2013 Legal Elite profile: Bankruptcy/Creditors’ Rights

Christopher A. Jones

Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP
Falls Church

Title: Partner
Other legal specialties: Litigation
Birthplace: Seattle
Education: Duke University, bachelor’s degree; University of Richmond, law degree
Spouse: Kate
Children: Sarah, 11; and Abby, 9
Hobbies or pastimes: Golf, family travel, reading
First job as a lawyer: Associate at Maloney Barr & Huennekens PC (now Kutak Rock LLP) in Richmond
Fan of: “Duke University – I bleed Duke blue”
Favorite vacation spot:  Scotland
Recently read book: “John Adams” by David McCullough
Career mentors: “I have had the opportunity to work with a number of excellent bankruptcy lawyers who have influenced my career, including the Hon. Kevin R. Huennekens, Bruce H. Matson, Lynn L. Tavenner and my current partners, Paul Nussbaum and Englander.”

What trends are you seeing in bankruptcies since the height of the recession?
“After five straight ‘boom’ years, insolvency professionals have seen a decline in work in 2013.  Bankruptcy filings under all chapters are down from 2012, with commercial filings experiencing the largest drop.  This trend coincides with the upturn in the general economy.”   

You have been involved in a number of high-profile corporate bankruptcy cases.  Which was the most interesting or challenging case? 
“The most challenging case that I worked on involved a very wealthy individual who had no liquid assets.  During our first week in the case, the client shot someone and was arrested.  Undoubtedly, it was a unique situation.  We worked for months to put together a Chapter 11 plan that paid back all creditors and returned significant assets to our client.”

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