Justin Ristau is a partner and chair of Bricker Graydon's Creditors' Rights, Restructuring & Bankruptcy group. Justin is a creditors' rights litigator, who focuses on efficiently pursuing a broad spectrum of default remedies to accomplish the unique goals of his clients. He represents lenders on commercial loan defaults, including commercial foreclosure, replevin and state-court receiverships. Justin also represents clients in cases involving bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation and reorganization, usually on behalf of secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy cases or adversary proceedings involving preference and fraudulent transfer proceedings, nondischargeability proceedings, and proceedings to determine the validity and priority of various claims or interests. In addition, Justin represents residential lenders in complex contested foreclosure actions, as well as against affirmative claims brought in state court, bankruptcy court, district court or on appeal.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Justin has also helped lead firm’s COVID-19 Response Team, created to assist clients in responding to the new realities of the economic and business landscape. Justin’s COVID-19-specific experience involves assisting with lender/borrower forbearance negotiations, advising clients regarding landlord/tenant leasing issues, providing guidance on crisis management and business continuity, navigating garnishment issues, and other business-related matters that have arisen out of the coronavirus pandemic. For additional information, visit the firm’s Banking & Financial Services COVID-19 Resource Center.

Education

University of Cincinnati College of Law (J.D.), 2002; Student Articles Editor and associate member, University of Cincinnati Law Review

Hobart College (B.A.), 1999

Distinctions

Listed, The Best Lawyers in America® – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation - Bankruptcy; Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law (2016–2025)

Professional Activities

Member, American Bankruptcy Institute

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Speaking Engagements

Publications