TAMPA, FL – Shumaker has added Associate Elizabeth R. Brusa to its Finance, Banking, Creditors' Rights and Insolvency Service Line. She will assist clients, including banks, asset managers, insurers and other financial services firms, as their legal needs continue to evolve in a complex operating environment.
“The knowledge that Elizabeth brings to our team increases our capabilities. Her prior work at the federal Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program, where she prosecuted bankruptcy fraud and abuse, has provided her a deep understanding of the financial litigation process,” said W. Kent Ihrig, Shumaker Partner and Finance, Banking, Creditors’ Rights and Insolvency Regional Service Line Leader.
Clients seek out Elizabeth’s counsel as a detail-oriented, highly responsive, creative, and effective litigator. She zealously represents her clients’ interests in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11, and Subchapter V bankruptcy cases and related adversary proceedings. Elizabeth also represents lenders, mortgage servicers, and other financial services clients in all stages of state and federal court litigation.
Elizabeth has extensive experience representing clients in various bankruptcy matters, including drafting proofs of claim, attending Section 341 meetings, and litigating issues relating to use of cash collateral, adequate protection, lifting bankruptcy automatic stays, Section 363 sales, and plan confirmations. Additionally, Elizabeth represents clients in defending against allegations of stay, plan, and discharge injunction violations in bankruptcy and state courts.
Beyond representations in court, clients often seek Elizabeth’s advice regarding bankruptcy compliance. Elizabeth educates clients about the nuanced requirements of working with customers who file for bankruptcy. Additionally, she assists clients with revising their form correspondence, agreements, and other documents, as well as updating their policies and procedures, to ensure compliance with applicable bankruptcy laws.
Elizabeth is also skilled at enforcing judgment and arbitration awards by identifying and tracing assets to secure recoveries for her clients. She aids her clients’ recoveries by domesticating out-of-state judgments for enforcement in Florida and pursuing garnishments, charging orders, replevins, and real and personal property foreclosures. When necessary, Elizabeth also prosecutes fraudulent transfer and veil piercing actions to obtain recoveries.