Arter & Hadden, LLP

Representation: Creditors/Trustee

In 2003, this 150-year-old law firm closed its doors. Unfortunately, when it closed, it left creditors unpaid. Many of the partners opened new firms the next day in much the same space with much the same equipment. Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. was engaged by some of the retired partners to investigate and enforce their claims to pension payments. Less than three months after the closure, Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Arter & Hadden. After some negotiation and delay, a trustee was appointed to liquidate whatever was left. The trustee hired Bernstein as special counsel to pursue claims against the departing partners and their new law firms. On behalf of the trustee, Bernstein filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit alleging the defendants looted the firm and left it unable to pay its debts. The litigation continues.