Patrick R. Akers
Pat Akers is a litigator and bankruptcy attorney. His practice includes commercial litigation, commercial bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights.
Pat counsels and represents small and large businesses in all aspects of commercial disputes, from engaging in pre-suit negotiations to trying cases and defending appeals in state and federal court. Pat’s extensive experience with commercial transactions and insolvency matters allows him to find creative, cost-efficient, and practical solutions to commercial disputes and those involving businesses teetering on the verge of bankruptcy.
Pat represents all stakeholders in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings, including secured and unsecured creditors, corporate debtors and debtors in possession, trustees, and other interested parties, including asset purchasers and landlords. Pat regularly advises and represents financial institutions, construction contractors, and insurance carriers on industry-specific issues in bankruptcy cases under Chapters 7 and 11. Pat also assists clients on creditors’ rights matters, such as foreclosures, receiverships, and replevin actions.
Outside of the office, Pat can be found training for long-distance races and exploring the Colorado outdoors.
Education
- J.D., University of Notre Dame, cum laude
- M.B.A., Auburn University
- B.A., University of Iowa, with distinction and honors
Areas Of Practice
Experienced, forward-thinking advocates who go beyond the expected for clients in dispute prevention and resolution.
One of the largest and most active bankruptcy and creditors’ rights legal practices in the Southwest and California, representing clients locally, regionally, and nationally.
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
- American Bankruptcy Institute
AWARDS AND HONORS
- Best Lawyers ® Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation and Litigation Bankruptcy, 2022-2025
- Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Stars: Bankruptcy – Business, 2024
Articles and Presentations
- Author, “Bankruptcy Issues a Landlord Should Know Prior to Workouts with Defaulting Tenants,” Colorado Real Estate Journal, August 17-Septemer 6, 2022
- Co-Presenter, “Spring Bankruptcy Case Law Update,” Colorado Bar Association CLE, 2021
- Author, “Creditors Defending Against Small-Dollar Preference Actions Face an Uphill Battle,” Independent Report, March 2021
- Co-Author, “Supreme Court Holds Businesses Engaged in Nonjudicial Foreclosures Are Not ‘Debt Collectors’ Under the FDCPA” Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP Client Alert, March 2019
- Author, “Establishing Rule of Law Through Informal Justice Systems and Development Programs,” 30 Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy 115, 2016
Admissions
- Colorado
- Ohio