Name: John Baxter
Employer/Firm & Location: Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP; Nashville, TN
Law School & Class Year: University of Tennessee College of Law, 2016
I clerked in law school for a local firm, and one of their bankruptcy practitioners took me under their wing while clerking, so I was exposed to the bankruptcy world. I ended up taking bankruptcy as an elective during my 3L year as a result and really enjoyed it. When I started at Nelson Mullins, the Nashville office had just brought in a new bankruptcy partner, and he was looking for an associate to support him. With my prior experience clerking and my general knowledge from law school, it was a perfect match, and I’ve been practicing in the bankruptcy space ever since.
In 2019, we were fortunate enough to have the Supreme Court of the United States grant certiorari on a petition we filed out of a bankruptcy case. I was part of the team that drafted the briefs to the Supreme Court and was one of four attorneys seated at counsel table for the argument. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Be prepared for anything. Bankruptcy is a unique practice in that it moves so quickly out of the gate. You have to stay on top of things because you never know if today is going to be the day that a client’s major supplier files for bankruptcy and you’ve got to get up to speed in 24- 48 hours for a first day hearing in another state.
It is a truly special honor to have received this award. The other honorees are so talented, I feel fortunate to be included in their company.
The whole Nelson Mullins bankruptcy team has been a huge support system for me. And I must give a shout out to Shane Ramsey, in particular, who has been my primary mentor to this point in the Nashville office.
Name: Reginald Sainvil
Employer/Firm & Location: Baker McKenzie; Miami, FL
Law School & Class Year: University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2015
I decided to pursue a career in bankruptcy/restructuring after working as a summer associate at a large international law firm. During my time there, I was exposed to the bankruptcy practice and found the work fascinating. On any given day I could be in court, looking at purchase agreements, or working closely with clients on the business side. There is just never a dull day in bankruptcy/restructuring.
My favorite bankruptcy-related project to date has been working with a team involved with the restructuring of Puerto Rico's public debt. That was a case with many moving parts, new law, and issues that impacted real people. Working on that case, I had an opportunity to learn about various bankruptcy-related issues and had a front-row seat to the development of new precedent.
My advice to younger lawyers or law students would be to actively participate in their training, pay attention to every detail, and always be prepared. It is also important to keep in mind that even the smallest tasks present an opportunity to learn and build your skills.
It is an honor to be recognized as a leader early in my career and have a platform to inspire younger lawyers and law students to pursue a career in bankruptcy/restructuring law.
I have had several great mentors early in my career. Baker McKenzie Partner Mark Bloom especially has been a great mentor to me. Over the last few years, he has helped me to grow and develop as a professional, often offering advice, insights, constructive feedback and encouragement.
This article was prepared by the Business Law Section's Business Bankruptcy Committee.
