Robert J. "Jay" Wilkinson has joined Baker Donelson as of counsel in the Firm's Chattanooga office, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors' rights.
Mr. Wilkinson, whose primary practice area is bankruptcy, counsels clients in a wide range of industries, including mortgage lending, in creditors' rights and default services. In his two decades of experience, he has guided creditors and debtors through bankruptcy and restructuring both in and out of bankruptcy proceedings. Mr. Wilkinson's experience also includes handling matters filed under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code in bankruptcy courts in Georgia and Tennessee. Other areas of representation by Mr. Wilkinson include claim objections, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulations, foreclosures, proof of claim forms, and replevins.
"Robert's addition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional legal services to our clients," said Eric Pruitt, chair of Baker Donelson's Corporate Restructuring and Bankruptcy Group. "His arrival not only enhances our bankruptcy and restructuring capabilities but also expands our ability to provide comprehensive and tailored solutions to our clients. We are excited to welcome him to the team, and I look forward to the valuable contributions he will make in the years to come."
Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Mr. Wilkinson served in various capacities for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee from 2017 to 2023. Additionally, he served as an attorney in the Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee in Atlanta, Georgia, and he worked as an attorney for several Chapter 7 trustees.
Mr. Wilkinson holds both B.A. and B.S. degrees from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and he is a graduate of Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law. Licensed in both Tennessee and Georgia, he served as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Eastern District of Tennessee's U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and he is a member of the board of directors for the Mid-South Bankruptcy Conference. Mr. Wilkinson is actively involved in his community, serving on the boards of numerous organizations including Hamilton County Homeless Health Center, Stuart Heights Swim and Tennis Club, and Ronald McDonald House – Chattanooga.