Bernstein Shur Assembles Powerhouse Mediation Team in Response to Rising Demand for Complex Bankruptcy Services

Retired Judge Louis H. Kornreich and Attorney Robert J. Keach, well-known names in bankruptcy circles, join together to provide mediation and fiduciary services nationwide

Louis H. Kornreich

PORTLAND, ME (April 7, 2016) —The use of mediation in complex bankruptcy cases is on the rise as parties seek to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Responding to this demand, leading law firm Bernstein Shur known for its high profile work in business restructurings and Chapter 11 cases throughout the nation, has assembled a powerhouse team in its newly-established Complex Bankruptcy Mediation & Fiduciary Services Group.

Led by nationally recognized bankruptcy attorney Robert J. Keach and retired bankruptcy judge, Louis H. Kornreich, the group brings together some of the industry’s top talent to provide mediation, consulting and fiduciary services. Their combined experience covers myriad industries including agriculture, paper, manufacturing, retail, electricity, railroads, petroleum and natural gas.

Robert J. Keach

“Litigation is not cost effective and outcomes are uncertain. An experienced mediator can assist parties in reaching a pragmatic result. For example the uncertainties and realities arising from recent decisions  concerning the rejection of mid-stream contracts in the natural gas industry should cause parties to consider mediation,” explained Judge Kornreich, who retired as Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of ME after 14 years on the bench. “We addressed many of these issues ten years ago in the Androscoggin Energy case with parties from all over the U.S. and Canada.  What became apparent then is equally true today – mediation will lead to a quicker and less costly result. The same is true of disputes in other areas suffering from the current downturn like the maritime industry.”

Widely recognized for his talent as a mediator, leader and problem solver, Judge Kornreich brings deep experience in cross-border, multi-party matters including the transmission of electrical power, petroleum and natural gas. In addition to his service in the District of ME, Judge Kornreich served as a visiting judge in the Districts of Delaware and New Hampshire, and on the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the First Circuit.  He is a registered mediator with the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Southern District of New York, Delaware and Massachusetts.

“Judge Kornreich is well-versed in mediation and guiding parties toward mutually-agreeable resolutions,” says Robert J. Keach, co-chair of Bernstein Shur’s Business Restructuring & Insolvency Practice Group. Judge Kornreich is also available for fiduciary and court appointed trustee services.

Robert J. Keach is the former president of the American Bankruptcy Institute. He is recognized as a “Star Individual” in Corporate M&A/Bankruptcy by Chambers USA, in Best Lawyers in America, and by New England Super Lawyers, and has served as fee examiner for high-profile cases such as American Airlines and as trustee for the Montreal, ME and Atlantic Railway bankruptcy. His experience on every side of a bankruptcy case makes him the right choice to be a court-appointed fiduciary.
About Bernstein Shur

Founded in 1915, Bernstein Shur is a New England-based law firm with clients across the U.S. and around the world. The firm has more than 100 award-winning attorneys and professionals who provide practical and innovative counsel in more than 20 key areas, catering to a broad range of clients and industries. Bernstein Shur is known for simplifying complex issues and winning through steadfast persistence. The firm is ME’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. More information is available at www.bernsteinshur.com.