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Elisabeth M. "Liz"
Von Eitzen

  • Partner

I’m a pragmatic and empathetic lawyer. I communicate with clients in clear terms and offer workable solutions to their issues. My honesty helps build a relationship that’s trusting and open, which enables me to help clients more effectively. 

A vigorous advocate, Liz Von Eitzen specializes in creditors’ rights cases and bankruptcy matters (representing corporate debtors, chapter 7 trustees and creditors). With a highly regarded national practice and substantial experience in retail, restaurant and agricultural bankruptcy matters, she’s well-versed in the law, purposeful in her preparation and resolute in court. Litigants often call upon Liz to take over and turn around cases previously handled by outside attorneys who’d gotten in over their heads. 

  • Counsel for Ch. 7 trustee in In re EH Liquidating, Inc., a large Ch. 7 case resulting in a sale of debtor’s assets for over $10 million, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the W.D. of Michigan, case no. 22-90006-swd .
  • Counsel for debtor in Kurncz Farms, Inc., in a chapter
  • Counsel for Ch. 7 trustee in In re EH Liquidating, Inc., a large Ch. 7 case resulting in a sale of debtor’s assets for over $10 million, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the W.D. of Michigan, case no. 22-90006-swd .
  • Counsel for debtor in Kurncz Farms, Inc., in a chapter 11 case involving a large dairy farm operation, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the W.D. of Michigan, case no. 21-02612-jtg. 
  • Co-Counsel for debtor in In re BarFly Ventures, LLC (HopCat), in large Chapter 11 case, resulting in a sale of substantially all of debtor’s assets in a structured 363 sale, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the W.D. of Michigan, case no. 20-01947-jwd .
  • Counsel for debtor in In re Michigan Sporting Goods Distributors, Inc. (MC Sports) in large chapter 11 case, resulting in a sale of substantially all of debtor’s assets in a confirmed plan of liquidation, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the W.D. of Michigan, case no. 17-612-jtg.
  • Counsel for debtor in In re Young Mens Christian Association of Marquette County in chapter 11 case, resulting in a confirmed plan of reorganization, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the W.D. of Michigan, case no. 17-90131-jtg.
  • Counsel for the unsecured creditors’ committee in In re Spiech Farms, LLC in a chapter 11 case involving a large farming operation, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the W.D. of Michigan, case no. 17-05398-jtg.
  • Counsel for the successor trustee in In re Modern Plastics Corporation successfully obtaining judgment in defense of creditor’s claim that original trustee breached his fiduciary duties, affirmed by the Sixth Circuit, 2018 WL 1916216 (6th Cir. Apr. 24, 2018).
  • Panelist, “Risk Management Association’s Annual Horror Stories,” Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 24, 2024
  • “Creditor’s Rights Update 2024,” Webinar, Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, October 14, 2024
  • Panelist, “What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Business Bankruptcy,” 35th Annual Business Law Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 20, 2024
  • Best Practices When Negotiating and Drafting Asset Purchase Agreements and Bid/Sale Motions,” American Bankruptcy Institute Central States Bankruptcy Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, June 18, 2024
  • “Crafting a Grand Turnaround,” Turnaround Management Association’s 2024 Mid-America Regional Conference, April 8, 2024
  • “Creditor’s Rights Update 2023,” Webinar, Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Sept. 14, 2023
  • “Formulating a Confirmable Chapter 11 Plan in a Not-So-Ideal World,” 34th Annual Bankruptcy Section Seminar, Federal Bar Association – Western District of Michigan, Mackinac Island, Michigan, July 30, 2022
  • “Restaurant, Hotel and Other Hospitality Issues,” 33rd Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, September 24, 2021 
  • “Dumb and Dumber: A Bankruptcy Stay Story,” ABI Central States Bankruptcy Workshop, June 17, 2021 
  • “TMA University: Bankruptcy Basics,” Turnaround Management Association – West Michigan, June 1, 2021 
  • “Is Chapter 11 an Option for Your Non-Profit? The Nuts and Bolts of Reorganizing.” Michigan Non-Profit Association, January 27, 2021 
  • “Alternative Financing—Including Merchant Cash Advances, Factoring, Purchase Order Advances, Discharge Issues, Cramdown Issues, Usury/Choice of Law,” 32nd Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, October 9, 2020 
  • “Creditor’s Rights Update 2020,” on-line webinar for the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, September 15, 2020 
  • “Michigan Agriculture, Chapter 12 & COVID-19 Market Impact,” TMA West Michigan, June 5, 2020 
  • “Legal Lunch-and-Learn: Assets, Bankruptcy and Collection,” Western Michigan University School of Medicine, November 19, 2019, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
  • “Agricultural Insolvencies—Rain on the Scarecrow, Blood on the Plow,” 31st Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, July 27-28, 2019 
  • “Assume? Reject? Assign? Ride Through? Jump Around?,” 30th Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, July 27-28, 2018 
  • “Women’s Perspectives On Practice,” on-line webinar for the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, May 10, 2018 
  • Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, Warner Seminar, September 30, 2015, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
  • “Special Chapter 7 Asset Issues,” 27th Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, July 31, 2015 
  • Life Cycle of a Loan,” on-line webinar for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, July 27, 2015 
  • “Overhaul on Michigan’s New Garnishment Statute,” Employers Association of West Michigan, June 23, 2015 
  • “EEO Cracking Down on Discrimination,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 20, 2015, Grand Rapids, Michigan 
  • Labor and Employment Panel, Labor and Benefits Executive Panel-Government Enforcement Initiatives, October 23, 2014, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
  • “Where are the Directions? Federal Rules of Procedure/Bankruptcy Specific,” 26th Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, August 1, 2014 
  • “Advanced Problems with the FLSA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, March 25, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan 
  • “Top Ten Things Employers Should Know About Union Organizing,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan 

