Wes’s practice includes restructuring, corporate governance, real estate transactions, and business litigation, specifically emphasizing distressed debt restructurings and commercial bankruptcy proceedings. Wes has successfully represented real estate developers, contractors, hotels, medical and professional service companies, banks, loan servicers, equity groups, and other commercial entities in workout negotiations, business disputes, bankruptcy and receivership proceedings, real estate transactions, and as outside general counsel. In every representation, Wes strives to integrate with his client’s management team and provide aggressive, creative, and actionable legal counsel intended to realize each client’s objectives while minimizing delay and expense.
Wesley Ray devotes his practice to the resolution of complex business and financial problems encountered by clients ranging from sole proprietorships to publicly traded companies.
Education
- J.D., magna cum laude, James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona: Business Editor, Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law; The Hon. William D. Browning Award for Excellence in Constitutional Law (2008)
- International Commercial Law Program, University of Cambridge-England (2006)
- B.A., summa cum laude, Information Systems Management, Arizona State University (2005)
Bar & Court Admissions
- Arizona
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona
Honors & Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America®: “Lawyer of the Year” (Scottsdale), Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2018 and 2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America®: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2016 – 2025); Bankruptcy Litigation (2022 – 2025); Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2023 – 2025)
- Super Lawyers: Bankruptcy (2021); Rising Stars (2012 – 2020)
- AZ Business Magazine Top Lawyers: Up-and-Comer (2014)
Professional & Industry Memberships
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- Arizona Bankruptcy American Inn of Court (2011 – 2014)
- American Bar Association: Young Lawyers Division
- State Bar of Arizona: Bankruptcy Section
- Maricopa County Bar Association: Bankruptcy Section
- Community Legal Services: Volunteer Lawyers Program
- Phoenix School of Law: Former Adjunct Professor, Creditor/Debtor Rights
Community Leadership
- Cactus Horizon Little League: Board of Directors; Executive Committee; Treasurer
- Spectrum Business Leadership Forum
- Greater Phoenix Economic Council: Certified Ambassador (2014)
- Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce: Former Member, Economic Development Committee
Representative Cases & Matters
- Served as counsel for the debtors in a Chapter 11 case in which plans of reorganization were confirmed for a public corporation and 15 of its affiliates.
- Assisted a national restaurant operator with the consensual restructuring of $70 million in indebtedness.
- Served as counsel for the primary secured creditor in the Chapter 11 proceedings of five affiliated hotels located in three states.
- Negotiated and documented a transaction in which a private equity firm acquired equity positions, in multiple tranches, and subsequently real estate, relating to a luxury residential and golf development in northern Arizona.
- Negotiated and effectuated a sale of approximately $29 million in assets pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.
- Successfully represented the equity holders of a large temporary housing company in a Chapter 11 proceeding in which the company was reorganized and the equity retained.
- Represented an international aviation company in myriad post-confirmation and operational disputes.
- Represented four affiliated debtors in bankruptcy proceedings occasioned by the collapse of a Ponzi-style financial company.
- Represented a fundraising company in a pre-negotiated reorganization that was quickly approved by all critical constituencies.
- Successfully assisted multiple clients in restructuring SBA loans outside of bankruptcy.
- Represented eight affiliated entities, which comprised a national plumbing and HVAC enterprise, in a successful Chapter 11 reorganization.
- Served as counsel for the debtor in the publicized bankruptcy proceedings of a nonprofit organization responsible for the management and maintenance of a notable municipal golf course.
- Served as counsel for a real estate developer in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in which a $13 million reduction in indebtedness was negotiated and effectuated.
- Advised a distressed healthcare facility in all aspects of its operations, including management, personnel and accounting, in order to reestablish financial viability.
- Presented appeals to the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
