Matthew D. Cavenaugh
Experience
- Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
- Business Litigation
- Commodities & Derivatives
- 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
“Matthew Cavenaugh routinely represents large companies in the energy and retail sectors in bankruptcy matters. He is particularly well equipped to handle Chapter 11 proceedings. 'Matthew is a very talented attorney,' one client noted.”
— Chambers USA
Biography
Matthew Cavenaugh is a trial lawyer who focuses on complex business bankruptcy litigation.
A seasoned actor and former judicial law clerk, Matt understands the importance of communicating complex legal arguments with clarity and conviction – both in and out of court. From the moment a client steps in the door until closing argument, Matt uses his distinctive talents for storytelling, humor, and creativity to persuasively and fiercely advocate for his clients.
Matt is at home in bankruptcy court, where he regularly represents secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 trustees, third-party purchasers and other interest holders in a wide variety of insolvency and restructuring matters. Matt has extensive experience representing third-party purchasers of assets through Chapter 11 reorganizations, including oil & gas and intellectual property assets. In addition to bankruptcy litigation, he has extensive experience pursuing and litigating corporate fraud claims.
Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Matt served over two years as judicial law clerk to United States Bankruptcy Judges Wesley W. Steen and Judge Marvin Isgur (SDTX).
Education
B.A., with honors, Trinity University
- Distinguished Student of Drama
J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
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
Recent representations include:
- Representation of manufacturer in its Chapter 11 case to address products liability claims and an FDA recall arising from distribution of faulty hand sanitizer and related products and to wind up the business.
- Representation of Chapter 11 debtor in possession of a sixth-generation, ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig. Through its chapter 11 case, the debtor intends to address operational issues and sell or equitize the semi-submersible to satisfy the debtor’s guaranty of nearly $950 million of secured bonds.
- Represented a retailer in obtaining approval of a prepackaged reorganization plan within 24 hours of filing its Chapter 11 cases, setting a national record for the fastest-ever prepackaged case from filing to emergence. As a result of the restructuring, the retailer eliminated $450 million of debt, received $225 million of new capital for growth initiatives, and was able to maintain all 291 of its store locations across 16 states.
- Representation of a petitioning creditor in an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding over a chain of retail medical spas. After contentious litigation with shareholders, officers, and affiliates, obtained an order for relief and the appointment of a Chapter 11 trustee over the debtor.
- Representation of a petrochemical company holding a multimillion-dollar unsecured claim against a multinational paint manufacturer. Successfully achieved appointment to creditors’ committee and favorable recovery of claim through bankruptcy asset sale.
- Representation of a national steel processing company in lawsuit concerning fraud and theft by the company’s former finance officer. After a three-week trial, successfully obtained judgment of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, with damages in excess of $1 million.
- Representation of a Chapter 11 debtor in possession owner of an industrial wax company. Following protracted litigation with a competitor, obtained confirmation of a plan of reorganization.
- Representation of former owner of major league sports team in bankruptcy litigation related to sale of broadcast network.
- Representation of a Chapter 11 debtor in possession operator of a petrochemical disposal facility in Laredo, Texas. After protracted litigation with landlord, obtained confirmation of a plan of reorganization.
- Representation of an institutional lender in the recovery of real estate collateral and subsequent bankruptcy auction and sale.
- Representation of national broadcast network in fraudulent transfer litigation.
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Texas, 2021-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyers, 2020, 2022-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2018-2025
- H Texas Top Lawyers of Houston, 2020
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2018-2026
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2018-2026
- Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2018-2026
- “Top Lawyer: Bankruptcy, Workout, and Debt” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2018, 2020
- “Texas Rising Star,” Thomson Reuters, 2013-2018
- Houston Association of Young Bankruptcy Lawyers, President, 2016-2017
- National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges NextGen Program, Participant, 2017
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Moller-Foltz American Inns of Court
- Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Steer Committee
- Globalaw Leadership Programme, Past Participant
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
Lawdragon Recognizes Matt Cavenaugh, Wade Cooper, and Kristhy Peguero Among Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers of 2025
Jackson Walker is proud to share that Matt Cavenaugh, Wade Cooper, and Kristhy Peguero have been named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers list. Their recognition highlights their skill in navigating high-stakes financial challenges and delivering results.
Attorney News • June 30, 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
Lawdragon Recognizes Matt Cavenaugh, Wade Cooper, and Kristhy Peguero Among Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers of 2024
“These are the lawyers who can make all the difference for a business, debtor or creditor and have done so time and time again,” Lawdragon noted in its announcement of the “500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers” list for 2024.
Attorney News • June 18, 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
Jackson Walker Receives Two Awards at 18th Annual Turnaround Awards Gala
Jackson Walker congratulates our Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery team for their recognition as award recipients at the 18th Annual Turnaround Awards Gala during the 2024 Distressed Investing Summit. The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 19, 2023, at The Ben Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.
Spotlight • April 11, 2024
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
<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
Lawdragon Recognizes Matt Cavenaugh, Wade Cooper, and Kristhy Peguero Among Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers of 2023
“This elite corps of U.S. lawyers represent the best of the best helping companies navigate ailing economies and uncertain times,” Lawdragon noted in its announcement of the “500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers” list for 2023.
Attorney News • June 20, 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
‘Houstonia’ Lists Jackson Walker Attorneys as “Top Lawyers” in Best of Houstonia
Jackson Walker is proud to announce the selection of Chevazz Brown, Matthew Cavenaugh, Carey Hain, Lindsey Moorhead, and Sang Shin to Houstonia Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” list of 2021-2022 in its Best of Houstonia.
