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Robert J. "Jay" Wilkinson

Of Counsel

Jay Wilkinson, of counsel in Baker Donelson's Chattanooga office, has more than 20 years of bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors' rights experience.

Professional Biography


Jay Wilkinson's primary area of practice is consumer bankruptcy. He has two decades of experience guiding creditors and debtors through bankruptcy and restructuring both in and out of bankruptcy proceedings. His experience includes handling matters filed under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code in all bankruptcy courts in Georgia and Tennessee.

Mr. Wilkinson counsels clients in a broad range of industries including automotive and mortgage lending in creditors' rights and default services.

Other examples of his representation include:

  • Claim objections
  • Complaints to determine dischargeability
  • Confirmation objections
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulations
  • Dispossessory actions
  • Foreclosures
  • Preference actions
  • Proof of Claim forms
  • Relief from Stay
  • Replevins

Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Mr. Wilkinson served on the Chapter 7 Trustee Panel and Chapter 11 Subchapter V Trustee Panel for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee from 2017 to 2023. He also served as an attorney in the Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee in Atlanta, Georgia, and worked as an attorney for several Chapter 7 trustees.

Mr. Wilkinson is a Chattanooga native and enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2025)
  • Chapter 7 Panel Trustee, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
  • Appointee – Sub Chapter V Chapter 11 Panel Trustees, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Tennessee (one of three)
  • Member – Stretto Trustee Client Council
  • Board of Directors Member – Mid-South Bankruptcy Conference
  • Barrister Member – Justices Ray L. Brock, Jr. Robert E. Cooper American Inn of Court
  • Board of Directors Member – Ronald McDonald House - Chattanooga
  • Board of Directors Member – Hamilton County Homeless Health Center
  • Board of Directors Member – Stuart Heights Swim and Tennis Club
  • Board of Directors Member – Fire Pink Trail Homeowners Association
  • Member – Chattanooga Civitan Club
  • Member – St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Industries

Education

  • Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, J.D., 1989
  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, B.A. and B.S., 1985

Admissions

  • Tennessee, 1991
  • Georgia, 1989

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