Erika R. Barnes
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.
Reining in the Woo-Girls: Navigating short-term rentals
Hot Topics in Real Estate 2022, Tennessee Bar Association and Tennessee Land Title Association, November 4, 2022
Collecting a Judgment
Webinar, July 8, 2020
Asset Recovery Orders/Replevin Overview & Local Rules
Webinar, June 30, 2020
Proofs of Claim and Adequate Protection
Webinar, June 19, 2020
Hot Bankruptcy Decisions of 2019
Webinar, June 10, 2020
Tarnished Arches: A Survey of Franchise Bankruptcy Issues
Nashville Bar Association CLE, April 10, 2017
Bootcamp: Foreclosure and Loan Workout Procedures
The Law and Practice of Foreclosure
What to do When a Construction Project Goes Bad
Bank Garnishments - Do Your Duty!
In-Depth Title Insurance Principles
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
Office of General Counsel, Ethics Subcommittee (2023-present)
Nashville Office Recruiting Committee, Member
Management Committee, Member (Feb. 2020-24)
Nashville Emerging Leaders, Class of 2011
Vanderbilt University Law School
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Dean's List
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Carl J. Ruskowski Clinical Legal Education Award
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Vanderbilt Scholastic Excellence Awards in Federal Income Tax and Regulation of Financial Institutions
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Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment Law and Practice, Notes Editor
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Moot Court Board
Tennessee Technological University
magna cum laude
Tennessee Technological University
magna cum laude
Tennessee Technological University
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.
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
Erika is an outstanding attorney!
. . . top-notch lawyer who stands well above her peers in ability.
Ten Stites & Harbison Attorneys Honored by 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers
The 2024 edition of Mid-South Super Lawyers recently honored 10 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys. Seven attorneys were named to the Super Lawyers list and three were named to the Rising Stars list.
Ten Stites & Harbison Attorneys Honored by 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The 2023 edition of Mid-South Super Lawyers recently honored 10 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys. Seven attorneys were named to the Super Lawyers list and three were named to the Rising Stars list.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2024 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 101 of its lawyers are included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2023 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 98 of its lawyers are included in the 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Additionally, 11 Stites & Harbison attorneys are named as “Lawyer of the Year” and 19 attorneys are recognized in “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” which recognizes attorneys early in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 93 lawyers are included in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Additionally, 11 attorneys are named as “Lawyer of the Year” and 14 attorneys are recognized in “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” which recognizes attorneys early in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.
Amendments to the Bankruptcy Code Impact Lessors Post COVID-19
With available vaccines and lifted restrictions, restaurant capacities have increased, moratoriums are ending, and handshakes abound. This return to normalcy comes along with the need to address the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and legislation enacted in response. For example, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s amendments to the Bankruptcy Code will have an impact through at least December 2022.
Ten Stites & Harbison Attorneys Honored by 2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The 2020 edition of Mid-South Super Lawyers recently honored 10 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2021 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 82 lawyers are included in the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.