Amelia M. Adams
Member , Lexington KY
A commercial attorney with experience in a variety of industries, Amelia advises businesses as they navigate financial and operational concerns. She works alongside clients to understand the intricacies of their day-to-day, ensure they have the legal tools required to guide their organizations and develop creative options for addressing obstacles. As a Member, she practices in Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Lexington office with the Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring and Business Litigation practice groups and contributes to several other groups.
Amelia brings a strong professional background to any engagement. Prior to joining Stoll Keenon Ogden, Amelia engaged in private law practice with a boutique firm focused on bankruptcy, debtor/creditor relations, and civil litigation, and she served as Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Tracey N. Wise, Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. She was also a vice president and senior trust officer at a large regional bank, where she worked with estate and trust planning, investments, and banking administration.
Amelia devotes significant time to serving non-profit organizations, both inside and outside the legal profession, and has years of involvement with board governance, charitable giving, and event management. She serves on the Kentucky Bar Association Board of Governors and is a Past President of the Fayette County Bar Association and the Junior League of Lexington. She also previously served as Executive Director of the Kentucky Bar Foundation and IOLTA Fund, which is the statewide charitable arm of the Kentucky Bar Association. Combined with her other professional endeavors and undergraduate studies in accounting, that service has equipped Amelia to provide valuable advice to both for-profit and non-profit entities.
For her many accomplishments, Amelia has earned a Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished℠ Peer-Review Rating and a Kentucky SuperLawyers® Rising Star designation, and she was named Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Fayette County Bar Association, among other distinctions.
Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring: Amelia offers skilled guidance in insolvency situations. She counsels clients in reorganizations, liquidations, and out-of-court workouts, including debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy cases. Her clients have included banks, credit unions, other lenders, physicians, marinas, hemp companies, trucking companies, manufacturers, coal operators, cattle stockyards, commercial landlords, a gas jobber and convenience store operator, a clothing retailer, and a specialty shipping company.
Business Litigation: Amelia advises clients regarding complex civil disputes and has represented parties in bankruptcy-related adversary proceedings and state and federal court litigation. Although she is prepared to litigate matters to a conclusion where doing so is advisable, Amelia understands that each client and matter involves unique considerations that could make employing alternative dispute resolution strategies more appropriate than continuing litigation, and she uses her training as a mediator to achieve negotiated resolutions. She works with a team of trial attorneys at SKO that have earned the Firm recognition by Benchmark Litigation as a leading litigation firm in Kentucky.
Business Services: Utilizing her background in accounting and financial restructuring, Amelia assists business clients with addressing operational concerns. She reviews commercial contracts and leases, analyzes opportunities for clients to strengthen their positions, and negotiates resolutions when contractual disputes arise. She also offers insight regarding board governance and best practices, effective internal and external corporate messaging, and non-profit administration.
Education
University of Kentucky College of Law, 2009, J.D.
Transylvania University, 2006, B.A. in Accounting, cum laude
Experience
Admitted In
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Kentucky
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
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U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Kentucky
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Pro Hac Vice: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana
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Pro Hac Vice: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Tennessee
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Pro Hac Vice: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Ohio
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Pro Hac Vice: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware
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Pro Hac Vice: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
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Pro Hac Vice: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Professional & Community Activities
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- Kentucky Bar Association, Fifth District Bar Governor (2020-present), Convention Co-Chair (2021), Convention Committee (2021-23)
- Hearing & Speech Center, Board of Directors (2022-present) and Facilities Chair (2023)
- Shriners Children’s Lexington Hospital, Corporate Council Representative & Gala Committee Member (2022-present)
- Transylvania University Alumni Board, Member (2022-present)
Lexington History Museum, Board of Trustees (2020-present) and Treasurer (2022-present) - Central Kentucky American Inn of Court, Barrister (2017-present)
The Bencher Magazine (published by the American Inns of Court), Editorial Board (2022-present) - Fayette County Bar Association, President (2019-20) and Member (2009-present)
- Fayette County Bar Association Pro Bono Program, Board of Directors (2019-present)
