Bankruptcy Attorneys Diane Vuocolo and Kevin Ray Join Ballard Spahr

Diane E. Vuocolo—who advises clients in corporate workouts, business reorganization, loan restructuring, bankruptcy, and commercial litigation matters, primarily for clients in the financial sector—and Kevin P. Ray—a bankruptcy attorney who represents secured lenders in corporate loan transactions—have joined Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department and Bankruptcy and Restructuring Group as Partner and Of Counsel, respectively, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

“Economic uncertainty means our clients need insightful counsel and committed partnership in order to reach their business goals, and with Diane and Kevin at Ballard, we are in an even better position to serve them,” Mr. Stewart said. “Diane and Kevin establish the personal relationships with clients that are a Ballard hallmark. They go beyond in every representation, and we are thrilled to have them join us.”

Ms. Vuocolo represents financial institutions, debtor-in-possession lenders, leasing entities, creditors' committees, bankruptcy trustees, debtors, majority shareholders, guarantors, examiners, secured creditors, and trade creditors. She is the former Chair of the Bankruptcy Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association and a former member of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey Lawyer Advisory Committee.

Mr. Ray represents secured lenders in commercial and corporate reorganizations, debtor-in-possession and exit financings, debt restructurings, enforcement of creditors’ rights, insolvency matters, and negotiation of standstill and forbearance agreements. Beyond his bankruptcy practice, Mr. Ray has a thriving arts and cultural heritage practice. He works with art collectors, art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions in an array of transactions, including sale and purchase arrangements, consignments, art loan agreements, questions of title, provenance, and compliance with national and international law. He advises lenders and debtors on issues unique to art, antiquities, and other cultural property in lending and commercial transactions.

Ms. Vuocolo and Mr. Ray join Ballard Spahr from Greenberg Traurig.

“With its Distressed Assets and Opportunities team, Ballard leads the industry in helping clients prepare for the economic turbulence ahead,” Ms. Vuocolo said. “They don’t follow a set mold when examining the hard questions in a representation. They are creative, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented. I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue working with Kevin and look forward to getting started.”

For media inquiries, please contact Will Ashenmacher at 612.371.5792.