Atty. Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel

Atty. Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel

Steve Gruendel represents banks and other creditors in connection with workouts and bankruptcies. A certified mediator, a former entrepreneur and a workout lawyer, Steve brings a practical, solution-seeking approach to complex legal situations.

Charlotte Charlotte 28 yrs experience 28 year
Call (704) 331-1000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel at a glance

Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel is a bankruptcy attorney based in Charlotte, North Carolina, practicing at Moore & Van Allen PLLC. They have 28+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1998. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts (1998), Connecticut (1999), and North Carolina (1999). Educated at Boston College Law School (J.D., 1998) and Yale University (BA, 1994). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Serands clients in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Steve Gruendel represents banks and other creditors in connection with workouts and bankruptcies
  • A certified mediator, a former entrepreneur and a workout lawyer, Steve brings a practical, solution-seeking approach to complex legal situations
  • He’s been recognized in Chambers Partners USA as a go-to workout lawyer for the past 14 years
  • Steve is co-head of the Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring group
  • He represents banks and other creditors in workouts and bankruptcies
  • Also certified as a mediator, Steve brings a practical, problem-solving approach to workouts and recognizes that in most situations a practical and cooperative solution is better for his creditor clients than a collection action or a liquidation
  • Steve’s practice encompasses both syndicated credit facilities and bilateral loans and leases
  • With clients that are national, regional and local, his work is as likely to involve a restructure of a publicly traded defense contractor’s syndicated credit facility as it is the cooperative liquidation or winddown of a regional hog producer or franchisee’s restaurant chain
  • Workout matters regularly involve forbearance agreements, amendments, wind-downs and debt restructuring agreements
  • Chapter 11 matters regularly involve debtor-in-possession financings and cash collateral use, section 363 sales and negotiated and/or contested reorganization plans
  • Steve’s workout matters also often involve intercreditor issues with third parties, including payment subordination, lien subordination, and surety-related rights and he frequently advises clients about how to structure loans that involve particularly thorny or complex issues
  • In his free time, he coaches a high school mock trial team at Covenant Day School in Matthews, NC

Practice Areas Explained

Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel 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.

Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Charlotte are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina 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 North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Charlotte or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel

Where is Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel's law office located?
Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel's law practice is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm is Moore & Van Allen PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel handle?
Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel focuses on bankruptcy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
How long has Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel practiced law?
Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel has 28+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1998.
Where did Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel go to law school?
Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel earned their education at (J.D., 1998); (BA, 1994).
How can I contact Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel for a consultation?
You can contact Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel 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 Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel received?
Stephen E. "Steve" Gruendel's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law.

Education

J.D.
Boston College Law School
- 1998
BA
Yale University
- 1994

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts
Admitted: 1998
Connecticut
Admitted: 1999
North Carolina
Admitted: 1999

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