Biography

Karen J. Porter has spent more than 30 years representing creditors and debtors in every aspect of bankruptcy and commercial law. She concentrates her work in the areas of bankruptcy law, bankruptcy litigation; chapter 11 reorganizations, creditor’s rights business workouts, mergers and liquidations, commercial litigation and commercial real estate transactions. Karen has represented a diverse client base of large corporations, lending institutions, collection agencies, insurance companies and small businesses. Karen was admitted to practice law in Michigan in 1982 and in Illinois in 1984. She is a member of the Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. After graduating from law school, Karen served as law clerk to United States Bankruptcy Judge Thomas James. She also served as a staff attorney for the judges of the Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of Illinois where she gained additional experience working on complex Chapter 11 cases and preparing opinions for publication in the Bankruptcy Reporter. Karen joined the law firm of Rosenthal and Schanfield in 1986 as an associate. Since leaving that firm, Karen remained in private practice representing the interests of debtors and creditors in bankruptcy and commercial law matters. Karen was recognized by the 2021 Super Lawyers Magazine in 2021, for her accomplishments in bankruptcy.

Memberships & Affiliations

• Chicago Bar Association

• Illinois Bar State Association

Education

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, class of 1979, from Kean University in Union, New Jersey, Karen studied law at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1982.

Awards & Recognition

• Recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine (2019-2024)