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William C. Blasses

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T 313-961-0200 F 313-961-0388

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overview

Bill focuses his practice on finding pragmatic solutions to issues that may affect the viability and continued operations of a business, such as shareholder, vendor, and customer disputes, liquidity shortfalls, and debt maturity.

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Restructuring

Creditors' Rights

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Bio

Bill focuses his practice in the areas of restructuring, commercial litigation, and fraud investigation and litigation and has substantial experience representing businesses and their owners in commercial disputes, collection and receivership proceedings, state and federal litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, and appeals. 

Bill understands that every business has different needs, different revenue sources, and different cost structures. Recognizing that complex problems require comprehensive solutions, Bill tailors his approach to the needs of each client. This often means employing a combination of legal proceedings, administrative remedies, and out of court negotiations to provide a comprehensive and complete solution to existing problems. Bill has represented businesses and their owners in shareholder disputes, collection actions involving customers or vendors, commercial lease disputes, dissolutions, receiverships, asset sales, debt negotiations, loan workouts, and bankruptcy cases. Bill also has experience with issues involving tax liability, construction liens, zoning, and insurance coverage.

Bill also assists clients with matters arising from a complete breakdown of a business relationship. When a business fails, the owners, vendors, and customers are left picking up the pieces. Contracts are breached, and assets are liquidated and transferred. Lawsuits are filed against owners and vendors to recover funds paid out prior to the business’ failure. In these cases, Bill advises clients on how to limit liability and pursue outstanding claims while assets still exist to pay them. Bill also represents clients in defense of lawsuits seeking recovery of transfers made by the failed business.

Oftentimes, the failure of a business will result in allegations of misconduct against or among the business’ owners and employees. In those cases, business owners and employees can be sued for diversion of corporate assets, breach of fiduciary duties, and fraud. Bill represents clients in the investigation, prosecution, and defense of such actions on behalf of his clients.

Bill’s approach is respected throughout the legal community. He has been named to the Michigan “Rising Star” list by Super Lawyers, a division of Thomson Reuters, in bankruptcy practice from 2013-2020, was recognized as a 2018 “Top Lawyer” in commercial litigation by DBusiness Magazine, and was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly‘s “Up & Coming Lawyers” in 2017. 

Bill is an active thought leader and often presents on bankruptcy and restructuring issues.

credentials

Affiliations

  • Turnaround Management Association
  • Kiwanis Club of Warren, Former Board Member
  • Detroit Bar Association, Debtor-Creditor Rights Section
  • American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI)

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Michigan
  • Pennsylvania
  • United Stated District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Clerkship

  • Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert N. Opel, II, Bankruptcy Judge, Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education

  • Emory University School of Law, J.D.
    • Notes and Comments Editor for the Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal
  • Wayne State University, B.A.

Insights & News

November 16, 2020

22 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness 2021 Top Lawyers

A total of 22 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as DBusiness Magazine 2021 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process.  DBusiness polled more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties. 

September 24, 2020

A Less Formal Proposal

ABCs as an Alternative to a Bankruptcy Liquidation Bankruptcy and Restructuring attorney William Blasses discusses the benefits and drawbacks to an assignment for the benefit of creditors in a recent article co-authored for Detroit Lawyer.

September 18, 2020

Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Super Lawyers named 11 Kerr Russell members to the list of 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and included four Kerr Russell attorneys on the list of 2020 Michigan Rising Stars.

March 30, 2020

Bankruptcy Update - CARES Act Amends the SBRA

As the COVID-19 pandemic forces businesses to close and causes economic distress, Congress is working to address the economic effects of COVID-19. Congress’ most recent response measure is a stimulus Bill known as the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which seeks to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. The Senate and the House passed a final version of the Bill, and on Friday, March 27, President Trump signed the bill into law.

March 17, 2020

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Continuity:  A Message to Our Community, Clients and Friends

Kerr Russell is committed to its community, clients and people. As the world navigates through the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to assure you that Kerr Russell is committed to supporting our community, clients and people as effectively as we have through every other crisis our Nation has encountered over our firm’s nearly 150-year history. Our firm is fully operational: We have made sure that our lawyers and staff are able to safely and effectively serve our clients’ needs and continue operations on an uninterrupted basis. Most of our people

November 15, 2019

19 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness Top Lawyers for 2020

A total of 19 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as dBusiness Magazine 2020 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process.  dBusiness polled 19,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.

