I represent clients in corporate matters, business disputes, corporate workouts, and business bankruptcy cases. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience navigating the wide range of legal and business challenges that companies face, from the boardroom to the courtroom.
As both a courtroom advocate and a boardroom advisor, I draw on decades of experience in negotiations and litigation to help shape strategies and identify creative resolutions that achieve the best possible results for my clients. I’ve handled matters involving fraud, D&O claims, contract disputes, avoidance actions, defamation, lender liability, and more. I work with a variety of clients, including franchisors and franchisees, cooperatives, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, landlords, developers, private equity groups, professional service providers, and financial institutions.
I’ve been involved in over 480 business bankruptcy cases, and my experience has helped me develop strategies that maximize value and results for my clients.
In the Profession
Early in my career, I served on the Bankruptcy Court Liaison Committee of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, helping improve communication and collaboration between bankruptcy practitioners and judges. I’m a frequent speaker on litigation, corporate transactions, and insolvency matters, and I’ve authored numerous articles and policy manuals for corporate clients.
I am one of the original editors of the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Volo Circuit Court Opinion First Responder, 7th Circuit. I’ve been recognized as a Super Lawyer and by the Leading Lawyers Network as a top Illinois attorney in commercial bankruptcy, workout law, and creditors’ rights since 2008. Mentoring young attorneys is one of the aspects of my work I value most, and I’m proud to have seen many go on to become partners, managing partners, general counsels, CEOs, and judges.
In the Community
I’m actively involved in my community and enjoy giving back in many ways. Over the years, I’ve contributed to my church, supported programs for the blind, coached hockey and baseball, spoken with high school students about credit and financial responsibility, helped revive a local ice arena during COVID, and assisted several area 501(c)(3) organizations with their missions.
Legal Background
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 1990
Michigan State University, B.A., 1987
Admitted: Kurt is admitted to practice in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. He is also admitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois; Central District of Illinois; Eastern District of Michigan; Eastern District of Wisconsin; Western District of Wisconsin; United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit; and represents clients in other jurisdictions on a pro hac vice basis.
Memberships: Federal Trial Bar, Federal Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Illinois State Bar Association, Wisconsin Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, Chicago Bar Association, and Milwaukee Bar Association.
