Ashland J. Bernard
Ashland’s recent experience includes representing Del Monte Foods Corporation II Inc., a leading U.S. producer and distributor of branded food products, in its Chapter 11 proceedings, including a comprehensive Section 363 sale process and the confirmation of its Chapter 11 plan. She also represented an ad hoc group of first lien lenders and preferred equity holders of a global communications technology company in connection with a $1.8 billion recapitalization and liability management transaction. In addition, Ashland was part of the team advising an ad hoc group of noteholders in connection with Sycamore Partners’ take-private acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance.
Prior to joining the firm, Ashland served as a law clerk for the Hon. Nancy Hershey Lord of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York. While in law school, she interned for Chief Judge Carla E. Craig, formerly of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, and with the Special Litigation and Appeals Division of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Experience & capabilities
Selected matters
- Creditor Representations
Syniverse Corporation – Represented an ad hoc group of financial institutions holding a majority of first lien indebtedness and preferred equity interests of Syniverse, a global mobile telecom solutions and logistics company, in connection with a $1.8 billion recapitalization and liability management transaction.
Walgreens – Advised an ad hoc group of noteholders in connection with Sycamore’s take-private transaction of Walgreens Boots Alliance.
Represented the administrative agent and lender in the restructuring of multiple warehouse facilities secured by residential solar assets and related matters arising from the subsequent Chapter 11 filings of the borrower, a residential solar energy company.
Diamond Sports Group – Represented an ad hoc group of first lien lenders in connection with the Chapter 11 restructuring of Diamond Sports Group, a leading operator of regional sports networks holding broadcasting rights for numerous MLB, NBA, and NHL teams. The company emerged from Chapter 11 in January 2025 as Main Street Sports Group (d/b/a FanDuel Sports Network).
Enviva Inc. – Represented the indenture trustee for $350 million of tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds issued as part of a public-private partnership, including in its capacity as a member of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, in the Chapter 11 cases of Enviva Inc., a leading global producer of sustainable wood pellets.
Curo Group Holdings – Represented the lender and administrative agent in Chapter 11 restructuring of Curo and its affiliates, a leading consumer credit lender valued at $1.7 billion.
Build America Bonds – Assisted in the representation of an ad hoc group of holders of Build America Bonds issued by the Regents of the University of California in connection with the issuer’s proposed redemption of approximately $1 billion of outstanding bonds.
- Company and Debtor Representations
Del Monte Foods Corporation II Inc. – Representing Del Monte Foods, a leading U.S. producer, distributor, and marketer of branded food products, in its Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, which involved a comprehensive Section 363 sale process culminating in the sale of substantially all of its operating businesses and confirmation of its Chapter 11 plan.
Advised a privately owned large retail operator of international franchised quick service and casual dining restaurants in its out-of-court restructuring.
Representation of a privately owned global consumer products manufacturing company in its out-of-court financing transactions and related matters.
Background
Education
- J.D., St. John’s University School of Law, 2020
- Managing Editor, New York International Law Review (2019 – 2020)
- Dean’s Award for Excellence in Executory Contracts in Business Bankruptcy
- Student Fellow, Center for International and Comparative Law
- Public Service Fellow, Catalyst Justice
- Teaching Fellow, Transnational Legal Practice, Professor Margaret E. McGuinness (Fall 2019)
- Research Assistant, Professor Margaret E. McGuinness (July 2018 – May 2019)
- B.A., History, Willamette University, 2015
Bar Admissions
Clerkships
- Hon. Nancy Hershey Lord,
U.S.B.C., Eastern District of New York, 2020 - 2022
Court Admissions
- U.S.D.C., Southern District of New York
Professional Affiliations
- Voting Member, Committee on Bankruptcy and Corporate Reorganization for the New York City Bar Association
Languages
- Spanish
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