Jennifer F. Wertz
Practice Areas
Experience
- Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
- Debtor Representation
- Distressed Asset Buyers & Sellers Representation
- Energy Workouts & Reorganizations
- 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
Biography
Jennifer F. Wertz is an attorney in the Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Recovery section at Jackson Walker, where she represents companies in reorganization and liquidation proceedings. She has extensive experience in representing debtors and creditors in various industries, with a particular focus on oil and gas, real estate, and healthcare. In addition to her company-side representation, she also has extensive experience in representing private equity and other parties in distressed asset purchases, ranging from acquisitions of large warehouse space, multifamily, office, and lease interests. She has represented numerous landlords both in addressing tenant distress and in bankruptcy proceedings. She also has experience representing equipment lenders, agricultural vendors in chapter 11 and chapter 12 proceedings, and has represented numerous financial institutions and other lenders with out-of-court workouts.
She also represents liquidation trustees and chapter 7 trustees in complex commercial litigation, focused in particular on fiduciary and fraudulent transfer claims.
Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Jennifer served as a law clerk to the [Ret.] Honorable H. Christopher Mott, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas.
Education
B.A., University of Texas at Austin
J.D., magna cum laude, Texas Tech University School of Law
- Texas Tech Law Review, Articles Editor
- Board of Barristers, Associate Member
- Civil Practice Clinic, Student Attorney
- Judicial Intern to Judge Bohm, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy
- Represented a reorganized debtor in various contested matters regarding enforcement of the confirmation order. In particular, led the prosecution against a claimant pursuing a late-file claim based on inexcusable neglect and obtained a favorable judgment for the reorganized debtor, and defended same to success on appeal.
- Represented a Chapter 7 Trustee for rural hospital cases in Texas in over 50 adversary proceedings relating to avoidance actions, resulting in significant recoveries to the estate, as well as complex fiduciary litigation and complex commercial claims in federal court.
- Represented various individuals in negotiations with lenders with respect to real estate loans and guarantees to obtain favorable workouts.
- Represented an e-commerce platform based in Austin in its complex chapter 11 proceedings, resulting in a confirmed plan featuring a negotiated sale process.
- Represented as co-counsel a large New York City-based real estate firm as a significant creditor in complex chapter 11 proceedings in Dallas through confirmation of a plan resulting in payment in full.
- Represented a purchaser in a successful acquisition of combination of warehouse and space outside of Dallas out of major retail chapter 11 including defense of objection to same.
- Represented as co-counsel a national leader in outpatient radiology and oncology solutions in its prepackaged chapter 11 cases, resulting in a confirmed chapter 11 plan in less than 45 days.
- Represented national retail chain in strategic acquisition of leases from retail bankruptcy cases filed in New Jersey and Delaware.
- Represented as co-counsel a coalition and campaign-based loyalty solutions company in its complex chapter 11 proceedings, resulting in a confirmed chapter 11 plan in less than 60 days.
- Represented an exploration and operations company in complex chapter 11 proceedings, including in successful trial of and an appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, resulting in the affirmed dismissal of a post-confirmation attempt by the State of Oklahoma to obtain the right to nearly $1,000,000 in unclaimed royalty payments.
- Represented a nonprofit children’s hospital based in El Paso in its litigious Chapter 11 proceedings, resulting in confirmation of a plan that provided for continued operations and payment in full of general unsecured claims.
- Represented multiple trade creditors of an exploration and operations company in numerous preference actions attempting to claw back over $1 million. Following discovery, obtained a favorable settlement.
- Represented judgment receiver in chapter 11 case to collect on nearly $10 million judgment.
- Represented a media company debtor and related defendants in an adversary proceeding against allegations of fraud and breach of contract. Drafted a motion for summary judgment resulting in dismissal of all claims against all clients at the onset of litigation.
- Represented a Chapter 11 Liquidation Trustee in a complex furniture manufacturing cases in San Antonio in over 100 adversary proceedings asserting various preference and fraudulent transfer actions, resulting in recoveries to creditors.
