James R. Irving concentrates his practice in bankruptcy matters and creditors’ rights. Mr. Irving has represented parties in interest in various aspects of bankruptcy proceedings, including debtors, trustees, secured lenders, unsecured creditors, creditors committees and third parties purchasing of assets out of bankruptcy.

Mr. Irving has experience in both the chapter 7 and chapter 11 bankruptcy process including first-day motions, cash collateral and DIP financing agreements, professional employment and compensation disputes, lift stay and stay violation motions, motions to approve section 363 sales and sales procedures, objections to claims, preference and fraudulent transfer actions, challenges to discharge and dischargeability, litigation over plan confirmation and motions to dismiss or convert chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Mr. Irving has also represented creditors and debtors in foreclosure proceedings, litigation over guaranty agreements and in assignments for the benefit of creditors.

In addition to his experience in bankruptcy matters and creditors' rights, Mr. Irving has a broad range of experience in commercial litigation in state courts, federal courts and before the American Arbitration Association.

Mr. Irving has a deep commitment to his pro bono work and in 2009 was awarded one of DLA Piper's Pro Bono Awards. In 2008, Mr. Irving traveled to Ethiopia, where he co-taught a course on US and Ethiopian bankruptcy law at Addis Ababa University Law School – part of a pro bono project launched by New Perimeter, DLA Piper's nonprofit affiliate dedicated to addressing issues of global significance. Mr. Irving is particularly passionate about juvenile justice. He has represented juveniles in criminal matters, with a focus on expunging juvenile records. Mr. Irving is a recognized authority on juvenile expungements; he has taught CLEs, edited a chapter on the collateral consequences of juvenile arrests for publication by the American Bar Association, been quoted in local media and has testified before the Illinois General Assembly.