Burleson LLP Strengthens Bankruptcy And Restructuring Practice, Adding Attorney Elizabeth M. Guffy

HOUSTON, July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Burleson LLP announced today that Elizabeth M. Guffy, who has practiced law for more than two decades, has joined the energy law firm's Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice Group.

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Guffy is a seasoned corporate attorney who has an extensive background representing foreign and domestic energy companies, both as creditors and as debtors.  She is well versed in a spectrum of matters related to bankruptcy and finance, and is particularly experienced in bankruptcy exposure and risk, chapter 11 cases, bankruptcy litigation, regulatory requirements, and the effects of regulatory actions.

"Burleson has built a reputation as one of the largest and most comprehensive oil and gas law firms in the country, with some of the best attorneys in the industry," said Guffy.  "Their unique ability to recognize business objectives and achieve practical solutions to fiscal problems really appeals to me.  They are responsive, knowledgeable, and efficient, and those qualities are tremendously beneficial to the clients we serve."

Rick Burleson, managing partner of Burleson, added, "Outside of her ability to counsel companies on a wide range of issues, Elizabeth is skilled in understanding the larger implications that come with distressed financial conditions.  She is well known for her depth of knowledge and perspective, and has made a name for herself both in and out of the energy industry.  She's a great attorney and is, without a doubt, a great addition to our firm."

Prior to joining Burleson, Guffy worked as a sole practitioner.  She also served as Special Counsel at Dewey & LeBoeuf after practicing at Baker Botts LLP for 11 years.  

Guffy has presided over the liquidation of oil and gas companies; analyzed gas and power trading transactions under master agreements, including ISDA agreements; and represented energy companies in insolvency issues.  

Her background in financial matters includes representing the FDIC in the structured sale of non-performing loans; analyzing legal isolation, true sale, and non-consolidation issues associated with asset securitizations, project financings, structured leases, and other financial transactions; and structuring energy- and mortgage-related secured financings and repurchase agreements.

Guffy has represented secured and unsecured creditors in chapter 11 cases, analyzed the effects of bankruptcy on contract rights, handled debtor-in-possession issues in various capacities, formulated chapter 11 plans, and served as trustee in both chapter 11 and chapter 7 cases.  

In addition to developing litigation strategies for protecting bankruptcy claims, she has defended and prosecuted claim objections and avoidance actions, prosecuted involuntary bankruptcy petitions, and represented clients in mediation.  She has also handled appeals in courts from bankruptcy court to district and circuit courts, and has drafted petitions for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Guffy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Rice University.  She earned her law degree, with honors, from the University of Houston Law Center, where she served as articles editor for the Houston Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif.  

About Burleson LLP
With more than 120 attorneys in offices in Houston, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, and Denver, Burleson LLP is the largest law firm in the country dedicated primarily to serving the oil and gas industry.  We are unique in being on the ground in the key markets serving the unconventional shale plays, and bring a distinct blend of legal understanding and technical skill to our practice. Our attorneys have worked as petroleum engineers, chemists, landmen, and geologists, and more than a third have served as inside legal counsel for oil and gas companies.  These qualifications – combined with Burleson's broad geographic reach and comprehensive scope of services – have earned the firm a reputation for providing clients with the most seasoned, energy-specific legal services team the industry has to offer.   For further information, visit www.burlesonllp.com.

For further information, please contact:
Shari King at (713) 869-4939 or [email protected]

SOURCE Burleson LLP