- Fayette County Women Lawyers’ Association, President (2013) and Member (2009-present)
- Fayette County Bar Foundation, Board of Directors (2019-2021)
- Kentucky Bar Foundation, Life Fellow (2020)
- American Bankruptcy Institute, Member (2009-present)
- American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division Liaison to ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono & Public Service (2016-18)
- Junior League of Lexington, President (2014) and Member (2007-present)
- Second Presbyterian Church, Outreach & Involvement and Backpack Buddies (2019-21)
- Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) Program, Financial Literacy Instructor (2008-19)
- American Cancer Society, Belles & Beaus Gala Committee (2015)
- Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, Antiques & Garden Show and deTours Committees (2007-12)
- Leadership Lexington, Graduate (2011)
Accolades
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- The Best Lawyers in America®, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2016 – present
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2024
- Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished℠ Peer Review Rating, 2013 – 2023
- Kentucky Super Lawyer Rising Star® Honoree, 2021 – 2023
- Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Transylvania University, 2016
- Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, Fayette County Bar Association, 2014
- Rising Star Award, Lexington Young Professionals Association, 2014
- Susan R. Anderson Award for service to the Bodley-Bullock House, Junior League of Lexington, 2014
- Leadership Lexington, Class of 2011 – 2012
- Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award, Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, 2011
Seminars
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- Bankruptcy Basics for New Practitioners, Kentucky Bar Association New Lawyers Program, 2023
- A Conversation with Monica Lewinsky: The Price of Shame, Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, Interviewer, 2022
- Serving the Bluegrass: Strategies for Operating a Healthy Kentucky Nonprofit Organization, Greater Lexington Paralegals Association, Presenter, 2021
- Bankruptcy Basics: Spotting Common Landmines and Mitigating Preferential Payments, ALFA International, Panelist, 2021
- A Glimpse into Representing a Professional Sports Franchise, Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, Moderator, 2021
- Overcoming Perfectionism in the Legal Profession, Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, Moderator, 2021
- Health & Wellness for Kentucky Lawyers, Kentucky Bar Association, CLE, Presenter, 2021
- Overcoming Perfectionism in the Legal Profession, Kentucky Bar Association, Moderator, 2021
- Anatomy of a Bankruptcy Case: Practical Considerations for In-House Counsel, “SKO U” CLE, Presenter, 2021
- Fiduciary Duties, Financial Stewardship, & Leadership, Junior League of Lexington Board Orientation, 2020
- Women, Law & Leadership, Fayette County Women Lawyers’ Association, 2019
- But I Need To Get It In, Judge! Evidentiary Issues in Bankruptcy, 19th Biennial Judge Joe Lee Bankruptcy Institute, UK/CLE, 2019
- Introduction to the Kentucky Bar Foundation and Kentucky IOLTA Fund, Kentucky Bar Association New Lawyers Program, 2016
- Introduction to the Kentucky Bar Foundation, Kentucky Law Updates, 2015
- Collection Law from Start to Finish: Pre-bankruptcy Workout Strategies, National Business Institute Seminar, 2014
- Landlords and Tenants in Bankruptcy, Sterling Education Law Seminar, 2012
- Landlord-Tenant Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Sterling Education Law Seminars, 2010 and 2011
Work Highlights
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Creditor Representation in Business Bankruptcy
- In re Charles Deweese Construction, Inc. (Bankr. W.D. Ky. 2022): Represents secured creditor and equipment lessor in chapter 11 bankruptcy case of paving company
- In re Cineworld Group plc, et al. (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2022): Represents commercial landlord in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of movie theater entities
- In re Penta State, LLC, et al. (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2022): Represents secured creditor in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of medical laboratory companies
- In re BHCosmetics Holdings, LLC, et al. (Bankr. D. Del. 2022): Represented principal secured creditor in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of cosmetics companies, including in 11 U.S.C. § 363 sales and structured dismissal
- In re White Stallion Energy, LLC, et al. (Bankr. D. Del. 2020): Represents equipment lessor and secured creditor in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of coal mining companies
- In re Murray Metallurgical Coal Holdings, LLC, et al. (Bankr S.D. Ohio 2020): Represented mechanic’s lienholder in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of coal mining entities and related adversary proceeding
- In re Hopedale Mining, LLC, et al. (Bankr. S.D. Ohio 2020): Represented secured creditor and equipment lessor in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of coal mining companies
- In re Exide Holdings, Inc., et al. (Bankr. D. Del. 2020): Represented supplier and preference defendant in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of battery manufacturer and related adversary proceeding
- In re OGGUSA, Inc. (f/k/a GenCanna Global USA, Inc.), et al. (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2020): Represented contract counterparty and administrative claimant in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of agriculture company primarily engaged in hemp production
- In re Shiloh Industries, Inc., et al. (Bankr. D. Del. 2020): Represented equipment lessor in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of motor vehicle component manufacturers, including in 11 U.S.C. § 363 sale and related lease assumption process