Testimonials

“In most people’s lives there will be a time one needs to consult an attorney.  If you find yourself or your family in this situation I strongly suggest you contact Elisabeth Von Eitzen (Liz) for assistance.  What you will find is Liz wants to be there for you and to resolve the issue in a fast, fair and economical way. I have personally experienced her fairness and interest but believe me she will not back down if she and you are right.  I was a business owner for 35 years in the Kalamazoo area before retiring and wish I had met Liz and her firm sooner.” — Terry L. Stewart
* * *
“I have had the pleasure of working with Elisabeth Von Eitzen on multiple cases in the past few years, ranging from creditors’ rights litigation to representing the bank in bankruptcy proceedings. She has handled every case efficiently and successfully, resulting in favorable outcomes for our bank. Liz has become more than just an attorney – she has become a strategic advisor for many aspects of our business, helping us to work out issues and streamline processes to ensure we are in regulatory compliance. Liz takes the partner approach with us and always keeps us informed throughout the legal process. The quality of work Liz provides is highly valued and I couldn’t be more pleased with the astounding level of service, professionalism and results that Liz delivers on a consistent basis.” — Collections department supervisor at a Michigan bank
 * * *
“The service Liz provides is top quality – from the initial request for information to the completion of a case. She is an active listener, understands our unique legal issues, provides accurate and sound advice when requested and thinks outside the box to get us the best results possible. I am proud to have Liz represent us with our legal issues. The process is always fun, outstanding – and yes, I dare say perfect.” — Bankruptcy specialist at a large financial institution
* * *
“What I like about working with Warner Norcross & Judd is that I do not have to worry about minute details. I can rely on them to handle the details and I appreciate their explanations in laymen’s terms. Additionally I recognize their integrity for always wanting to do what is best for the client.” – Frank Rinderspacher, General Manager, Hark Orchids
* * *

“Warner Norcross executed their role extremely well and helped Midwest achieve ALL of our Court-stipulated objectives, with the added benefit of being able to salvage the business itself and return a significant profit to the principals at the sale closing.”By hindsight, I’m not certain that we could have completed this project without the inspired assistance of Warner Norcross.  And if so, certainly not as quickly or as effectively as we did with their assistance.  As a result, I would recommend Warner Norcross to anyone in a similar management or ownership role facing multiple complex and/or competing challenges without qualification!” – Rick DeKam, CCIM, Principal, Midwest Realty Group

Image for Elisabeth M. “Liz” Von Eitzen

Elisabeth M. "Liz"
Von Eitzen

  • Partner
Kalamazoo

My admin

I’m a pragmatic and empathetic lawyer. I communicate with clients in clear terms and offer workable solutions to their issues. My honesty helps build a relationship that’s trusting and open, which enables me to help clients more effectively. 

A vigorous advocate, Liz Von Eitzen specializes in creditors’ rights cases and bankruptcy matters (representing corporate debtors, chapter 7 trustees and creditors). With a highly regarded national practice and substantial experience in retail, restaurant and agricultural bankruptcy matters, she’s well-versed in the law, purposeful in her preparation and resolute in court. Litigants often call upon Liz to take over and turn around cases previously handled by outside attorneys who’d gotten in over their heads. 

