Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Finance Transactions

Partner - Corporate and Finance Transactions

Sharon is a notable partner in BCLP's Corporate & Finance Transactions Department and has extensive experience across a wide array of insolvency matters, including representation of creditors, individual and corporate debtors, trustees, franchisors, and creditors’ committees. As lead trial counsel in bankruptcy and commercial litigation, Sharon has etched her mark in handling fraud and Ponzi scheme litigation, contributing to published Ninth Circuit opinions. Her clients include parties engaged in banking, real estate, consumer electronics, healthcare, restaurant, garment, entertainment, and retail sales industries. Sharon's scope of work extends to out-of-court workouts and navigating the intricacies of disputed asset sales, financing, secured creditor rights, avoiding powers, executory contracts, pension plans, claims priority, plan confirmation, surcharges, and the court's inherent powers.

Acknowledged as one of Los Angeles Business Journal's "Top 100 Lawyers" in 2023, Sharon's legal acumen, community impact, and contributions to the profession shine brightly. Moreover, Sharon has been honored and recognized for professional excellence by the American College of Bankruptcy and will be inducted as a fellow in the 35th Class of the College in March 2024. She was previously recognized as one of the “Top Women Lawyers” in California by the Daily Journal in 2013 and as a notable practitioner in Chambers USA since 2012, in the California bankruptcy and restructuring practice area. She frequently speaks on panels regarding insolvency-related topics. Sharon has delivered presentations and organized countless programs and panels on substantive and procedural insolvency issues.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT & HONORS Top 100 Lawyers in Los Angeles’, Los Angeles Business Journal, 2023 Chambers USA, 2012 – 2023 Ranked in The Lawdragon 500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers, 2020-2024 The Best Lawyers in America©, 2016 – 2022 Southern California Super Lawyers, 2005 – 2022 "Restructuring Deal of the Year" winner at The Deal Awards Middle Market, 2020 Daily Journal – Top Woman Lawyer, 2013 Kathryn R. Heidt Memorial Award, ABA Section of Business Law Business Bankruptcy Committee (first recipient), 2008 Bankruptcy Law360’s “Outstanding Woman Bankruptcy Lawyer”, 2007 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Pending Induction as a Fellow into the 35th��Class of the American College of Bankruptcy ABA Business Law Section Appointed to newly formed Membership Board, 2021-2023 Business Law Section Council, 2017-2021 Business Bankruptcy Committee - Resolutions Task Force, 2023-2026; Co-Chair Kathryn R. Heidt Memorial Award Selection committee, 2013 to 2017, 2023; Co-Chair, Chapter 11 Subcommittee, 2020-2023; Secured Creditor Subcommittee, 2017-2020;  Co-Chair Programs subcommittee, 2007- 2013; Vice Chair, Executory Contracts subcommittee, 2004-2007; Co-Chair, Membership subcommittee, 2002-2004; Vice Chair, Litigation subcommittee, 2001-2002 Bankruptcy Court Structures and Insolvency Process Committee – Former Chair, 2014-2017 Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee – Content Director, 2011-present; Secretary, 2011-2013; Co-Chair, Women’s Business Law Network subcommittee, 2008-2011; Chair, Law Student and Young Lawyer Involvement subcommittee, 2005-2008. International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation, Member Turnaround Management Association, Member Restructuring and Insolvency Professionals of Southern California, Co-Founder Appointed to the Bankruptcy Mediation Program Panel for the United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, 2006-present Appointed an Attorney Settlement Officer for the United States District Court, Central of California, 2007-2021 Chapter 11 Rules Taskforce for the US Bankruptcy Court - Central District of California, 2020-2023 California Bankruptcy Forum President, 2012-2013; Conference Co-Chair, 2008-2009, 2017-2018; Program Book Co-Chair, 2006-2007. Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum Board of Directors, 2010-2013 American Bankruptcy Institute Healthcare Subcommittee; Membership Chair, 2013-2016; Listserv Facilitator, 2010-2013 National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges Education Committee Member, 2017 BCLP Women's Affinity Group Board Member, US BCLP Woman’s Affinity Group, 2021 to present Santa Monica Office Liaison, 2018-2021 CARE LA Volunteer