James A. Coutinho

I am an attorney who assists businesses and individuals in in the area of financial insolvency and litigation. My clients need a professional that not only knowledgeable and technically savvy, but one that has a heart of a teacher, is patient, and understands the implications of their situation and the stress that they are under. I am that attorney.I strive to provide a personal service to my clients that will lead not only to their satisfaction, but also to my own: that I have done my absolute best to deliver excellent results for my clients in accordance with their goals and objectives. I present my clients with options, educate them about their potential paths, and, without pressure, help them choose the right course. During the process, I treat them how I would want to be treated my first and only time through a financial or legal struggle. At the end, the great joy of my career is to see the changed countenance of my clients. The stress is gone, and they are free to live again.In more advanced cases, I have the technical skill and knowledge to proceed through litigation in state and federal court. My presentation skills are superb; I have a knack for making complex issues easy to understand. I am detail-oriented and a quick learner. In my experience with Chapter 11 bankruptcies, receiverships, and general litigation, I have met both my clients legal goals and professional expectations on numerous occasions.I am driven to excellence. I will not settle for mediocre, nor leave on the table an opportunity to push the limits of what can be done. I am personable, kind and resourceful. I take the initiative to meet challenges head-on and will always strive to be my absolute best. My family and my clients deserve no less.In 2017, I was named to be a member of the independent panel of chapter 7 trustees for the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division. I am one of the youngest trustees to be appointed locally. As trustee, chapter 7 bankruptcy cases in Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding counties are assigned to me and I work to liquidate assets that may be present in those cases. It is a high honor to be able to serve in this capacity. In addition, in 2020, I was chosen as one of three individuals to serve as a Chapter 11, Subchapter V trustee in cases filed under that new subchapter of the bankruptcy code.