Jennifer F. Wertz

• Jennifer has particular experience in complex Chapter 11 reorganizations, including in the telecommunications and healthcare industries, and has represented both debtors and trustees.
• Representation of an oil and gas company in bankruptcy proceedings appealed 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 nonprofit children’s hospital in litigious Chapter 11 proceedings, resulting in confirmation of a plan within approximately seven months of a Chapter 11 filing, featuring payment in full of general unsecured creditors.
• Represented telecommunications client in federal court against allegations of trespass, conversion, and tortious interference. Following discovery and pretrial pleadings, obtained a favorable settlement on all counts.
• Represented multiple trade creditors in bankruptcy of an oil and gas operator in numerous preference actions attempting to claw back over $1 million. Following discovery, obtained a favorable settlement.
• Represented a media company and related defendants in an adversary proceeding before the Bankruptcy Court 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 title company in an adversary proceeding before the Bankruptcy Court against allegations of fraud, deceptive trade, and other counts. Drafted a motion to dismiss resulting in dismissal of all claims against the client with prejudice prior to discovery being conducted.

• The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2024
• 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
• 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

• “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
• Larry E. Kelly Inn of Court
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County
• American Bankruptcy Institute