- Represented a Chapter 11 Liquidation Trustee in complex telecommunications cases in Austin in over 50 adversary proceedings asserting debt collection claims, avoidance actions, and turnover actions, resulting in significant estate recoveries.
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2024-2026
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2024-2026
- Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2025-2026
- Texas Rising Star – Bankruptcy: Business, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2020-2021
- “Austin’s Top Attorneys” List – Bankruptcy and Workout, Austin Monthly, 2021-2023, 2025
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2020
- Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2020
Publications
- “Major Decision in Energy-Related Bankruptcies: Colorado Court in Monarch Midstream Case Departs from Sabine Oil and Finds Gathering Agreement Established a Covenant Running with the Land,” Jackson Walker Bankruptcy e-Alert (October 2019)
- “Considerations and Consequences of a Bankruptcy Filing in the Oil and Gas Industry,” Jackson Walker Energy e-Alert (May 2015)
- “To Caesar, Only What Is Due – An Opportunity under § 505(a)(2)(C) for Ad Valorem Taxes?,” American Bankruptcy Institute Journal (September 2014)
Speaking Engagements
- Co-Panelist with Natalie Friend Wilson (Langley & Banack), “Bankruptcy Law: A Primer for Civil Lawyers,” Central Texas Federal Bench Bar Conference, February 2025
- Presenter, “A Technology-Focused Introduction to Bankruptcy & Insolvency,” The University of Texas School of Law, 37th Annual Technology Law Conference, May 2024.
- “Receivers in Bankruptcy,” June 2020 Presentation to San Antonio Bankruptcy Bar Association
- “Procedures Regarding the Sale of Assets: Is this the Bargain Basement or a Feeding Frenzy?,” Co-panelist with Judge Michael Parker, United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas, and Ray Battaglia, Law Offices of Ray Battaglia, PLLC, at the Western District of Texas Bench Bar Conference, June 2022
- “Ethical Issues in Bankruptcy: RSAs, DIPs, and Common Interest Privilege Issues,” Co-panelist with the Hon. Stacey G. C. Jernigan, United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas, Hon. Christopher M. Lopez, United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas, and Deborah M. Perry, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, The University of Texas School of Law 42nd Annual Jay L Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference
- “Shopping for Solutions During a Pandemic: Retail Bankruptcies in the Covid-19 Era,” Co-panelist with Ian T. Peck, Haynes & Boone LLP, The University of Texas School of Law 39th Annual Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference
- “Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Issues, Venue, and Jurisdiction,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (July 15, 2020)
- “What Creditors Should Consider Before Businesses Restructure or File for Bankruptcy,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (June 4, 2020)
- Bankruptcy & Litigation, Select Issues, Austin Bar Association-Bankruptcy Section (April 7, 2017)
- Texas Bankruptcy Laws and Obligations Webinar, Lorman (2017)
- Texas Women Lawyers, Board Member
- Austin Bar Association – Bankruptcy Section
- President, 2019
- Council Member, 2018-present
- Larry E. Kelly Inn of Court
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County
- American Bankruptcy Institute
‘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
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 44 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2025
Jackson Walker congratulates the 44 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2025. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • July 15, 2025
‘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
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 21 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2024
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2024. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 39 categories.
Attorney News • July 11, 2024
Jonathan Lass to Serve on Planning Committee at UT School of Law Technology Law Conference; Jennifer Wertz to Present on “Technology-Focused Bankruptcy & Insolvency”
Jackson Walker partner Jonathan E. Lass served on the planning committee and as a presiding officer for The University of Texas School of Law’s 37th Annual Technology Law Conference. Additionally, Jackson Walker partner Jennifer F. Wertz will be a presenter on Thursday, May 23.
Speaking Engagements • May 8, 2024
‘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
<i>The American Lawyer</i>: Jackson Walker is Nation’s Top Local Counsel in Large Bankruptcies, as Bankruptcy and Restructuring Filings Rebound
The American Lawyer cited new research which named Jackson Walker’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery group as the top local debtor’s counsel in the nation so far this year.
Mentions • August 4, 2023
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 12 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2023
Jackson Walker congratulates the 12 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2023. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 39 categories.
