Joe VanLeuven focuses on bankruptcy and debtor-creditor litigation and transactions, including reorganizations, liquidations and Creditors’ Committee representation in Oregon and Southwest Washington. He provides transactional planning and advice on bankruptcy’s impact on secured transactions, loan guarantees, intellectual property licenses and business sales. Joe regularly counsels clients on the sale and purchase of real estate, business assets and intellectual property in bankruptcy.
He has experience with a broad range of industries and types of collateral, including some that present unique issues, such as aircraft, nursing homes and franchise restaurants.
Joe is a frequent speaker on bankruptcy, foreclosure and loan collection.
Representative Experience
Aircraft foreclosures
Represented lenders in multiple aircraft repossessions and foreclosures. (2010-2012)
In re Pollo West Corp.
Represented primary secured lender in multi-location franchise restaurant bankruptcy in Los Angeles. Negotiated 100% payment under plan. (2011-2012)
In re Town & Country Center LLC
Represented senior secured lender in shopping center bankruptcy. Defeated cram-down in contested confirmation hearing. (2011-2012)
In re Contessa Premium Foods
Represented major secured lender in successful bankruptcy sale of large Los Angeles seafood processor, resulting in 100% payment. (2011)
In re Nortel Networks, Inc.
Represented Microsoft in successful bid for block of internet address numbers in Delaware bankruptcy sale. (2011)
M&R Investments litigation
Represented senior lender to owner of skilled nursing facility in Fresno, Calif., where operator was in default to owner. Worked with owner’s lawyers to seek appointment of a receiver. Matter settled prior to appointment of receiver. (2011)
In re Cascade Grains, Inc.
Represented agent bank for senior loan syndicate in Chapter 11 bankruptcy of large grain ethanol plant. (2009-2010)
In re McGrath’s Publick Fish House
Represented major secured lender in multi-location restaurant bankruptcy in Oregon and Washington. (2010)
In re Summit Accommodators, Inc.
Represented affiliated exchange company in Chapter 11 bankruptcy of '1031 exchange' company. (2010)
Logan et al. v. Tiegs and Western Mortgage & Realty Co.
Defended federal court lawsuit involving claims for breach of contract and redemption of an equitable mortgage. Prevailed at jury trial. (2009-2010)
In re Farmington Center Salem
Represented senior lender to skilled nursing facility in contested Chapter 11. Filed and confirmed a joint creditor plan and resolved claim objections. Client paid in full through refinance under confirmed plan. (Bankr. Or. 2009)
Magno, LLC v. Capital One Bank
Defended bank against fraud and breach of contract claims; obtained dismissal of plaintiff's claims. (2009)
In re Aichele
Represented senior lender in a Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy. Obtained relief from stay to foreclose on equipment. Obtained nondischargeable judgment against debtor. Litigated lien priority issues. (2008)
In re Pierre Foods, Inc.
Represented member of secured lending syndicate in contesting confirmation of debtor's Chapter 11 plan. Client’s claims paid in full. (2008)