Atty. James E. "Jim" Van Horn

Atty. James E. "Jim" Van Horn

James (Jim) Van Horn focuses his practice on restructuring and insolvency law. He is a trusted adviser valued by clients for his practical, results-oriented approach and creative strategies in solving complex matters within the framework of their business goals.

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Profile Summary

About James E. "Jim" Van Horn at a glance

James E. "Jim" Van Horn is a bankruptcy attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, District of Columbia Bar, Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association, and Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Bar Association. Educated at University of Pittsburgh (J.D., 2000) and University of Pittsburgh (J.D., 2000). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James (Jim) Van Horn focuses his practice on restructuring and insolvency law
  • He is a trusted adviser valued by clients for his practical, results-oriented approach and creative strategies in solving complex matters within the framework of their business goals
  • Jim is ranked as a Band 1 bankruptcy/restructuring attorney by Chambers USA and is named to The Best Lawyers in America
  • Jim has deep experience working directly with senior management, investors, creditors and other stakeholders in matters ranging from out-of-court workouts, pre-packaged and pre-arranged Chapter 11 reorganizations to cram down plans of reorganization and sales of substantially all assets
  • He is experienced in representing corporate debtors, secured creditors, asset purchasers, official committees of unsecured creditors, liquidating trustees, receivers, investors and other stakeholders, in bankruptcy courts and other courts throughout the United States
  • Chambers states that “Clients offer praise for his attention to detail and skill as a litigator,” and "Jim crafts nuanced strategies for each matter based on the surrounding circumstances and needs of his client
  • He is an outstanding advocate in court
  • Chambers also highlights that Jim “enjoys a strong reputation for his bankruptcy practice, which encompasses a wide range of insolvency law and financial restructuring work.” Jim is a recognized leader of professional bankruptcy and restructuring organizations including serving as a member of the Turnaround Management Association Global Executive Board of Trustees and as co-chair of the American Bankruptcy Institute Mid-Atlantic Bankruptcy Conference
  • He is a national speaker at industry group conferences and quoted in national publications on bankruptcy and restructuring issues
  • Jim holds an MBA in finance, is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor, and a Certified Valuation Analyst
  • Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Jim practiced with another nationwide law firm and was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business teaching corporate finance and restructuring
  • He was also a senior consultant in the Bankruptcy and Restructuring Services practice of FTI Consulting, Inc. and a senior associate in the Business Recovery Services division of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Practice Areas Explained

James E. "Jim" Van Horn's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James E. "Jim" Van Horn handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Bankruptcy & Debt

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

James E. "Jim" Van Horn is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James E. "Jim" Van Horn

Where is James E. "Jim" Van Horn's law office located?
James E. "Jim" Van Horn's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Barnes & Thornburg LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James E. "Jim" Van Horn handle?
James E. "Jim" Van Horn focuses on bankruptcy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did James E. "Jim" Van Horn go to law school?
James E. "Jim" Van Horn earned their education at (J.D., 2000); (J.D., 2000); (M.B.A., 2000).
How can I contact James E. "Jim" Van Horn for a consultation?
You can contact James E. "Jim" Van Horn directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James E. "Jim" Van Horn received?
James E. "Jim" Van Horn's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Washington, DC Super Lawyers 2020-2023; Best Lawyers in America — Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2007-2008.

Education

J.D.
University of Pittsburgh
- 2000
J.D.
University of Pittsburgh
- 2000
M.B.A.
University of Pittsburgh
- 2000
B.A.
Penn State
- 1995

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington, DC Super Lawyers 2020-2023
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2007-2008
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Maryland Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2012
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America, 2018-2026
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA, 2015-2025
- 2026

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia, District of Columbia Bar
Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association
Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Bar Association

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