Bruce J. Ruzinsky
Experience
- Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
- Business Litigation
- Commodities & Derivatives
- Debtor Representation
- Distressed Asset Buyers & Sellers Representation
- Energy Litigation
- Energy Workouts & Reorganizations
- Financial Institution Litigation
- Healthcare Workouts & Reorganizations
- Landlord & Contract Counter Parties Representation
- Real Estate Workouts & Reorganizations
- Secured Creditor Representation
- Unsecured and Ad Hoc Creditor Committee Representation
- Unsecured Creditor Representation
“Bruce Ruzinsky is 'responsive, smart, and well-respected' and 'can assess situations confidently and apply a good strategy,' according to commentators. One source noted, 'Bruce is good at strategic negotiation and creating solutions to complicated situations.'”
— Chambers USA Guide, 2023
“Bruce Ruzinsky works on various chapter bankruptcies and litigation. He counts debtors, landlords and trustees among his clients. 'Bruce does a great job of addressing the needs of his clients, always making sure that services and personnel are tailored to each individual,' one client reported.”
— Chambers USA
“Bruce Ruzinsky at Jackson Walker is a trusted advisor who understands the needs of a smaller community bank like ours. He picks up the phone when we call and makes time to address any of the Bank's legal issues whether they are complex workout files or minor legal questions. He treats them and us with the utmost attention to detail. We are lucky to have him on our side.”
— Armando Gonzalez, Plains State Bank
Biography
Bruce has extensive experience representing financial institutions, corporations, and other business entities in workout/restructure efforts, chapter bankruptcy proceedings, and litigation. He approaches his cases strategically, proactively and cost-effectively.
For over 35 years, Bruce has represented creditors, creditors’ committees, trustees, debtors, landlords, and asset purchasers in various industries and business environments, including energy, real estate, healthcare, shipping, manufacturing, transportation, retail, entertainment, wholesale produce, and personal services.
A representative sampling of his past and current cases includes:
- Large creditors in the Diamond Sports, Mountain Express, Dean Foods, Brazos Electric, Veterinary Care, MDC Energy, Diamond Offshore Drilling, Sabine Oil & Gas, Samson Resources, Swift Energy, Buckingham Oil, Magnum Hunter Resources, Cal Dive, Hercules Offshore, Miller Energy, Enron, RR Marine, Tekoil, Seahawk Drilling, Victory Healthcare and Handy Hardware cases;
- The contract operator in the McKenzie Methane case;
- The Official Unsecured Creditors Committee in the first Continental Airlines case;
- The Indenture Trustee in the Seven Seas Petroleum and Eagle Geophysical cases;
- Agent banks in the Global Marine, Southern Mineral, North American Petroleum, and Alpine Summit Energy cases;
- Seismic licensors in the Ion Geophysical, Global Geophysical, Dune Energy and Milagro Oil & Gas cases;
- Lender groups in the Serta Simmons Bedding and NPC international cases;
- The debtor’s president in the Davis Petroleum case;
- The Debtor in the Basic Energy, HRD, Cooper Manufacturing and NR Offshore cases;
- A major litigant in the Houston Regional Sports Network case;
- The Trustee in the Brilliant Energy, NB Loft Vue, DST, CNC Payroll, and Trinity Energy cases;
- Asset purchasers in the Bendco, S Chase Limited Partnership, and Torqued-Up Energy Services cases;
- The letter of credit issuing bank in the Osyka case;
- The Chairman of the Official Unsecured Creditors Committee in the Panaco case;
- Multiple mid-stream companies in connection with the treatment of their contracts in producer bankruptcy cases; and
- Lenders in workouts of various producers and service companies.
Bruce has litigated a wide variety of issues in Chapter 11 cases, including involuntary petition, cash collateral, DIP lending, automatic stay, sale/sale procedures, avoidance action, turnover, discharge/dischargeability, exemption, dismissal/conversion, abstention, executory contract/lease, Trustee/Examiner/CRO, proof of claim, Safe Harbor Provisions and plan confirmation issues. He has also handled workouts in a wide variety of industries.
Education
B.A., magna cum laude, Duke University
J.D., Duke University School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
Bruce practices before courts in Texas, Delaware, New York, and other states.
Representative Experience
- Represented Bank Group in North American Petroleum Chapter 11 Case in Delaware. Following extensive litigation, Banks recovered all $100 million of principal plus a portion of their interest.
- Represented Senior Secured Creditor in workout of a series of waterparks, resulting in a full pay takeout of the senior secured debt by the subordinated lender.
- Represented Chapter 11 Trustee and the Liquidating Plan Trustee in Houston liquidation of international energy company that produced payment of all allowed claims and certain shareholder interests.