Attorney News • November 7, 2022
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
Matt Cavenaugh to Join ‘The Texas Lawbook’ for a Conversation With Texas Bankruptcy Judges
On Thursday, October 7, Matt Cavenaugh will speak during a CLE webcast hosted by The Texas Lawbook discussing the rise of complex corporate restructurings in Texas bankruptcy courts. Fellow speakers will include Chief Bankruptcy Judge David Jones for the Southern District of Texas, Judge Marvin Isgur for the Southern District of Texas, Judge Edward L. Morris for the Northern District of Texas, and Porter Hedges attorney John Higgins.
Speaking Engagements • October 7, 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
- “Bigger In Texas: Ch. 11s In Lone Star State Outpace Delaware,” Law360 (May 2021)
- “Brazos Electric Coop Files for Bankruptcy,” The Texas Lawbook (March 2021)
- “Bankruptcy Experts: More Pain and Uncertainty Coming,” The Texas Lawbook (December 2020)
- “The Battle of the Texas Bankruptcy Legal Advisors – A Statistical Analysis of the Firms and Lawyers,” The Texas Lawbook (August 2020)
- “Bankrupt Hertz Seeks Permission To Raise $1 Billion In Preposterous New Stock Sale,” Forbes (June 2020)
- “Texas bankruptcies are up, and Houston is the epicenter,” Houston Chronicle (May 2020)
- “‘There is a Tsunami Coming’,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2020)
- “It’s Official: Neiman Marcus Files for Bankruptcy – Updated,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2020)
- “$20 Per Barrel Oil Sends Energy Companies to Restructuring Specialists in Droves,” Houston Chronicle (March 2020)
- “U.S. Shale’s Growth Rate Peaked Last Year, Slower Gains Ahead,” Reuters; The New York Times (June 2019)
Practice Experience
Recent representations include:
- Representation of manufacturer in its Chapter 11 case to address products liability claims and an FDA recall arising from distribution of faulty hand sanitizer and related products and to wind up the business.
- Representation of Chapter 11 debtor in possession of a sixth-generation, ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig. Through its chapter 11 case, the debtor intends to address operational issues and sell or equitize the semi-submersible to satisfy the debtor’s guaranty of nearly $950 million of secured bonds.
- Represented a retailer in obtaining approval of a prepackaged reorganization plan within 24 hours of filing its Chapter 11 cases, setting a national record for the fastest-ever prepackaged case from filing to emergence. As a result of the restructuring, the retailer eliminated $450 million of debt, received $225 million of new capital for growth initiatives, and was able to maintain all 291 of its store locations across 16 states.
- Representation of a petitioning creditor in an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding over a chain of retail medical spas. After contentious litigation with shareholders, officers, and affiliates, obtained an order for relief and the appointment of a Chapter 11 trustee over the debtor.
- Representation of a petrochemical company holding a multimillion-dollar unsecured claim against a multinational paint manufacturer. Successfully achieved appointment to creditors’ committee and favorable recovery of claim through bankruptcy asset sale.
- Representation of a national steel processing company in lawsuit concerning fraud and theft by the company’s former finance officer. After a three-week trial, successfully obtained judgment of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, with damages in excess of $1 million.
- Representation of a Chapter 11 debtor in possession owner of an industrial wax company. Following protracted litigation with a competitor, obtained confirmation of a plan of reorganization.
- Representation of former owner of major league sports team in bankruptcy litigation related to sale of broadcast network.
- Representation of a Chapter 11 debtor in possession operator of a petrochemical disposal facility in Laredo, Texas. After protracted litigation with landlord, obtained confirmation of a plan of reorganization.
- Representation of an institutional lender in the recovery of real estate collateral and subsequent bankruptcy auction and sale.
- Representation of national broadcast network in fraudulent transfer litigation.
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Texas, 2021-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyers, 2020, 2022-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2018-2025
- H Texas Top Lawyers of Houston, 2020
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2018-2026
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2018-2026
- Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2018-2026
- “Top Lawyer: Bankruptcy, Workout, and Debt” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2018, 2020
- “Texas Rising Star,” Thomson Reuters, 2013-2018
Community Involvement
- Houston Association of Young Bankruptcy Lawyers, President, 2016-2017
- National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges NextGen Program, Participant, 2017
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Moller-Foltz American Inns of Court
- Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Steer Committee
- Globalaw Leadership Programme, Past Participant
In the News
- “Bigger In Texas: Ch. 11s In Lone Star State Outpace Delaware,” Law360 (May 2021)
- “Brazos Electric Coop Files for Bankruptcy,” The Texas Lawbook (March 2021)
- “Bankruptcy Experts: More Pain and Uncertainty Coming,” The Texas Lawbook (December 2020)
- “The Battle of the Texas Bankruptcy Legal Advisors – A Statistical Analysis of the Firms and Lawyers,” The Texas Lawbook (August 2020)
- “Bankrupt Hertz Seeks Permission To Raise $1 Billion In Preposterous New Stock Sale,” Forbes (June 2020)
- “Texas bankruptcies are up, and Houston is the epicenter,” Houston Chronicle (May 2020)
- “‘There is a Tsunami Coming’,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2020)
- “It’s Official: Neiman Marcus Files for Bankruptcy – Updated,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2020)
- “$20 Per Barrel Oil Sends Energy Companies to Restructuring Specialists in Droves,” Houston Chronicle (March 2020)
- “U.S. Shale’s Growth Rate Peaked Last Year, Slower Gains Ahead,” Reuters; The New York Times (June 2019)
Experience
- Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
- Business Litigation
- Commodities & Derivatives
- 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