When a bankruptcy is especially difficult — when the level of distress is especially severe or the acrimony particularly toxic — Joe Barry brings a calm affability to the proceedings. Known for his creative approaches to the most challenging restructuring problems, out-of-state lawyers seek Joe’s counsel when more traditional solutions are deemed inadequate.

As Delaware co-counsel, Joe represents debtors and creditors in both in-court and out-of court restructurings. His non-Delaware colleagues consider him an integral part of their legal and financial team, relying on him for substantive input and canny analysis at every stage in the process. He helps them understand how the courts are likely to rule on substantive issues of Delaware law, and he participates fully in their strategic decisions and overall legal thinking.

Joe relishes the aspects of a case that bring people together in the same room, whether with colleagues, clients, adversaries, or officials. He feels that the personal contact is conducive to finding the optimal solution — ultimately a win-win for all parties.

FOCUS:

• All aspects of in-court and out-of-court corporate restructuring processes, including debtors, official committees, foreign representatives, lenders, secured and unsecured creditors, ad hoc groups and purchasers

• Industries include energy, retail, health care, banking, telecommunications, real estate, insurance, hospitality, aviation, textile and manufacturing industries

APPOINTMENTS:

• Appointed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to its panel of mediators

WRITING:

• Articles on corporate restructuring and insolvency topics have appeared in, among other publications, The American Bankruptcy Institute Journal and The Association of Insolvency Restructuring Advisors Journal