Attorney News • July 17, 2023
Jennifer Wertz on Her Path Toward Restructuring
After spending four years as a bilingual kindergarten teacher, Jennifer Wertz intended to practice immigration law, an area in which she saw a need while teaching. But her unexpected love for learning contracts during her first year of law school coupled with the bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers in her first month of law school refocused her attention to an area she had never considered: bankruptcy and restructuring.
Spotlight • March 29, 2023
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 14 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2022
Jackson Walker congratulates the 14 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2022. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 38 categories.
Attorney News • October 25, 2022
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 20 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2021
Jackson Walker congratulates the 20 attorneys recognized among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2021. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 43 categories.
Attorney News • August 3, 2021
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 2021 Texas Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 36 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2021 “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” list. Spanning five offices and eight major practice areas, these up-and-coming attorneys have been nominated by peers within and outside the Firm.
Attorney News • March 23, 2021
Jackson Walker Congratulates Newly Elected Fellows of Texas Bar Foundation
Jackson Walker is pleased to congratulate Shari Mao, Amanda Neinast, Kati Orso, Erik Romberg, Denise Rose, Jennifer Wertz, and Zachary Zurek on their election as fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation.
Attorney News • December 1, 2020
Matt Cavenaugh and Jennifer Wertz Discuss Midstream Contracts and Retail Bankruptcies During Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference
During the 39th Annual Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference, Jackson Walker partners Matt Cavenaugh and Jennifer Wertz joined discussions on retail bankruptcies amid the COVID-19 pandemic and midstream contracts.
Speaking Engagements • November 5, 2020
Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Issues, Venue, and Jurisdiction
Jackson Walker Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery attorneys Kristhy Peguero and Jennifer Wertz discuss chapter 15’s cross-border insolvency and its invocation of the jurisdiction of the U.S. bankruptcy court to assist in the administration of foreign insolvency and restructuring proceedings.
Podcasts • July 15, 2020
What Creditors Should Consider Before Businesses Restructure or File for Bankruptcy
Jennifer Wertz, a partner in Jackson Walker’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery practice, discusses what creditors should consider right now before a bankruptcy case is filed, whether they have a contractual arrangement as a landlord or counterparty or if they are a vendor, supplier, or unsecured creditor.
Podcasts • June 4, 2020
Practice Experience
- Represented a reorganized debtor in various contested matters regarding enforcement of the confirmation order. In particular, led the prosecution against a claimant pursuing a late-file claim based on inexcusable neglect and obtained a favorable judgment for the reorganized debtor, and defended same to success on appeal.
- Represented a Chapter 7 Trustee for rural hospital cases in Texas in over 50 adversary proceedings relating to avoidance actions, resulting in significant recoveries to the estate, as well as complex fiduciary litigation and complex commercial claims in federal court.
- Represented various individuals in negotiations with lenders with respect to real estate loans and guarantees to obtain favorable workouts.
- Represented an e-commerce platform based in Austin in its complex chapter 11 proceedings, resulting in a confirmed plan featuring a negotiated sale process.
- Represented as co-counsel a large New York City-based real estate firm as a significant creditor in complex chapter 11 proceedings in Dallas through confirmation of a plan resulting in payment in full.
- Represented a purchaser in a successful acquisition of combination of warehouse and space outside of Dallas out of major retail chapter 11 including defense of objection to same.
- Represented as co-counsel a national leader in outpatient radiology and oncology solutions in its prepackaged chapter 11 cases, resulting in a confirmed chapter 11 plan in less than 45 days.
- Represented national retail chain in strategic acquisition of leases from retail bankruptcy cases filed in New Jersey and Delaware.
- Represented as co-counsel a coalition and campaign-based loyalty solutions company in its complex chapter 11 proceedings, resulting in a confirmed chapter 11 plan in less than 60 days.
- Represented an exploration and operations company in complex chapter 11 proceedings, including in successful trial of and an appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, resulting in the affirmed dismissal of a post-confirmation attempt by the State of Oklahoma to obtain the right to nearly $1,000,000 in unclaimed royalty payments.
