Neal Gerber Eisenberg Partner Deborah M. Gutfeld Appointed to the Panel of Chapter 7 Trustees for the Chicago Area

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP is pleased to announce that firm partner Deborah M. Gutfeld has been appointed to the panel of chapter 7 trustees serving the Chicago area as part of the U.S. Trustee Program. The primary role of the U.S. Trustee Program (“USTP”) is to serve as the watchdog over the bankruptcy process. The U.S. Attorney General is charged with the appointment of United States Trustees and Assistant United States Trustees.

“Her appointment is a reflection of her extraordinary background and depth of experience in this area of the law.”

The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice that seeks to promote the efficiency and protect the integrity of the Federal bankruptcy system. To further the public interest in the just, speedy and economical resolution of cases filed under the Bankruptcy Code, the Program monitors the conduct of bankruptcy parties, oversees related administrative functions, and acts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures. It also identifies and helps investigate bankruptcy fraud and abuse in coordination with United States Attorneys, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies.

“We are delighted Deborah has been appointed to the panel of chapter 7 trustees,” said Neal Gerber Eisenberg Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice Group chair Mark A. Berkoff. “Her appointment is a reflection of her extraordinary background and depth of experience in this area of the law.”

Ms. Gutfeld is a member of Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice Group. She has represented debtors in large national cases in matters related to professional retention, claim objections, executory contracts and asset disposition. Additionally, she has handled Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases for creditors and trustees, with a specific focus on preference adversary work, and has extensive experience representing landlords and enforcing their claims in large retail bankruptcy cases. She earned her J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. She graduated from Indiana University - Bloomington with a B.S. in marketing and international business. She is admitted to the Illinois bar.

About the United States Trustee Program & Bankruptcy

The United States Trustee Program was established by the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 (11 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.) as a pilot effort encompassing 18 districts. It was expanded to 21 Regions nationwide, covering all Federal judicial districts except Alabama and North Carolina, by enactment of the Bankruptcy Judges, U.S. Trustees, & Family Farmer Bankruptcy Act of 1986. The Program is funded by the United States Trustee System Fund, which consists primarily of fees paid by parties and businesses invoking Federal bankruptcy protection. The Executive Office for U.S. Trustees in Washington, D.C., provides general policy and legal guidance, oversees the Program’s substantive operations, and handles administrative functions. The Director of the Executive Office, whose authority derives from the Attorney General, oversees a staff comprised of the Offices of the Director, General Counsel, Administration, Review & Oversight, and Research & Planning. The Executive Office also provides administrative and management support to individual U.S. Trustee Offices in their implementation of Federal bankruptcy laws. Website: www.justice.gov/ust/eo/ust_org/about_ustp.htm.

About Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

Neal Gerber Eisenberg is a Chicago-based law firm providing legal services to a diverse group of clients in a wide array of domestic and global business transactions and litigation matters. The firm’s clients include privately and publicly held companies, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations and high net worth individuals. The firm’s client base reflects virtually every business industry, including a number of Fortune 100 companies. The firm has grown to nearly 175 attorneys who share common values of integrity, a dedication to high quality legal services and a commitment to diversity. The firm’s 22 practice areas range from Antitrust & Trade Regulation, Associations & Not-for-Profit Organizations, Corporate & Securities, Directors’ & Officers’ Insurance, Securities & Commodities Litigation, Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy, White Collar Criminal, Real Estate, Information Technology, Intellectual Property and Private Wealth Services to Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Environmental, Finance, Health Law, Tax, Litigation and Labor & Employment. Website: www.ngelaw.com.