Mr. Barnes has more than 40 years of experience in a vast array of bankruptcy, creditor rights, debt restructuring, loan workouts, receiverships, and foreclosures in both state and federal courts throughout the country. He has represented secured and unsecured creditors in a variety of matters including Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 7, and Chapter 13 cases, Section 363 sale issues, cash collateral issues, lien priority avoidance actions, preference actions, rejection/assumption of executory contracts, stay relief actions, asset recovery and disposition, contested confirmation hearings, adversary proceedings, and bankruptcy appeals to both district and circuit levels.
Mr. Barnes has extensive experience representing agricultural lenders across the country in both Chapter 12 and Chapter 11 cases with loans ranging from $2.5 million to $80 million. As lead counsel, he has represented clients in agricultural bankruptcy cases in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Mr. Barnes also has significant experience with general commercial business litigation, including disputes which are real estate based, shareholder/member disputes in closely held corporations, and software licensing.
Additionally, Mr. Barnes has a wide range of economic development experience and background, including drafting and negotiating PILOT programs and interpreting PILOT agreements.