- In re BJ Services, LLC, et al. (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2020): Represented trade creditor and member of Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of hydraulic fracturing and cementing providers
- In re Americore Holdings, LLC, et al. (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2020): Represented principal secured creditor in multi-hospital chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, including in 11 U.S.C. § 363 sale
- In re Eastern Livestock Co., LLC, et al. (Bankr. S.D. Ind. 2014): Represented multiple livestock markets as creditors in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, as defendants in adversary proceedings alleging preferential and fraudulent transfers, and as plaintiffs in related state and federal court civil litigation against secured creditor
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Mechanic’s Lien Litigation
Murray Metallurgical Holdings, LLC, et al. v. AHR Metals, Inc., et al. (Bankr S.D. Ohio 2021): Achieved negotiated resolution for mechanic’s lienholder in adversary proceeding regarding nature, extent, and priority of lien asserted in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of coal mining entities
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Business Contract Analysis
Completed comprehensive review and revision of purchase and supply agreements for large automotive parts manufacturing company client to provide increased protections and bargaining power
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Business Contract and Tort Litigation
OGGUSA, Inc. (f/k/a GenCanna Global USA, Inc.), et al. v. Southern Tier Hemp, LLC (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2021): Part of SKO team that achieved negotiated resolution for corporate defendant in multi-million-dollar business tort and contract action involving complex questions about jurisdictional limits
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Corporate Communication Development
Crafted internal messaging for large manufacturing client, including emails, presentations, and documentation, and revised internal policies and procedures to incorporate related changes to employee benefits program
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Debtor Representation in Business Bankruptcy
- In re Nurses’ Registry & Home Health Corp. and Nurses’ Registry & Home Health Corp. v. Burwell (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2015): Represented debtor-in-possession home health provider in chapter 11 bankruptcy case and related adversary proceeding concerning use of cash collateral
- In re Licking River Mining, LLC, et al. (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2015): Represented debtors in possession in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of coal mining companies
- In re “Marina” (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2014): Represented debtors in possession in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of marina, restaurant, and lodging operator
- In re “Real Estate Company I” (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 2013) and In re “Real Estate Company II” (Bankr. W.D. Ky. 2013): Represented debtors in possession in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of commercial real estate entities, including during contested evidentiary confirmation hearings
- In re “Trucking Company” (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2013): Represented debtor in possession in chapter 11 bankruptcy case of trucking company
- In re Lykins Enterprises, Inc., et al. (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2011): Represented debtors in possession in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of fuel jobber and convenience store operator, including as plaintiffs in adversary proceeding concerning leases under 11 U.S.C. § 365
- In re Treasure Isles, Inc. (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2012): Represented debtors in possession in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of restaurant operators
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Preferential and Fraudulent Transfer Litigation
- In re Exide Holdings, Inc., et al. (Bankr. D. Del. 2021): Represented supplier and preference defendant in adversary proceeding related to chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of battery manufacturer
- In re Eastern Livestock Co., LLC, et al. (Bankr. S.D. Ind. 2014): Represented multiple livestock markets as defendants in adversary proceedings involving preferential and fraudulent transfer claims
- In re Appalachian Fuels, LLC, et al. (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2011): Represented Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases of coal mining entities and as plaintiff in multiple adversary proceedings involving preferential and fraudulent transfer claims
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Summary Judgment in Avoidance Action Litigation
Higgason v. Porter (In re New) (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2013): Obtained summary judgment that chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee could not avoid an unrecorded land sale contract between non-debtor sellers and debtor purchasers
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Summary Judgment in Debt Dischargeability Litigation
Dickinson v. Fister (Bankr. E.D. Ky. 2010): Obtained summary judgment on behalf of creditor that debtor’s debt to creditor was not dischargeable under the United States Bankruptcy Code
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Representation of Potential Purchaser in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Represented potential purchaser in proposing competing plan of reorganization in chapter 11 bankruptcy case of hospitals in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana
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