  • Panelist, “Risk Management Association’s Annual Horror Stories,” Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 24, 2024
  • “Creditor’s Rights Update 2024,” Webinar, Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, October 14, 2024
  • Panelist, “What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Business Bankruptcy,” 35th Annual Business Law Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 20, 2024
  • Best Practices When Negotiating and Drafting Asset Purchase Agreements and Bid/Sale Motions,” American Bankruptcy Institute Central States Bankruptcy Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, June 18, 2024
  • “Crafting a Grand Turnaround,” Turnaround Management Association’s 2024 Mid-America Regional Conference, April 8, 2024
  • “Creditor’s Rights Update 2023,” Webinar, Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Sept. 14, 2023
  • “Formulating a Confirmable Chapter 11 Plan in a Not-So-Ideal World,” 34th Annual Bankruptcy Section Seminar, Federal Bar Association – Western District of Michigan, Mackinac Island, Michigan, July 30, 2022
  • “Restaurant, Hotel and Other Hospitality Issues,” 33rd Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, September 24, 2021 
  • “Dumb and Dumber: A Bankruptcy Stay Story,” ABI Central States Bankruptcy Workshop, June 17, 2021 
  • “TMA University: Bankruptcy Basics,” Turnaround Management Association – West Michigan, June 1, 2021 
  • “Is Chapter 11 an Option for Your Non-Profit? The Nuts and Bolts of Reorganizing.” Michigan Non-Profit Association, January 27, 2021 
  • “Alternative Financing—Including Merchant Cash Advances, Factoring, Purchase Order Advances, Discharge Issues, Cramdown Issues, Usury/Choice of Law,” 32nd Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, October 9, 2020 
  • “Creditor’s Rights Update 2020,” on-line webinar for the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, September 15, 2020 
  • “Michigan Agriculture, Chapter 12 & COVID-19 Market Impact,” TMA West Michigan, June 5, 2020 
  • “Legal Lunch-and-Learn: Assets, Bankruptcy and Collection,” Western Michigan University School of Medicine, November 19, 2019, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
  • “Agricultural Insolvencies—Rain on the Scarecrow, Blood on the Plow,” 31st Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, July 27-28, 2019 
  • “Assume? Reject? Assign? Ride Through? Jump Around?,” 30th Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, July 27-28, 2018 
  • “Women’s Perspectives On Practice,” on-line webinar for the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, May 10, 2018 
  • Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, Warner Seminar, September 30, 2015, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
  • “Special Chapter 7 Asset Issues,” 27th Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, July 31, 2015 
  • Life Cycle of a Loan,” on-line webinar for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, July 27, 2015 
  • “Overhaul on Michigan’s New Garnishment Statute,” Employers Association of West Michigan, June 23, 2015 
  • “EEO Cracking Down on Discrimination,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 20, 2015, Grand Rapids, Michigan 
  • Labor and Employment Panel, Labor and Benefits Executive Panel-Government Enforcement Initiatives, October 23, 2014, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
  • “Where are the Directions? Federal Rules of Procedure/Bankruptcy Specific,” 26th Annual FBA (Western District of Michigan) Bankruptcy Section Seminar, August 1, 2014 
  • “Advanced Problems with the FLSA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, March 25, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan 
  • “Top Ten Things Employers Should Know About Union Organizing,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan 

Testimonials

“In most people’s lives there will be a time one needs to consult an attorney.  If you find yourself or your family in this situation I strongly suggest you contact Elisabeth Von Eitzen (Liz) for assistance.  What you will find is Liz wants to be there for you and to resolve the issue in a fast, fair and economical way. I have personally experienced her fairness and interest but believe me she will not back down if she and you are right.  I was a business owner for 35 years in the Kalamazoo area before retiring and wish I had met Liz and her firm sooner.” — Terry L. Stewart
* * *
“I have had the pleasure of working with Elisabeth Von Eitzen on multiple cases in the past few years, ranging from creditors’ rights litigation to representing the bank in bankruptcy proceedings. She has handled every case efficiently and successfully, resulting in favorable outcomes for our bank. Liz has become more than just an attorney – she has become a strategic advisor for many aspects of our business, helping us to work out issues and streamline processes to ensure we are in regulatory compliance. Liz takes the partner approach with us and always keeps us informed throughout the legal process. The quality of work Liz provides is highly valued and I couldn’t be more pleased with the astounding level of service, professionalism and results that Liz delivers on a consistent basis.” — Collections department supervisor at a Michigan bank
 * * *
“The service Liz provides is top quality – from the initial request for information to the completion of a case. She is an active listener, understands our unique legal issues, provides accurate and sound advice when requested and thinks outside the box to get us the best results possible. I am proud to have Liz represent us with our legal issues. The process is always fun, outstanding – and yes, I dare say perfect.” — Bankruptcy specialist at a large financial institution
* * *
“What I like about working with Warner Norcross & Judd is that I do not have to worry about minute details. I can rely on them to handle the details and I appreciate their explanations in laymen’s terms. Additionally I recognize their integrity for always wanting to do what is best for the client.” – Frank Rinderspacher, General Manager, Hark Orchids
* * *

“Warner Norcross executed their role extremely well and helped Midwest achieve ALL of our Court-stipulated objectives, with the added benefit of being able to salvage the business itself and return a significant profit to the principals at the sale closing.”By hindsight, I’m not certain that we could have completed this project without the inspired assistance of Warner Norcross.  And if so, certainly not as quickly or as effectively as we did with their assistance.  As a result, I would recommend Warner Norcross to anyone in a similar management or ownership role facing multiple complex and/or competing challenges without qualification!” – Rick DeKam, CCIM, Principal, Midwest Realty Group