James M. Sullivan

Partner

New York, NY
156 West 56th Street
New York, NY 10019
P 212.237.1170 F 212.262.1215
P 212.237.1170 F 212.262.1215

Experience

James Sullivan's primary practice focus is corporate restructuring and bankruptcy, distressed situations and complex commercial disputes. He brings a wealth of experience representing corporate debtors, banks, secured and unsecured creditors, creditors' committees, trustees and distressed investors in large Chapter 11 cases.

James has handled a range of cases for his clients in litigation, trial and mediation. On the transactional side, he counsels borrowers and lenders in matters involving corporate and acquisition financing. He also appears before numerous federal and state courts throughout the country on these matters.

James is honored with a listing in New York Super Lawyers® and is rated AV Preeminent™ in his field by Martindale-Hubbell. He is described by his clients as “a smart lawyer who understands business issues and is always on his clients' side.” He was also recognized in the 2019 New York's Top Rated Lawyers, published by the New York Law Journal

Prior to joining Windels Marx, he was a partner at the law firms of Moses & Singer, Arent Fox and McDermott Will & Emory.

He regularly authors and lectures on numerous topics concerning bankruptcy, including the recently amended small business provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. He is an experienced pilot who enjoys skiing and scuba diving.

Presentations and Speaking Engagements

  • Navigating the Interplay Between Bankruptcy and Cryptocurrency, The Knowledge Group, February 2023
  • The Nuts & Bolts of a Lift Stay Motion, Financial Poise, June 7 and July 12, 2022
  • The Intersection of Bankruptcy and Cryptocurrency: What Companies Must Know and Do to Mitigate Risks, The Knowledge Group, July 2021
  • Impact of technology on insolvency: cryptocurrency and blockchain, Rio de Janeiro Insolvency and Restructuring Conference, Rio de Janeiro State Supreme Court School of Judges, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2019 
  • Impact of technology on insolvency: cryptocurrency and blockchain, 25th Annual International Bar Association Global Insolvency and Restructuring Conference, CLE Program, Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 2019 
  • Purchasing Assets Out of Bankruptcy, In-house Presentation, December 2017
  • International Insolvencies in the Construction Industry – North America, International Bar Association Annual Conference, CLE Program, Vienna, Austria, October 2015
  • Real Estate Investment Strategies: Investing in Distressed Assets and Joint Venture War Stories – Minimizing Risk When Co-Investing, CLE Program, July 2014
  • Minimizing Credit Risk While Doing Business with American Companies, The Industrial and Commerce Association, Trade Association Program, Jinhua, China, June 2014
  • Purchasing Assets Out of Bankruptcy, In-house Presentation, December 2012
  • Retail Suppliers: Minimize Risk Pre-Bankruptcy; Maximize Recovery Post-Bankruptcy, CLE Program, November 2011
  • Health Care Hot Topics: Workouts and Restructurings in the Health Care Industry, CLE Program, September 2009
  • California Bankruptcy Forum – Current Issues in Single Asset Real Estate Cases, CLE Program, May 2009
  • Distressed Debt Investing:  New Federal Law of Reclamation, CLE Program, November 2007
  • Distressed Debt Seminar – Northwest Airlines Rule 2019 Litigation:  Disclosure Obligations for Unofficial Committees in Chapter 11, CLE Program, May 2007
  • Purchasing Assets Out of Bankruptcy, CLE Program, October 2006
  • Bankruptcy from the Trade Creditor’s Perspective, CLE Program, August 2006
  • Beard Audio Conference:  Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation: New Code Limits and Loopholes for Troubled Companies, CLE Program, February 2006 
  • The New Business Amendments to the Bankruptcy Code, CLE Program, November 2005

Media Mentions

  • February 1, 2015 – “US Bentonite Sells Assets” – The Deal Pipeline
  • May 8, 2011 – “Visteon remake is very good to Stebbins, other execs” – Crain’s Detroit Business
  • July 5, 2005 - St. Vincent on way to Ch. 11 - The Deal.com
  • March 8, 2005 – “Parmalat USA closer to exit” - TheDeal.com

Authored

Professional Affiliations

  • Registered Mediator, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Member, International Bar Association and Co-Chair of the Legislation & Policy Subcommittee of the Insolvency Section

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Practices

Education

  • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
  • B.A., magna cum laude, Boston College

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • United States District Court for the District of Connecticut
  • United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York