October 21, 2019

Article by Bankruptcy Attorney William Blasses Featured in ABI Committee Newsletter

The American Bankruptcy Institute, Bankruptcy Litigation Committee recently published an article by William Blasses. The article "Ignoring the Labels: Oil and Gas Gathering Agreements as Executory Contracts," can be found on the ABI website HERE. 

October 14, 2019

Bankruptcy Article by William Blasses in Corp! Magazine

William C. Blasses discusses how to identify, assess, and mitigate the risks of working with a distressed business.

September 3, 2019

15 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized on the 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers List

A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as Thomson Reuters, 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers. The award is given annually to attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

August 9, 2019

Kerr Russell Attorneys Prevail in Case Before the Michigan Court of Appeals

William C. Blasses and Daniel G. Beyer recently obtained a favorable opinion from the Michigan Court of Appeals, affirming and upholding a Macomb County Circuit Court judge’s decision. 

January 11, 2019

William C. Blasses Elevated to Member of Kerr Russell

Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that William C. Blasses has been selected to become a Member of the firm effective January 1, 2019.

October 29, 2018

Attorneys William Blasses and James DeLine Prevail at Trial on a Claim of Non-dischargeability on Behalf of a Creditor

Kerr Russell attorneys William Blasses and James DeLine prevailed at trial on a claim of non-dischargeability on behalf of a creditor who was owed over $370,000.

September 20, 2018

Kerr Russell recognizes our 2018 dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees

Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees - 21 attorneys, many for multiple practice areas.

September 11, 2018

Sneak peek of Dbusiness Magazine Top Lawyers photo shoot with Kerr Russell

A little sneak peek of today’s DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyers” photo shoot of Kerr Russell with the talented and gracious David Frechette. Thank you to Valerie Maness for her assistance.

September 7, 2018

15 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2018 Super Lawyers

Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters:

July 11, 2018

The Detroit Bar Association welcomes slate of 2018-19 officers, including Joanne Swanson, president-elect

From DBusiness: The Detroit Bar Association welcomed its slate of 2018-19 officers on June 20 at the Detroit Club during its annual meeting.

June 24, 2018

Kudos to Joanna Geha Swanson, president-elect of the Detroit Bar Association

We spy with our little eye ... Kerr Russell member Joanne Geha Swanson in the program of this year’s Detroit Bar Association Annual Meeting. Joanne, we are so proud of your leadership and everything you do for this community. Thank you to William Blasses for sending this from the event ... while it was still in progress!

February 20, 2018

Second session of 2018 Detroit Bar Association "Inn of Court" series is a capacity affair

Standing room only for the February 20th Detroit Bar Association “Inn of Court” session as Team 1 made its presentation. Kerr Russell is pleased to host the series which runs monthly through May. Associates Katherine Cser and William Blasses are participants in the program.

January 26, 2018

Download Kerr Russell's updated firm brochure and overview of services

Kerr Russell is proud of Detroit. We are proud to have had a seat at the table here since 1874. Our exceptional attorneys understand the unique challenges facing business leaders. Our legal solutions are prompt, accurate, economical, and focused around your needs in every area. We know Michigan business like the back of our hands.

January 18, 2018

Detroit Lawyer Magazine, February 2018, features William Blasses

Kerr Russell's William Blasses, associate, is named as one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Up & Coming Lawyers, Class of 2017." You can read the full magazine here. Kerr Russell was the focus of Detroit Lawyer's December 2016-January 2017 issue, which you can view here.

December 18, 2017

Kerr Russell team makes holiday donations to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, and Children's Hospital of Michigan

One of our traditions here at Kerr Russell is to hold a holiday raffle to benefit three local charities as well as to conduct a toy drive for local children. This year's raffle (many of the beautiful and festive prizes picture here) raised a record total of $3,450 which will be divided equally among three organizations: Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc., and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor.

December 7, 2017

William Blasses honored as Up & Coming Lawyer at Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2017 luncheon

William Blasses was recognized as one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Up & Coming Lawyers" at their 2017 luncheon on December 7 at the Detroit Marriott in Troy.