- Represented president of family-owned petroleum company in pre-packaged Chapter 11 case in the Southern District of Texas confirmed in less than a week, and in subsequent multi-year litigation.
- Represented Unsecured Creditors Committee in first Continental Airlines case in Houston. A plan was confirmed providing for payment of 100% of allowed unsecured claim.
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Texas, 2012-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025
- Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers, Bankruptcy: Business, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2008-2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Houston for Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2020
- Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2008-2026
- Commercial Litigation, 2023-2026
- Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2011-2026
- Trailblazer Outside Counsel of the Year, Texas Minority Counsel Program, 2015
- “The E and I in DEI: Enhancing and Leveraging Equity and Inclusion in Our Practices and Workplaces,” UT Law CLE’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference (November 2022)
- “Bankruptcy / Foreclosure,” SWABC Annual Convention and TBA Bankers Legal Conference (September 2022)
- “Bankruptcy / Foreclosure,” SWABC Annual Convention and TBA Bankers Legal Conference (October 2021)
- “Dealing with Counterparty/Bankruptcy Risk in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry”
- “Considerations and Consequences of a Bankruptcy Filing in the Oil and Gas Industry”
- “Commodity Repo Agreements for Crude Oil Inventory”
- “Recent Case on Safe Harbor Provisions in Swap Agreements”
- “Bankruptcy Court Grants TRO in Favor of Non-Bankrupt Guarantor”
- “Courts Continue to Question Meaning of “Forward Contract Merchants”
- “Bankruptcy Code’s Safe Harbor Provisions for Forward Contracts — Are you Protected?”
- “Bankruptcy Overview” – Selected Topics
- UNCF South Texas Leadership Council
- UNCF’s Houston Gala, Honorary Co-Chair, 2014
- Houston area Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee, Past Chair/Co-Chair
- Board of Directors of the Duke University Alumni Association, Past Member
- Houston Bar Association
- Bankruptcy Section, Past President
- DEI Committee, Past Co-Chair
- Houston Bankruptcy Inn of Court, Past President
- Chapter 11 Advisory Committee for the Southern District of Texas, Past Member
- State Bar of Texas
- American Bankruptcy Institute
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 18, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2024 “Texas Super Lawyers” list.
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 17, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
Super Lawyers Names 7 Jackson Walker Attorneys to Texas Top Lists
Jackson Walker proudly announces Matt Dow, Scott Fiddler, Julia Mann, Alfie Meyerson, Kurt Nondorf, Sarah Patel Pacheco, and Bruce Ruzinsky’s selection to the Texas Top Lists for 2023 by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers.
Attorney News • September 19, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 19, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
Spotlight • June 1, 2023
Jackson Walker Awarded the PracticePro 2023 Diversity Leadership Award l PracticePro
PracticePro has announced Jackson Walker as the recipient of its 2023 Diversity Leadership Award. Established in 2017, the award highlights law firms and corporate legal departments that are actively working toward a more inclusive and diverse legal profession.
Spotlight • April 12, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 21, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2022 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 48 attorneys and 16 departments for inclusion in the 2022 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • June 1, 2022
Bruce Ruzinsky and Victoria Argeroplos Discuss Bankruptcy and Foreclosure at The Legal Conference
At The Legal Conference hosted by the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel and the Texas Bankers Association, Bruce Ruzinsky and Victoria Argeroplos spoke about the effect of the automatic stay under the Bankruptcy Code on lenders’ collection efforts, adequate protection of secured lenders’ interests in collateral when a bankruptcy case is filed, setoff/recoupment, and section 363 sales.
Speaking Engagements • October 13, 2021
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 57 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2021
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 22, 2021
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2021 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 41 attorneys and 14 departments for inclusion in the 2021 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • May 20, 2021
Machir Stull Joins Jackson Walker’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery Practice in Dallas
With experience advising distressed businesses related to corporate restructurings, 363 sales, and creditors’ rights, Dallas senior counsel Machir Stull will boost the Firm’s capabilities related to Chapter 11 debtor representations.
Attorney News • November 19, 2020
- “XFL files bankruptcy, owes University of Houston nearly $300,000,” Houston Chronicle (April 13, 2020)
- “Why so many upstream energy cos. are having trouble — and why more might file for bankruptcy,” Houston Business Journal (July 1, 2019)
- “Payless Hires Firm to Offer Retail Spots in US, Canada, Potentially at a Discount,” CoStar (February 27, 2019)
- “Texas Business Bankruptcies Skyrocketed in 2017, Debt Hits ‘Height of Debt Lunacy’,” The Texas Lawbook (February 26, 2018)
- “Ch. 11 bankruptcies skyrocket around Houston area, study finds,” Houston Business Journal (July 17, 2017)
- “Even in bankruptcy, oil bosses are promised riches,” Houston Chronicle (April 23, 2017)
- “Texas Business Bankruptcies Spiked, then Tapered Off in 2016,” The Texas Lawbook (January 2, 2017)
Practice Experience
Bruce practices before courts in Texas, Delaware, New York, and other states.
