Practice Areas
Education
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 1993, cum laude
Shippensburg University, M.I.M., 1986
Shippensburg University, B.S., 1984
Bar and Court Admissions
Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Scott A. Chernich
Scott Chernich is a shareholder in the Lansing office. His practice focuses extensively in Chapter 11, 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases. In 2003, Scott was appointed as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee by the U.S. Justice Department. While he spends a large portion of his time representing creditors in prosecuting claims and recovering collateral, he also has significant experience as a debtor's lawyer and as a trustee. As a result, he offers clients (business and individuals) a perspective that includes familiarity with common strategies for all sides and the ability to spot and resolve issues early in the process.
In addition to bankruptcy law, Scott's has extensive experience in banking law, construction law and commercial litigation. For several years, Scott served as the practice group leader for the firm’s Banking, Finance and Real Estate section. Presently, he serves on Foster Swift's Executive Committee and holds the office of Treasurer.
Scott is very involved in several professional associations such as the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees and served in numerous leadership roles in the Lansing community. He also is a popular adjunct professor at his alma mater, Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Highlights & Recognitions
BV® Distinguished™ Martindale-Hubbell
Best Lawyers in America (Banking Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law)
Representative Matters
- A commercial landlord was being sued by an adversarial tenant who was in Chapter 11. Scott successfully defended the landlord and recovered back rent.
- A creditor, facing a preference action by a debtor in possession, hired Scott, who recovered in excess of $1 million for his client on a 503(b)(9) claim.
- When a trustee in a lien avoidance action sued a large credit union, Scott was hired to defend. He succeeded in having the case dismissed.
- Scott successfully helped a large broker dealer avoid a suit brought by a prominent figure in a national Chapter 11 case.
- In a very complicated, multi-million dollar construction case, five parties (a general contractor, sub-contractors and insurers) were fighting over contracts, state lien law rights and surety issues. Scott was hired and, in one day, mediated a resolution to the disputes…to the surprise and satisfaction of all parties.
News
- Foster Swift Elects 2011 Executive Committee, February 24, 2011
- Five Foster Swift Attorneys named 'Lawyer of the Year', November 1, 2010
- Foster Swift's 2011 Best Lawyers, August 17, 2010
- Foster Swift Names 2010 Executive Committee, April 9, 2010
- Foster Swift Announces 2009 Best Lawyers, August 18, 2009
- Foster Swift Announces 2009 Executive Committee & Practice Group Leader Appointments, February 12, 2009
- 2008 Executive Committee & Practice Group Leader Appointments Announced, February 19, 2008
Speaking Engagements
- Federal Bar Association - Featured Speaker on Bankruptcy, 2007, 2009, 2010
Memberships & Affiliations
Legal Affiliations:
- Ingham County Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Commercial Law League of America
Industry & Professional Associations:
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Adjunct Professor
Community Involvement:
- Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Financial Oversight Committee, Past Member
- Capital Area Humane Society, Past Chairman of the Board
- Volunteers of America, Past Chairman of the Board
- Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, Advisory Council
