A headshot of Joel Newell.

Joel F. Newell

Of Counsel
Phoenix

Joel Newell is a litigator with almost two decades of experience focusing on complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings as well as receiverships, workouts, and commercial litigation, primarily in the areas of distressed real estate and other distressed assets, and the retail/restaurant/hospitality industry.

Joel’s practice also extends to probate litigation. He represents fiduciaries or beneficiaries as they navigate the difficult time of probate estate administration. Based in Phoenix, Joel is also licensed in Texas, but his practice extends across state and federal courts throughout the United States. He provides collaborative and strategic guidance that helps reach an outcome that aligns with the client’s specific needs.

Joel has previously served as chair of both the Maricopa County Bar Association and State Bar of Arizona bankruptcy sections.

Experience 

Representative Matters

  • In re Meridian Restaurants, LC (Utah)—representing landlords in the bankruptcy of one of Burger King’s largest franchisees, including negotiation of lease amendments and assumption and reject of leases.
  • Successfully defended loan servicer in a wrongful foreclosure lawsuit commenced by borrower.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

American Bankruptcy Institute

Maricopa County Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section

State Bar of Arizona, Bankruptcy Section, Executive Council Member, Former Chair

State Bar of Texas, Bankruptcy Section

Speaking Engagements

Presenter, “Advanced Real Estate Issues in Bankruptcy,” National Bank of Arizona, January 28, 2021

Speaker, “Bankruptcy Litigation Seminar I,” Norton Institute on Bankruptcy Law, February 2018

Speaker, “Why Darth Vader Is Not Entitled to a Discharge,” Maricopa County Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section, February 12, 2016

Speaker, “Consumer Case Law Update,” State Bar of Arizona, Bankruptcy Section, 2016

Speaker, “Current Foreclosure Alternatives,” National Business Institute, 2011

Board Memberships & Community Service

Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE), Volunteer

Publications

Norton Bankruptcy Law Adviser Newsletter, January 2016

Credentials 

Education

Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D. 2007)

Anderson University (B.A. 2003)

Admissions

Arizona

Texas

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit