As a nationally ranked master swimming champion, Harry knows the importance of setting goals and the preparation and tenacity necessary to meet those goals.
Harry approaches each matter with zeal and a fresh perspective. He can mastermind a plan and follow it through to success. He handles matters in the Ohio state and federal courts involving receiverships, mechanic’s liens, collections, foreclosures, lease defaults, and issues under the Uniform Commercial Code on behalf of both corporate debtors and creditors, including:
- Commercial Lessors
- Financial Institutions
- Financially-distressed Businesses
- Financing Companies
- Lessees
- Official Creditors' Committees
- Secured Lenders
- Trustees in Bankruptcy
He also represents both purchasers and sellers of businesses.
when skill matters
- Represented creditors' committee in Chapter 11, convincing mezzanine lender to waive its claim to avoid litigation, resulting in a recovery to unsecured creditors.
- Represented bank in its $30 million claim against airport security firm in Chapter 11, obtaining 100% recovery of its loan.
- Represented contractor in highly-contentious dispute with bank, successfully obtaining approval of a plan of reorganization, and resulting in the company continuing operations after confirmation.
- Represented hotel chain in bankruptcy, successfully reaching confirmation of a reorganization plan over the objection of many creditors, which resulted in a significant pay-out to unsecured creditors and the company continuing operations on a reduced scale.
- Represented seller of real estate and mortgage holder against a Chapter 11 debtor, successfully working to confirm a plan of reorganization providing for significant covenants which were breached by the debtor, resulting in seller reacquiring the real estate with a significant tenant in place.
- Represented an Ohio subsidiary of a Canadian company in its Chapter 11, successfully conducting a sale of the assets, avoiding the liquidation of the Canadian parent, and allowing the subsidiary to continue profitable operations less $3 million of debt.
noteworthy achievements
articles + presentations
- This Land Isn't Your Land (Co-Author, Commercial Law World, January/February 2012)
- Lessee Bankruptcy: Current Issues for Lessors and Lenders (Co-Presenter, Lease Enforcement Attorney Network, January 2012)
- Financial Stress and Distress - What Are Your Options? (Co-Presenter, 2011 Not-For-Profit Leadership Symposium, Ohio CPA, October 2011)
- What Do You Mean the Lessee Sold My Equipment? It's Mine! (Co-Author, Lease Enforcement Attorney Network, July 2011)
civic involvement
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law - Adjunct Professor, Business Bankruptcy
- Ohio Masters Swim Club - Board Member
- Lake Erie Local Masters Swim Club - Board Member
professional associations
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- American Bar Association
- American Board of Certification of Bankruptcy + Creditors' Rights - Emeritus Director; Former Chairman
- Association for Corporate Growth
- Commercial Law League of America - Journal + Bulletin, Matthew Bender Commercial Damages, Editor; Bankruptcy Insolvency Section, Chairman; Midwest Region, Chairman; Former Board of Governors
- Equipment Leasing + Finance Association
- INSOL International - Former Board of Directors
- Lease Enforcement Attorney Network
- Turnaround Management Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association - Bankruptcy + Commercial Law Section, Past Chair; Former Board of Trustee