Robert M. Saunders

Rob Saunders, based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, specializes in representing debtors, creditors' committees, and acquirers in chapter 11 cases, as well as assignees and acquirers in state-law assignments for the benefit of creditors (ABCs). As a seasoned bankruptcy and transactional attorney, Mr. Saunders handles both national and international cases.

Mr. Saunders has played pivotal roles in high-profile bankruptcy cases, including representing the chapter 11 debtor investment manager Highland Capital and the Tort Claimants’ Committee for abuse survivors in the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy. Mr. Saunders initiated and was a lead attorney for the representation of JRV Group USA, an aftermarket Jeep modifier, in its chapter 11 case and in negotiations with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Administration regarding an automotive recall. Additionally, he was a principal attorney for paper manufacturer Plainwell in its chapter 11 case, handling complex negotiations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency involving a Superfund site and arguing and achieving success after a rival paper manufacturer contested plan confirmation.

Mr. Saunders was named the 2023 Lawyer of the Year in Litigation-Bankruptcy for Los Angeles by Best Lawyers in America and is also distinguished as a Southern California Super Lawyer. He has significantly contributed to the Turnaround Management Association (TMA). Mr. Saunders served as the 2023 President of TMA’s Southern California chapter and was elected by his peers as 2024 Vice Chair of TMA Global's Chapter Presidents Council. In this role, he participates actively on TMA Global's Executive Board, Board of Trustees and Chapter and Individual Awards Committee. Mr. Saunders also holds a key position on the 2024 Nominations Committee of TMA Global, where he is one of five voting members for nominating the organization's future leaders. His contributions extend to TMA Global's international efforts, where he is involved in the International Committee and the New Chapter Subcommittee. Mr. Saunders is also an Observer to the Uniform Law Commission’s ABC Uniform Law Drafting Committee and serves on the Board of Governors of the Financial Lawyers Conference.

Mr. Saunders earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1980 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1983. He is licensed to practice in California, New York and Florida.

Representations

• Debtors: American Tissue; Brooks Fashion Stores; Decorative Surfaces; E-II Holdings; Freedom Forge; Plainwell; Prime Hospitality; Telogy; Barbeques Galore; Empire Land; OwnIt Mortgage Solutions; People's Choice Home Loan; Dana Corporation; Foss Manufacturing; Lansdale; Pacific Energy; Copeland's Enterprises; Fleming Distribution; Focal Communications
• Creditors' committees: AM International; Crescent Jewelers; Warmus; Movie Gallery/Hollywood Video
• Bidders/acquirers in A.H. Robins; America West; Scovill Fasteners
• Lender/landlord in Federated Department Stores
• Equity in TransAtlantic

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