Member

Erika R. Barnes

615-782-2252

Erika Barnes is a member of the firm’s Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy Service Group and the Business Litigation Service Group. Erika is certified as a specialist in Business Bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification. Erika represents creditors and franchisors in bankruptcy cases nationwide. She also has experience representing creditors’ committees and Chapter 11 trustees. Erika handles real estate curative litigation and complex commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts. She frequently represents lenders in commercial foreclosures and mortgage litigation.

Recent Assignments

Assisted secured creditor with Chapter 11 bankruptcy representation and recovery on loan secured by major downtown Nashville hotel

Represented national restaurant franchisors in Chapter 11 bankruptcy of franchisee involving more than 120 franchise locations

Represented secured creditors and loan servicers in receiverships and foreclosures of apartment complexes, hotels, retail space and other commercial property

Represented the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for the Jockey’s Guild, Inc. Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Represented the liquidating trustee for the Lightyear Holdings, Inc., et al. Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Successfully litigated trial and appeal of breach of contract claim

Represented major equipment finance companies in bankruptcy and collection matters

Bar Admissions

Kentucky

Tennessee

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

Firm Leadership

Office of General Counsel, Ethics Subcommittee (2023-present)

Nashville Office Recruiting Committee, Member

Management Committee, Member (Feb. 2020-24)

Memberships

American Bar Association

Kentucky Bar Association

American Bankruptcy Institute

Nashville Bar Association

Tennessee Bar Association

,

Bankruptcy Section, Chair

Turnaround Management Association

Lawyers' Association for Women - Nashville

,

Marion Griffin Chapter

American Board of Certification

,

Board of Directors

Mid-South Commercial Law Institute

,

Director

Community Involvement

Nashville Emerging Leaders, Class of 2011

Education

J.D.,

2004

Vanderbilt University Law School

Org / Honor

Dean’s List

Carl J. Ruskowski Clinical Legal Education Award

Vanderbilt Scholastic Excellence Awards in Federal Income Tax and Regulation of Financial Institutions

Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment Law and Practice, Notes Editor

Moot Court Board

M.B.A.,

2001

Tennessee Technological University

B.S., World Cultures and Business,

2000

magna cum laude

Tennessee Technological University

B.A., Foreign Language, French,

2000

magna cum laude

Tennessee Technological University

More Than Stites & Harbison

Prior to attending law school, Ms. Barnes was a French translator for ITI Worldwide in Cookeville, Tennessee. During law school, Ms. Barnes worked as a legal intern for Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. Erika is a member of the board of directors of the American Board of Certification, an organization that certifies attorneys as specialists in business bankruptcy, consumer bankruptcy and creditors’ rights law. She is a director of the Mid-South Commercial Law Institute, current Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Bankruptcy Section and is a graduate of the 2011 Nashville Emerging Leaders Class.

Accolades

Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Preeminent® Peer Review Rated

Best Lawyers in America®, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2018-25)

Mid-South Super Lawyers® (2023-24)

Mid-South Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2012-20)

National Association of Trial Advocacy, NITA Advocate

Board Certified – Business Bankruptcy Law – American Board of Certification

Nashville Emerging Leaders, Class of 2011

Testimonials

Erika is an outstanding attorney!

Martindale-Hubbell

. . . top-notch lawyer who stands well above her peers in ability.

Martindale-Hubbell