Crystal H. Thornton-Illar
Partner
Crystal H. Thornton-Illar is a Partner with Leech Tishman and a member of the Business Restructuring & Insolvency Practice Group where she co-leads the Bankruptcy Chapter 11 Subchapter V Debtor Group and leads the Bankruptcy Chapter 7 and 13 Debtor Group. Crystal is based in Leech Tishman’s Pittsburgh office, where she regularly advises clients on both commercial and consumer bankruptcy matters.
Over the course of her career, Crystal has represented commercial debtors, secured creditors, landlords, and trustees in both chapter 7 and chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. She has also represented creditors’ committees. Crystal is experienced in both prosecuting and defending preference and fraudulent transfer actions. She has also assisted various commercial clients in achieving out of court workouts with creditors alleviating the need for a bankruptcy proceeding.
In addition to being well-versed in commercial bankruptcy matters, Crystal has extensive experience in representing individual debtors in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. Crystal has assisted numerous individuals in obtaining a fresh financial start by way of a bankruptcy discharge. Prior to joining Leech Tishman, Crystal was an associate at Zebley Mehalov & White, where she focused her practice on representing consumer debtors and assisting a chapter 7 trustee in bankruptcy-related litigation.
Academics
J.D., high distinction, Ohio Northern University College of Law
B.A., cum laude, Salem College
Admissions
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
Experience
Zebley, Mehalov & White, P.C.
Professional Memberships
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Allegheny County Bar Association
International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation
National Association of Women Lawyers
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Certifications and Designations
Trained Mediator (The Conflict Lab/Behrend Mediation Services)
Publications
Ohio Northern Law Review (Lead Articles Research Editor)