Barnes & Thornburg announced that a bankruptcy group, led by partners Frank W. DeBorde and Lisa Wolgast, has joined the firm’s Finance, Insolvency and Restructuring Department in Atlanta. The team includes of counsel Jason H. Watson and associate Talia B. Wagner.

DeBorde, Wolgast, Watson, and Wagner join from an Atlanta-based AmLaw 200 firm, where DeBorde was chair of the creditors’ rights and bankruptcy practice group. Their arrival is the latest evidence of Barnes & Thornburg’s strategic growth, closely following the addition of restructuring partners Kenneth P. Kansa and Aaron Gavant in Chicago and bankruptcy partner Gregory G. Plotko in New York.

“This group is an excellent addition to the firm as we continue to expand the depth and breadth of our bankruptcy practice,” said Mark R. Owens, chair of the firm’s Finance, Insolvency and Restructuring Department. “Frank and Lisa have cultivated a nationally recognized practice that will be an excellent resource as we see the number of bankruptcies and other distressed situations continue to rise.”

“We’re pleased to welcome this group during an exciting period of growth for both the Atlanta office and the firm as we continue to expand our bench of talented attorneys,” added John T.L. Koenig, managing partner of the Atlanta office. “In January, we added a five-member commercial finance team led by partners Rick Boyd and Tyler Wolf. Their collective experience, complementary practices, and sought-after skills will be a tremendous asset as we continue to serve clients across the U.S.”

Frank W. DeBorde has practiced as a bankruptcy and workout lawyer for more than three decades, conducting complex workouts and representing creditors in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts nationwide. He regularly represents lenders, loan buyers and creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, handles workouts and contested foreclosures, and advises lenders in lender liability cases. DeBorde earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law and his B.B.A., general honors, from the University of Georgia.

Lisa Wolgast focuses her practice on creditors’ rights and bankruptcy issues, representing creditors and debtors in and out of bankruptcy in state and federal court in complex workouts of commercial debt secured by hotels, franchised restaurants, shopping centers, condos, and operating businesses, among others. In addition, Wolgast has experience defending lender liability claims, representing creditors in preference and fraudulent transfer claims brought by bankrupt debtors and trustees, handling complex valuation proceedings, representing fiduciaries, including receivers, in the sale of assets, and advising borrowers in workouts and loan restructuring matters. She earned her J.D., high honors, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and her B.S., honors, from the University of Florida.

Jason H. Watson represents secured lenders and special servicers in large-scale bankruptcy matters, including pre-bankruptcy workouts, Chapter 11 cases, and creditor rights-related litigation. He has experience in virtually all types of bankruptcy and insolvency-related issues across various industries, including retail, food service, construction, and hospitality. Watson earned his J.D. from Mercer University and his B.A. from the University of Georgia.

Talia B. Wagner works with lenders and unsecured creditors’ committees on Chapter 11 cases, real estate and asset-based financings, term loans, lines of credit, letters of credit, revolving credit facilities, and franchise financing. She advises borrowers on how to navigate distressed situations, including sales, liquidations, and bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, Wagner represents clients in connection with plan confirmation issues, asset purchases, negotiation of cash collateral orders, and claim objections. She handles complex insolvency and business disputes, often involving stay litigation, fraudulent transfer litigation, and preference litigation. Wagner earned her J.D., high honors, from Emory University School of Law and her B.A., cum laude, from the University of Florida.