David H. Stein

David H. Stein: Leading Bankruptcy and Financial Services Attorney in New Jersey

David H. Stein is a seasoned legal professional specializing in complex insolvency and restructuring matters. As Co-Chair of the Banking & Financial Services and Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights groups at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A., Mr. Stein provides expert legal counsel to a diverse range of clients facing significant financial challenges. He is recognized as a leading attorney with a proven track record of success in navigating intricate legal landscapes, protecting client assets, and achieving favorable outcomes in high-stakes cases.

Mr. Stein's extensive experience encompasses representing lenders, receivers, trustees, official committees, debtors, and strategic purchasers across a broad spectrum of distressed asset transactions. His expertise includes lending work-outs, commercial litigation, reorganization, foreclosure litigation, asset recovery, and judgment enforcement. He’s adept at handling a multitude of complex situations, from large-scale corporate bankruptcies to individual asset recovery, ensuring clients’ rights and interests are fully protected.

Throughout his career, Mr. Stein has been involved in some of the most prominent and challenging cases in the industry. He has successfully represented clients in high-profile bankruptcies involving:

1. Barneys New York: Mr. Stein led the legal team representing creditors and stakeholders during the retailer's complex bankruptcy proceedings, navigating challenging negotiations and securing favorable outcomes.
2. Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. (GTAs): He provided critical legal support during the reorganization of this iconic grocery chain, addressing significant debt obligations and operational restructuring.
3. Maxus Energy Corporation: Mr. Stein’s expertise was crucial in the asset recovery and litigation aspects of Maxus Energy’s bankruptcy.
4. Modell's Sporting Goods: Representing various stakeholders, Mr. Stein skillfully managed the bankruptcy process, protecting the interests of creditors and maximizing asset recovery.
5. National Stores Inc.: He advised and represented the company during its bankruptcy proceedings, focusing on strategic asset liquidation and creditor rights.
6. Payless ShoeSource: Mr. Stein’s involvement was central to the successful resolution of Payless ShoeSource’s bankruptcy, navigating complex issues of inventory and store closures.
7. Toys-R-Us: He played a key role in the massive bankruptcy proceedings of this retail giant, addressing intricate issues surrounding intellectual property, lease agreements, and asset distribution.

Mr. Stein's trial experience extends to the diligent litigation of complex commercial matters, including the meticulous enforcement of and priority of liens, the adjudication of claims and security interests, and the strategic handling of fraudulent conveyance litigation – all critical elements in the debtor-creditor relationship. His strategic approach and deep understanding of insolvency law consistently deliver results for his clients.

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law: Mr. Stein possesses a comprehensive understanding of federal bankruptcy law and the intricacies of insolvency proceedings, including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13.
• Litigation – Bankruptcy: He is a highly skilled trial lawyer with extensive experience litigating complex bankruptcy cases before bankruptcy courts and, when necessary, in state courts.
• Legal Counsel for Lenders & Receivers: Mr. Stein provides specialized counsel to lenders and receivers involved in workouts, foreclosures, and asset recovery efforts.
• Asset Recovery & Judgment Enforcement: He aggressively pursues judgments and implements effective strategies for recovering assets in various jurisdictions.

Education and Credentials:

• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2013 – consistently recognized for his expertise in Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy.
• Lawyer of the Year: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Woodbridge (2019)
• Practice Area: Banking and Finance Law, Litigation - Banking and Finance

Professional Affiliations: Mr. Stein is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of legal practice and is involved in continuing legal education and professional development opportunities. His dedication to the legal profession is reflected in his ongoing recognition and awards.

Contact Information:

David H. Stein is located in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and serves clients throughout the United States. He is committed to providing proactive and strategic legal solutions to clients facing challenging financial situations. To discuss your specific legal needs, please contact Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. to schedule a consultation.