Representative Experience
- Represented Bank Group in North American Petroleum Chapter 11 Case in Delaware. Following extensive litigation, Banks recovered all $100 million of principal plus a portion of their interest.
- Represented Senior Secured Creditor in workout of a series of waterparks, resulting in a full pay takeout of the senior secured debt by the subordinated lender.
- Represented Chapter 11 Trustee and the Liquidating Plan Trustee in Houston liquidation of international energy company that produced payment of all allowed claims and certain shareholder interests.
- Represented president of family-owned petroleum company in pre-packaged Chapter 11 case in the Southern District of Texas confirmed in less than a week, and in subsequent multi-year litigation.
- Represented Unsecured Creditors Committee in first Continental Airlines case in Houston. A plan was confirmed providing for payment of 100% of allowed unsecured claim.
Recognition & Accolades
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Texas, 2012-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025
- Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers, Bankruptcy: Business, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2008-2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Houston for Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2020
- Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2008-2026
- Commercial Litigation, 2023-2026
- Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2011-2026
- Trailblazer Outside Counsel of the Year, Texas Minority Counsel Program, 2015
Publications & Speeches
- “The E and I in DEI: Enhancing and Leveraging Equity and Inclusion in Our Practices and Workplaces,” UT Law CLE’s Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference (November 2022)
- “Bankruptcy / Foreclosure,” SWABC Annual Convention and TBA Bankers Legal Conference (September 2022)
- “Bankruptcy / Foreclosure,” SWABC Annual Convention and TBA Bankers Legal Conference (October 2021)
- “Dealing with Counterparty/Bankruptcy Risk in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry”
- “Considerations and Consequences of a Bankruptcy Filing in the Oil and Gas Industry”
- “Commodity Repo Agreements for Crude Oil Inventory”
- “Recent Case on Safe Harbor Provisions in Swap Agreements”
- “Bankruptcy Court Grants TRO in Favor of Non-Bankrupt Guarantor”
- “Courts Continue to Question Meaning of “Forward Contract Merchants”
- “Bankruptcy Code’s Safe Harbor Provisions for Forward Contracts — Are you Protected?”
- “Bankruptcy Overview” – Selected Topics
Community Involvement
- UNCF South Texas Leadership Council
- UNCF’s Houston Gala, Honorary Co-Chair, 2014
- Houston area Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee, Past Chair/Co-Chair
- Board of Directors of the Duke University Alumni Association, Past Member
- Houston Bar Association
- Bankruptcy Section, Past President
- DEI Committee, Past Co-Chair
- Houston Bankruptcy Inn of Court, Past President
- Chapter 11 Advisory Committee for the Southern District of Texas, Past Member
- State Bar of Texas
- American Bankruptcy Institute
In the News
- “XFL files bankruptcy, owes University of Houston nearly $300,000,” Houston Chronicle (April 13, 2020)
- “Why so many upstream energy cos. are having trouble — and why more might file for bankruptcy,” Houston Business Journal (July 1, 2019)
- “Payless Hires Firm to Offer Retail Spots in US, Canada, Potentially at a Discount,” CoStar (February 27, 2019)
- “Texas Business Bankruptcies Skyrocketed in 2017, Debt Hits ‘Height of Debt Lunacy’,” The Texas Lawbook (February 26, 2018)
- “Ch. 11 bankruptcies skyrocket around Houston area, study finds,” Houston Business Journal (July 17, 2017)
- “Even in bankruptcy, oil bosses are promised riches,” Houston Chronicle (April 23, 2017)
- “Texas Business Bankruptcies Spiked, then Tapered Off in 2016,” The Texas Lawbook (January 2, 2017)
Experience
- Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
- Business Litigation
- Commodities & Derivatives
- Debtor Representation
- Distressed Asset Buyers & Sellers Representation
- Energy Litigation
- Energy Workouts & Reorganizations
- Financial Institution Litigation
- Healthcare Workouts & Reorganizations
- Landlord & Contract Counter Parties Representation
- Real Estate Workouts & Reorganizations
- Secured Creditor Representation
- Unsecured and Ad Hoc Creditor Committee Representation
- Unsecured Creditor Representation