Department profile
Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

USA Guide 2026 : Washington

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Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS

Rankings

About

Provided by Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS

CH& provides highly effective legal counsel and superior service to clients in all aspects of real estate development, land use and zoning, business transactions, litigation, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. Our teams use an efficient, collaborative approach to overcome legal challenges and help clients reach their goals. We are known for our ability to combine creative thinking, local partnerships and expert knowledge to achieve our clients’ success.

Cairncross & Hempelmann’s Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights practice stands apart as a recognized leader in the Pacific Northwest. Our team is renowned for its experience, expertise, and ability not only to react deftly to financial urgencies but also to prepare clients to avoid them altogether. Additionally, as part of a full-service law firm, we are able to assemble integrated, project-specific teams tapping into deep experience from other practice groups.

We represent creditors, including financial institutions, landlords, pension funds, small to mid-sized private lenders, as well as commercial debtors, creditors’ committees, receivers, strategic buyers, and other companies and their owners from a wide range of industry groups.

Areas of Focus:

  • ​Bankruptcy
  • Commercial Bankruptcy
  • State and Federal Receiverships
  • Distressed Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Real Estate & Commercial Loan Workouts and Enforcement
  • Commercial Collections

Clients (18)

  • Northwest Farm Credit Services
  • Weyerhaeuser Company
  • ACF Property Management, Inc.
  • Edison Chouest Offshore Companies
  • Hansell/Mitzel, LLC
  • Allco Renewable Energy
  • Build Urban
  • Cascade Capital Group
  • K-Sure
  • Markey Machinery
  • McCallen & Sons
  • Nuvision Federal Credit Union
  • Orse & Co.
  • Pop Gourmet
  • Rudy's Barbershop
  • Sana Biotechnology
  • SCI Bank of the West
  • Shelly Crocker, LLC

Industries (9)

  • Agricultural Lending and Creditor’s Rights
  • Secured Lender Representation
  • Real Estate and Real Estate Development
  • Fish Processing and Storage
  • Transportation
  • Technology Transactions
  • Retail
  • Professional Services
  • Manufacturing

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Bankruptcy/Restructuring - Washington

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Cairncross & Hempelmann wins recognition for the depth and breadth of its bankruptcy experience. The team is skilled in representing creditors, secured lenders, commercial debtors and unsecured creditors' committees in complex Chapter 11 cases. The firm is also commended for its work on state court receiverships.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Cairncross & Hempelmann is solid and provides timely advice. They understand state issues very well and give clear answers.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

  • Cairncross & Hempelmann's bankruptcy team is one of the deepest and most experienced in Seattle. Their expertise in sophisticated bankruptcy matters is at the top in Seattle

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

  • I love the people at Cairncross & Hempelmann. They're great to work with.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

  • Cairncross & Hempelmann are cost effective, experienced and thoughtful. They offer a wide range of services and have a fantastic team with tremendous depth.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John R. Rizzardi
    John R. Rizzardi

    John R. Rizzardi

    John Rizzardi is adept at advising clients on receiverships and Chapter 11 proceedings.

    • John Rizzardi is one of the best in Seattle. He is experienced, responsive, smart and practical.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • John Rizzardi's responsiveness stands out. He is phenomenal and even when out of office, his assistant responds and the responses are always instant.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • John Rizzardi is outstanding in all areas.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • Bruce Leaverton
    Bruce Leaverton

    Bruce Leaverton

    Bruce Leaverton advises clients on debt restructuring and loan enforcement, as well as insolvency proceedings.

    • Bruce Leaverton is brilliant. He is incredibly good in complex situations and stays fully engaged when tackling the hard problem.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Bruce Leaverton is a creative bankruptcy lawyer and good issue spotter.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • Jennifer Faubion
    Jennifer Faubion

    Jennifer Faubion

    Jennifer Faubion has a disputes-focused bankruptcy practice and regularly works with clients on receiverships.

    • Jennifer Faubion is just about the best there is in her specialty and a pleasure to work with.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Jenny Faubion is extremely knowledgeable and a true professional.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Jenny is Cairncross & Hempelmann's secret sauce. She is involved in virtually all firm matters.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Jennifer Faubion is probably the leading lawyer for state-court receivership proceedings. She has a deep understanding of the receivership code and process, along with a strong bench to support her.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Cairncross & Hempelmann, PS (3)

Washington

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