Joann Sternheimer

Joann has been the firm’s Managing Partner since 2013.  Joann regularly appears in State and Federal courts throughout New York and New Jersey, representing creditors, defendants and bankruptcy trustees in chapter 11 cases, cross-border proceedings and all types of bankruptcy litigation, including fraud-based actions, claim disputes and non-dischargeability actions and has acted as a discovery master in bankruptcy court.  She represents lenders in the automotive, trucking and equipment industries in complex commercial litigation and counsels clients in commercial loan transactions and all phases of workout and debt restructuring matters.  Joann is a member of the United States District Court NDNY and the United States Bankruptcy Court NDNY mediation panels and has served as a mediator for both courts.

Joann is President Elect of the Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association and is a past president of the Capital District Women’s Bar Association. Joann is the current president (2016-2018) of The Legal Project's Board of Directors. She was nominated by the Board of Judges for the NDNY Bankruptcy Court and served on the Standing Local Rules Committee from 2012-2015.  In December 2010 and again in 2014, she was appointed by the Chief Judge of the District Court for the Northern District of New York to serve four-year terms on the Panel of Attorneys Responsible for the Investigation and Prosecution of Attorney Disciplinary Complaints.

Joann received the Capital District Women's Bar Association's 2007 Pro Bono Award and the Legal Project's 2005 Kurt Clobridge Award for her service to low-income clients.  She has been repeatedly recognized by Upstate New York Super Lawyers® (2009-2017), received an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale Hubbell®, and was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America™, a trial lawyer honorary society.  She is a frequent lecturer on topics such as cybersecurity regulations, bankruptcy litigation and distressed assets.

Joann began her career as law clerk to the Hon. William F. Tuohey, United States Bankruptcy Judge, District of New Jersey and as an associate in the bankruptcy department of a prominent New Jersey firm.

Joann was selected to the Super Lawyers® list, Litigation Counsel of America™ (LCA™) list of fellows, and rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and ®.  The Super Lawyers® list is issued by Thompson ReutersTM.  A description of the selection methodology for Super Lawyers® can be found here.  A description of the selection methodology for LCA™ can be found here.  A description of the selection methodology for Martindale-Hubbell® can be found here.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or any other court.