Doug is a seasoned bankruptcy and debtor-creditor attorney with over 20 years of experience, focusing on complex reorganization cases for debtors. As lead counsel, he has handled numerous small- to mid-sized business reorganization cases, managing combined assets and liabilities ranging from $5 million to $50 million.

In addition to his debtor representation, Doug has advocated for local businesses as creditors and interested parties in bankruptcy proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, safeguarding their interests. His work spans a wide array of industries, enabling him to develop tailored legal strategies that deliver optimal outcomes for his clients.

Having worked with clients facing a vast array of financial challenges over the years, I bring a thoughtful approach and strive to fit the client’s goals and objectives with the right legal strategy. This means listening and understanding both the client’s background and perspective along with the business and legal tools available to fit the client’s needs. As a problem-solver at heart, I thrive on working closely with clients to meet their goals. I bring a calm and analytical approach to addressing challenges and maintain flexibility and responsiveness to ensure efficiency and coordination.

Sunshine Dairy Food Management, LLC

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Reorganization for an operating dairy products company that was jointly administered with its real estate holding company parent company. Served as lead counsel for the operating subsidiary in a staged sale process to wind down and maximize value from the operations and assets of a family business with a history stretching back to 1935. Ultimately resulted in a confirmed plan that yields a full payment to the senior secured creditor, a substantial payment on the claims of unsecured creditors, and a distribution to equity holders that minimized the tax consequences for all parties.

Combined assets – $33.3 million; Combined liabilities – $14.9 million

Agua Holdings Inc.; Bravo Environmental NW, Inc.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Reorganization for Oregon parent corporation and its Washington subsidiary. Served as lead counsel for the joint debtors in a corporate restructuring that resulted in a confirmed plan of reorganization allowing for the sale of the parent company and stabilization and future sale of the subsidiary. Sale of parent resulted in a significant dividend to unsecured creditors and a partial return to equity holders. Future sale of subsidiary is expected to pay all remaining claims in full.

Combined assets – $9.1 million; Combined liabilities – $8.8 million

Love Bites by Carnie, Inc.

Chapter 11, Subchapter V, Bankruptcy Reorganization for Oregon corporation associated with celebrity brand (Carnie Wilson of music group Wilson Phillips). Served as lead counsel for the debtor in a corporate restructuring that resulted in a confirmed plan of reorganization allowing for the sale of the assets and operations of the company for over double the estimated liquidation value of the assets themselves. Sale allowed for a significant return to creditors and certain consensual protections for equity holders.

Assets – $1.625 million (sale value); Combined liabilities – $3.7 million

  • Take (Sub) Five: Options and Challenges for Small Business Reorganization; 37th Annual Northwest Bankruptcy Institute; April 13, 2024
  • Legal Ethics: Witnesses, Cryptocurrency, Fees, and Pre-Bankruptcy Transfers in Sub V; 36th Annual Northwest Bankruptcy Institute; April 15, 2023
  • Schrodinger’s Contract: Merchant Cash Advance Claims in Bankruptcy; 2022 Debtor-Creditor Section Annual Meeting CLE; September 30, 2022
  • It Didn’t Work Out – Now What?; 2019 Debtor-Creditor Section Annual Meeting CLE; September 14, 2019

Professional Organizations:

  • Oregon State Bar, Debtor-Creditor Section
    • Chair, Executive Committee (2024)
    • Chairman, New Lawyers Committee
  • Washington State Bar, Creditor-Debtor Section
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • Multnomah County Bar Association

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Outside of the office, he enjoys quality time with his wife and two children, playing golf, and cheering on Oregon State University sports.