November 30, 2017

Merry and bright ... Kerr Russell welcomes the holiday season

It's a time to celebrate, reflect and remember. However you mark the holidays, we hope your days are filled with warmth and thankfulness, good times, and endless cheer. As another year draws to a close, we at Kerr Russell are grateful to you. You give purpose to our work and add meaning to our relationships. Your trust is a cherished gift. Enjoy these images as we get our offices ready to celebrate the holiday season. Design by Mandy Lark of Lark Interior Design.

November 30, 2017

Kerr Russell, Boulevard Investment lunch and learn

Kerr Russell hosted Royal Oak's Boulevard Investment Banking at our Detroit office for a lunch-and-learn event on Thursday, November 30. From Boulevard's website: "Boulevard is a boutique, investment banking and private investment firm focused on working with owners, operators, and businesses active in the middle market.

November 16, 2017

Culture of Connection - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in Michigan Lawyers Weekly and dbusiness

Kerr Russell introduces the second ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "A culture of connection." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We are relationship focused. We know our people and our clients are the lifeblood of our firm."

November 3, 2017

Kerr Russell launches new advertising in upcoming issues of dbusiness and Crain's Detroit

With this month's issue of dbusiness, focused on Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Kerr Russell launches its new brand advertising with "A Track Record of Results." Working with Identity Public Relations and Marketing, Kerr Russell's marketing team developed the creative to emphasize the firm's longstanding place in Detroit's legal and business history.

November 1, 2017

Kerr Russell ranked in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list nationally in 1 practice area and regionally in 17 practice areas

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for the eighth consecutive year, announce the "Best Law Firms" rankings.

October 10, 2017

Attorneys celebrate "30 in Their 30s" at dBusiness breakfast

Kerr Russell attorneys William Blasses, Jason Bank, Kate McCarroll, Ashley Racette, Broc Gullett, and Katherine Cser celebrated the DBusiness Magazine’s "30 in Their 30s" honorees and learned about The Parade Company at the dBusiness Breakfast on October 10 at the Gem/Century Theatres.

September 12, 2017

16 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2017 Super Lawyers

Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters.

August 10, 2017

A culture of giving

If you want to know how a firm can thrive for over 140 years in a city that has faced considerable challenges, walk through the door of Kerr Russell’s suite on the 25th floor of the Detroit Center and get a feel for the people.

November 1, 2016

Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2016 Super Lawyers

Kerr Russell attorneys have been named SuperLawyers for 2016, two have been named to the Michigan Top 100 and four have been named as Rising Stars.

September 20, 2016

Daniel Beyer and William Blasses successfully defend steel mill owner and operator from employee lawsuit

In September 2016, Daniel Beyer and William Blasses successfully completed the defense of a steel mill owner and operator that had been sued in the Jackson County Circuit Court by an injured employee who alleged an exception to the Michigan law that limits an employee's remedy to a Workers' Compensation action.

Representative Matters

Prevailed at trial on a claim of non-dischargeability on behalf of a creditor who was owed over $370,000. Following a four-day trial in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan the court issued a landmark 71-page opinion and judgment concluding that Kerr Russell had proven that the bankruptcy debtor made false statements under oath with actual fraudulent intent.

Represented one of the largest construction lien claimants in a receivership proceeding concerning a failed construction project valued at around $60-70 million. Following significant litigation involving the receiver, the construction lender, and the developer, including a bankruptcy case filed by the developer, the client was able to recover seventy-three (73%) of the value of their lien and obtain a release of all counterclaims that could be asserted against it.

Represented a multinational corporation in pursuing collection of a civil judgment against former employees that had misappropriated corporate assets and then declared bankruptcy to avoid repaying their former employer. Bill was able to assist the client in excluding the judgment from the former employees’ bankruptcy discharges and recovering more than $375,000.00 from the employees.

Represented a business owner and his business entities with respect to more than $1.5 million in claims for fraud, unauthorized transfers, conversion, successor liability, substantive consolidation, and shareholder oppression, asserted by a chapter 7 trustee. Following vigorous litigation, the bankruptcy court approved a settlement releasing the claims for $50,000.00.

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