Wes D. 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 2008: Business Editor, Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law; The Hon. William D. Browning Award for Excellence in Constitutional Law
  • International Commercial Law Program, University of Cambridge-England 2006
  • B.A., summa cum laude, Information Systems Management, Arizona State University 2005

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

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-present); Bankruptcy Litigation (2022-present); Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2023-present)
  • 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

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.

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