James A. Coutinho, Esq.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 228-6345
Fax: (614) 228-6369
E-mail: jac@columbuslawyer.net
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Jim Coutinho, Esq.
Having joined the law firm in early 2008, Jim Coutinho was brought on primarily to work with the firm's bankruptcy and personal insolvency practice. Attorney Coutinho offers personal service to his bankruptcy clients, always taking the time to discuss their case and answer any questions. He understands that for bankruptcy filers, this is generally their first and hopefully last time through the process. It can be overwhelming; Jim serves his clients best by walking them carefully through the process.
Attorney Coutinho also understands that bankruptcy is, and always should be, a measure of last resort. To that end, Jim has substantial experience in settling debts with creditors outside of bankruptcy. Whether it be a credit card company or the taxing authorities, Jim will work to lower debt obligations so that bankruptcy is not needed.
Aside from Chapter 7 filings and personal insolvency, Jim also assists with and represents clients in other bankruptcy and insolvency-related cases. He has experience defending against preference litigation, filing claims, fighting the dischargeability of debts, and helping creditors collect on unpaid funds. Attorney Coutinho has experience in loan work-outs, working with bank loss mitigation departments to help clients achieve personal and commercial loan modifications, short sale approval, or forbearance agreements. Having been on both sides of lawsuits, representing both debtors and creditors, has given Jim a well-rounded perspective of his field.
Attorney Coutinho also assists with the administration of Chapter 7 cases and prosecuting of adversary proceedings from the Chapter 7 Trustee practice of Attorney Myron Terlecky. This additional experience has been crucial too Jim's development of his bankruptcy practice as it allows for an opposing view of the typical Chapter 7 scenarios.
A Hilliard, Ohio, resident, Jim is active with his Church and the local community. He is active in the alumni association for his Fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. Jim is also involved in education of the Bar concerning developments in the bankruptcy area, through his appearances as lecturer to Bar Association groups. He is currently a member of the Columbus Bar Assocition Bankruptcy Law Institute Planning Committee, the group charged with executing an annual two-day bankruptcy seminar for Columbus practitioners.
Practice Areas:
- Bankruptcy
- Business Formation
- Business Planning and Reorganization
- Civil Litigation
- Creditor Representation
- Out of Court workouts
- Personal Insolvency
- Receiverships and Business Insolvency
Court Admissions:
2007, Ohio2007, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
2008, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Law School:
Capital University Law SchoolJuris Doctor, 2007
College:
The Ohio State UniversityB.A. Economics, 2004
Member:
American Bar AssociationOhio State Bar Association
Columbus Bar Association
Ohio State Alumni Association
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
Alpha Rho Alumni Association
Buckeye Alumni Housing Corporation, President
Eagle Scout and Assistant Scout Master, Boy Scouts of America
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- John W. Hoppers
- Paul W. Leithart
- Timothy J. McGrath
- Myron N. Terlecky
- Kenneth R. Goldberg
- Nelson E. Genshaft
- Joel R. Campbell
- Aaron C. Firstenberger
- Kristie A. Campbell
- Nicholas W. Reeves