Benjamin Payne represents both creditors and people and businesses in need of bankruptcy protection. He was one of 2.5% of Wisconsin attorneys selected in 2006, 2007, 2009-2012 as a Rising Star in the field of bankruptcy and creditors’ rights by his peers and the Super Lawyers organization, was selected in 2013-2020 as a Super Lawyer by the same organization, and was named in the 2013-2020 editions of the Best Lawyers in America in the field of bankruptcy and creditor rights .
His clients include hundreds of individuals for whom he has filed Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases, as well as banks, credit unions, suppliers, and individuals seeking payment of their claims. He also represents financially troubled businesses trying to restructure their debt, negotiate workouts, file a receivership, or file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Benjamin Payne has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and received his Juris Doctor from Marquette Law School. He is a frequent lecturer on topics related to bankruptcy law and sits on the board of directors of the Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditors’ Rights section of the Wisconsin State Bar. Attorney Payne is admitted to practice in the State of Wisconsin and to the Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin and the Northern District of Illinois. He has been admitted pro hac vice to Bankruptcy Courts around the country representing clients in preference defense cases.
Practice areas
I represent both debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies and in receiverships. I represent both individuals and businesses and I advise other attorneys on matters involving bankruptcy issues.
20 years
I represent individuals and companies in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases on both the debtor side and creditor side, including representation of the unsecured creditors' committee and equity holders committee. I litigate all issues in Chapter 11 cases.
I represent individual debtors and individual and business creditors in all issues arising in Chapter 13 cases.
I represent individual debtors and individual and business creditors in all issues arising in Chapter 7 cases.
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WI | Good Standing | 2002 | 02/22/2022 |
Legal answers | 128 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Layer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | SuperLawyers | 2021 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2021 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2020 |
Super Layer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | SuperLawyers | 2020 |
Super Lawyer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2019 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2019 |
Super Lawyer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2018 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2018 |
Best Laywers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2017 |
Super Lawyer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2017 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2016 |
Super Lawyer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2016 |
Super Lawyer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2015 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2015 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2014 |
Super Lawyer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2014 |
Best Lawyers in America - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Best Lawyers in America | 2013 |
Best Law Firm - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | US News & World Report | 2013 |
Super Lawyers - Bankrutpcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
Best Law Firm - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | US News & World Report | 2012 |
Best Law Firms - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | US News & World Report | 2011 |
Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2011 |
Best Law Firm - Hanson & Payne, LLC | US News & World Report | 2010 |
Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2010 |
Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2009 |
Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2007 |
Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2006 |
Super Lawyer - Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights | Super Lawyers Magazine | N/A |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Hanson & Payne, LLC | 2004 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association | Board Member | 2020 - Present |
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association | Bankruptcy Committee Co-Chair | 2019 - Present |
State Bar of Wisconsin - Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditors Rights Section | Board Member | 2017 - Present |
Collier Family Law and the Bankruptcy Code treatise | Editor: Special Issues Involving Community Property | 2016 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association | Fee Applications in Bankruptcy Cases | 2018 |
Wisconsin State Bar - Family Law Section | Bankruptcy Strategies in the Context of Divorce | 2017 |
Wisconsin Lawyer Magazine | Foreclosures in Limbo: Zombie Properties | 2015 |
Wisconsin State Bar | Bankruptcy Strategies in Context of Divorce | 2009 |
National Business Institute | Automatic Stay Litigation in a Nutshell | 2009 |
National Business Institute | Nuts and Bolts of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Marquette U | law | 2002 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
ABI - Central States Conference | The Small Business Owner's Chapter 13 | 2019 |
Annual Meeting - Eastern District of Wis. Bar Assoc. | Fee Applications in Bankruptcy Cases | 2018 |
Inns of Court | Bankruptcy Strategies in the Context of Divorce | 2017 |
Milwaukee Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program | Marital Property and Bankruptcy Issues | 2013 |
2012 Annual Bankruptcy Update | Initiating Involuntary Receiverships | 2012 |
Protecting the Creditor's Rights in Bankruptcy | Automatic Stay Issues and Non-Dischargeability Actions | 2011 |
Protecting the Creditor's Rights During Bankruptcy | Automatic Stay Litigation and Representing Creditors in Adversary Proceedings | 2010 |
Colleciton Law from Start to Finish | Collection Law from Start to Finish | 2010 |
Real Estate Law: Advanced Issues and Answers | Creditor and Bankruptcy Issues in Real Estate Practice | 2010 |
Nuts and Bolts of Bankruptcy Law | Automatic Stay Issues, Ethical Representation in Bankruptcy Cases, Managing the Bankruptcy Filing Process | 2010 |
Divorce Issues In Bankruptcy | Interaction of Bankrutpcy Law and Divorce Issues | 2009 |
Nuts and Bolts of Bankruptcy Law | Automatic Stay litigation / Ethics Issues in Bankruptcy Practice | 2009 |
Nuts and Bolts of Bankruptcy | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Law | 2008 |
Bankruptcy Issues in Divorce | Interaction of Bankruptcy and Divorce Law | 2007 |
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November 2, 2021
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Justin Mertz, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Sep 22, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse Attorney Payne. I have worked collaboratively with and adversely against Ben on several matters. He fights hard for his clients, is well versed in his practice, and is a respected member of our legal community.
David Perry Davis, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on May 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Astounding. I'm an attorney in New Jersey and read his answer on Avvo, which answered a BK question that was plaguing me. He additionally followed up via email. Top guy - if I need a BK attorney in Wisconsin, he'd absolutely be my top referral.
Justin Mertz, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Sep 22, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse Attorney Payne. I have worked collaboratively with and adversely against Ben on several matters. He fights hard for his clients, is well versed in his practice, and is a respected member of our legal community.
David Perry Davis, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on May 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Astounding. I'm an attorney in New Jersey and read his answer on Avvo, which answered a BK question that was plaguing me. He additionally followed up via email. Top guy - if I need a BK attorney in Wisconsin, he'd absolutely be my top referral.
David Iancu, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Feb 19, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Payne demonstrates an exceptional breadth of knowledge and expertise throughout his areas of practice. I would highly recommend Atty. Payne to anyone in need of a great lawyer.
Robert Crivello, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 12, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Attorney Payne for almost a decade now. Whenever I have a legal question concerning debtor rights, creditor rights, bankruptcy issues, commercial/business issues, and the like, he is the first and only person I ever need to call for an answer. I have had no hesitation referring my own clients, friends, and family members to him for the legal services that he provides. If you are looking for a lawyer in his practice areas, I strongly encourage viewing his firm’s website, www.hansonpayne.com, to learn more about how he can help you.