Jennifer Witherell Crastz

Jennifer Witherell Crastz’s practice is concentrated on bankruptcy and bankruptcy litigation, representing secured and unsecured creditors and lessors in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 proceedings, and a broad range of business and commercial litigation matters arising from defaulted obligations involving real estate secured loans, mixed collateral, transportation finance and equipment leasing.  Since joining the Firm in 1999, Ms. Crastz has successfully handled multiple trials, evidentiary hearings and other contested proceedings.  Ms. Crastz has also successfully guided the firm’s clients in out-of-court mediations and other alternative dispute resolutions.

Ms. Crastz received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1991. She earned her law degree in 1996 from Southwestern University School of Law, where she was a member of the Journal of Law and Trade in the Americas.  Ms. Crastz was admitted to the State Bar of California in December 1996, and is also admitted to all four U.S. District Courts of California.

Ms. Crastz is active in the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, where she serves on the Legal Forum Planning Committee, organizing continuing legal education sessions where she has been a moderator and a speaker.

Ms. Crastz regularly gives educational presentations to the firm clients’ special asset and litigation departments on litigation, bankruptcy, defaulted loan recovery, judgment enforcement and legal updates affecting their industry.

Ms. Crastz previously served for two years as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Hon. Robert W. Alberts, of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California.

Ms. Crastz also volunteers her time with the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, serving as chair of several committees.  This 100% volunteer organization is dedicated to raising money for grants and awards to elementary through high school age musicians and youth music organizations.