Distressed Owners," Law360, June 2020
"Article 9 Sales Offer Alternative to Judicial Processes," Journal of Corporate Renewal, July 2018
"Climbing from Junior to Senior: Consensual Lien Subrogation, Avoidance Issues under § 522(f)," ABI Journal
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
American Bankruptcy Institute
Minnesota State Bar Association
- Bankruptcy Section Member
- MSBA Bankruptcy Bulletin, former Editor in Chief
Turnaround Management Association
- Board Member, MN Chapter
Volunteer Lawyers Network
National Center for Youth Development, Board Member
Free Bikes 4 Kidz
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of North Dakota
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
Education
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, J.D.
University of Minnesota, B.S.