- Represented a nonprofit children’s hospital based in El Paso in its litigious Chapter 11 proceedings, resulting in confirmation of a plan that provided for continued operations and payment in full of general unsecured claims.
- Represented multiple trade creditors of an exploration and operations company in numerous preference actions attempting to claw back over $1 million. Following discovery, obtained a favorable settlement.
- Represented judgment receiver in chapter 11 case to collect on nearly $10 million judgment.
- Represented a media company debtor and related defendants in an adversary proceeding against allegations of fraud and breach of contract. Drafted a motion for summary judgment resulting in dismissal of all claims against all clients at the onset of litigation.
- Represented a Chapter 11 Liquidation Trustee in a complex furniture manufacturing cases in San Antonio in over 100 adversary proceedings asserting various preference and fraudulent transfer actions, resulting in recoveries to creditors.
- Represented a Chapter 11 Liquidation Trustee in complex telecommunications cases in Austin in over 50 adversary proceedings asserting debt collection claims, avoidance actions, and turnover actions, resulting in significant estate recoveries.
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2024-2026
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2024-2026
- Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2025-2026
- Texas Rising Star – Bankruptcy: Business, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2020-2021
- “Austin’s Top Attorneys” List – Bankruptcy and Workout, Austin Monthly, 2021-2023, 2025
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2020
- Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2020
Publications & Speeches
Publications
- “Major Decision in Energy-Related Bankruptcies: Colorado Court in Monarch Midstream Case Departs from Sabine Oil and Finds Gathering Agreement Established a Covenant Running with the Land,” Jackson Walker Bankruptcy e-Alert (October 2019)
- “Considerations and Consequences of a Bankruptcy Filing in the Oil and Gas Industry,” Jackson Walker Energy e-Alert (May 2015)
- “To Caesar, Only What Is Due – An Opportunity under § 505(a)(2)(C) for Ad Valorem Taxes?,” American Bankruptcy Institute Journal (September 2014)
Speaking Engagements
- Co-Panelist with Natalie Friend Wilson (Langley & Banack), “Bankruptcy Law: A Primer for Civil Lawyers,” Central Texas Federal Bench Bar Conference, February 2025
- Presenter, “A Technology-Focused Introduction to Bankruptcy & Insolvency,” The University of Texas School of Law, 37th Annual Technology Law Conference, May 2024.
- “Receivers in Bankruptcy,” June 2020 Presentation to San Antonio Bankruptcy Bar Association
- “Procedures Regarding the Sale of Assets: Is this the Bargain Basement or a Feeding Frenzy?,” Co-panelist with Judge Michael Parker, United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas, and Ray Battaglia, Law Offices of Ray Battaglia, PLLC, at the Western District of Texas Bench Bar Conference, June 2022
- “Ethical Issues in Bankruptcy: RSAs, DIPs, and Common Interest Privilege Issues,” Co-panelist with the Hon. Stacey G. C. Jernigan, United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas, Hon. Christopher M. Lopez, United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas, and Deborah M. Perry, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, The University of Texas School of Law 42nd Annual Jay L Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference
- “Shopping for Solutions During a Pandemic: Retail Bankruptcies in the Covid-19 Era,” Co-panelist with Ian T. Peck, Haynes & Boone LLP, The University of Texas School of Law 39th Annual Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference
- “Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Issues, Venue, and Jurisdiction,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (July 15, 2020)
- “What Creditors Should Consider Before Businesses Restructure or File for Bankruptcy,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (June 4, 2020)
- Bankruptcy & Litigation, Select Issues, Austin Bar Association-Bankruptcy Section (April 7, 2017)
- Texas Bankruptcy Laws and Obligations Webinar, Lorman (2017)
Community Involvement
- Texas Women Lawyers, Board Member
- Austin Bar Association – Bankruptcy Section
- President, 2019
- Council Member, 2018-present
- Larry E. Kelly Inn of Court
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County
- American Bankruptcy Institute
Practice Areas
Experience
- Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
- Debtor Representation
- Distressed Asset Buyers & Sellers Representation
- Energy Workouts & Reorganizations
- 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