Douglas G. Leney

Partner

Overview

Douglas G. Leney is a partner in our litigation department, concentrating his practice in matters involving bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, and debtor/creditor rights. Doug is a trusted advisor capable of delivering creative solutions for debtors, trustees, creditors’ committees, unsecured creditors, and secured creditors in Chapter 11 reorganization and liquidation cases, Chapter 7 cases, and related adversary proceedings, including avoidance actions involving claims of preferences and fraudulent transfers, as well as complex proceedings involving breaches of fiduciary duties by former officers and directors. Doug also represents various parties in non-bankruptcy state and federal court matters, ranging from commercial disputes and foreclosures to cases arising under various statutory regimes, including the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). He has significant experience in representing banks, private lenders, and asset-based lenders in connection with loan inception and closing, as well as workouts and forbearance, inter-creditor arrangements, and related litigation. In conjunction with Archer’s Corporate Department, Doug issues legal opinions related to commercial lending transactions, including non-consolidation and “true sale” opinions.

Doug has been recognized for his representation of various constituencies in bankruptcy cases arising under Chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code, which was enacted by Congress to facilitate cross-border insolvency proceedings. His unique experience includes, among other international engagements, acting as counsel to the Liquidating Plan Trustee in a Chapter 15 transfer pricing trial and successfully defeating a $12 million tax claim. More recently, Doug was counsel to the foreign representative and obtained recognition in the first Chapter 15 case involving a debtor from mainland China, and also served as counsel to the foreign representatives in prevailing in contested recognition proceedings involving what is believed to be the first Chapter 15 case to consider such issues in the context of a Hong Kong voluntary liquidation.

Representative Experience

Counsel to major real estate developer in successfully obtaining dismissal of corporate equity holder’s Chapter 11 proceedings in case involving issues of first impression within New Jersey bankruptcy courts, resulting in published decision (In re 3P Hightstown, LLC, 631 B.R. 205 (Bankr. D.N.J. 2021)).
Counsel to foreign representatives of major Hong Kong toy manufacturer in contested recognition proceedings in Chapter 15 case of In re Manley Toys, Ltd.
Counsel to foreign representative and financial administrator of Larisa Ivanovna Markus in contested Chapter 15 proceedings involving claims of embezzlement/defalcation of nearly $2 billion.

Credentials

Education

Rutgers University School of Law, JD
Clemson University, MBA
Clemson University, BS, cum laude

Admissions

New Jersey
Pennsylvania

Offices

Areas of Focus

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Practice

News & Insights

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08.25.2025

Speaking Engagements & Seminars

Litigation in Bankruptcy Cases

Archer partner Douglas Leney will be presenting the program “Litigation in Bankruptcy Cases” at the National Business Institute’s seminar “Tackling Complex Bankruptcy Cases: Secured Debt, Complex Assets, and More.” This seminar addresses the challenges practitioners face when handling complex bankruptcy cases....

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David Edelstein and Douglas Leney Receive Equal Justice Medal from Legal Services of New Jersey

04.25.2025

Press Releases

David Edelstein and Douglas Leney Receive Equal Justice Medal from Legal Services of New Jersey

Archer proudly announces that partners David F. Edelstein and Douglas G. Leney have been selected to receive the Equal Justice Medal from Legal Services of New Jersey and the New Jersey Legal Services system. Their recognition as a Major Contributor of Pro Bono Services honors their outstanding commitment to pro bono service and their unwavering support to clients of Legal Services. Specifically, David is being recognized for his service to clients referred by Northeast New Jersey Legal Services and Douglas is being recognized for his service to clients referred by South Jersey Legal Services....

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Recent Court Decision Highlights That Not All ‘Golden Shares’ Are Created Equal

08.16.2021

Client Advisories

Recent Court Decision Highlights That Not All ‘Golden Shares’ Are Created Equal

All too often in business-partner disputes, one partner threatens to place the company into bankruptcy without the consent of the other partners. Does such a threat really have any “teeth?” A recent decision from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey provides some guidance. The Court dismissed a chapter 11 debtor’s bankruptcy case because, under the term of the company’s operating agreement, the debtor lacked the requisite corporate authority to file bankruptcy. The case provides an interesting look into the way courts view so-called “golden share” provisions, which give certain creditors the power to block a company from filing for bankruptcy....

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