Jana Smith Whitworth

JS Whitworth Law Firm, PLLC is a full-service bankruptcy law firm with a focus on business bankruptcy cases and bankruptcy litigation. Ms. Whitworth primarily represents businesses in chapter 11 reorganization cases and chapter 7 liquidation cases. When bankruptcy is not the answer, Ms. Whitworth represents both individual and corporate clients in negotiations to resolve collection disputes. Ms. Whitworth also represents clients in commercial litigation in both state and federal courts in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas - including, Hidalgo County, Cameron County, Willacy County, and Starr County.

South Texas College Of Law

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)

1996

Baylor University

B.B.A. (1985) | Real Estate

1982 - 1985

Managing Attorney

JS Whitworth Law Firm, PLLC

2019 - Current

Represent business clients in all chapters of bankruptcy and bankruptcy litigation matters. Pre-bankruptcy analysis and creditor negotiations for both business and individual clients. Represent clients in commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. Local appearance for various creditors in both bankruptcy hearings and state court actions (McAllen, Brownsville, Laredo, and Corpus Christi).

Senior Associate Attorney

Marcos D. Oliva, P.C., McAllen, Texas

2016 - 2018

Represent both business and consumer debtors in all chapters of bankruptcy cases and bankruptcy litigation with focus on small business and individual chapter 11 reorganization cases. Pre-bankruptcy analysis and creditor negotiations for both business and consumer clients.

Senior Associate Attorney

The Villeda Law Group, McAllen, Texas

2013 - 2016

Represent business clients in all chapters of bankruptcy cases and bankruptcy litigation matters. Represent business clients in negotiations with financial institutions and other creditors. Conduct other complex commercial litigation in both state and federal courts in contract disputes, lending issues and enforcement of loan documents, real estate and probate litigation. Represent creditors in collection actions and non-judicial foreclosures.

Of Counsel

Cox Smith, Incorporated, McAllen, Texas

2007 - 2013

Conducted commercial litigation in both state and federal courts, with the majority of the caseload involving creditor/collection actions, bankruptcy, and other actions on behalf of financial institutions and other lenders. Prepared pre-foreclosure demand letters, reviewed title searches, drafted non-judicial foreclosure documents, and assisted lenders with non-judicial foreclosures. Conducted other complex commercial litigation, both prosecuting and defending, for contract claims, real estate related disputes (including breach of lease agreements), insurance-related actions, employment and labor actions, and construction disputes. Supervised and maintained daily caseload of 45-50 active lawsuits filed throughout Texas. Coordinated litigation team of one (1) associate attorney, two (2) paralegals, and two (2) secretaries.

Solo Practitioner

Law Office of Jana Smith Whitworth, Brownsville, Texas

2005 - 2007

Conducted commercial litigation in both state and federal courts involving creditor actions and defenses for various lending institutions. Conducted other commercial litigation involving eminent domain/right-of-way actions for pipeline companies, and other real estate-related disputes.

Associate Attorney

Rentfro and Faulk, LLC, Brownsville, Texas

1998 - 2005

Conducted commercial litigation involving real estate-related disputes, contract disputes, and eminent domain/right-of-way actions for various entities. Represented various lenders in creditor/collection actions including suits on sworn accounts, judicial and non-judicial foreclosures, garnishment actions, and bankruptcy actions. Negotiated and drafted various real estate-related documents including: lease agreements, loan documents and related security agreements, condominium declarations and other documents on behalf of homeowners’ associations.

Associate Attorney

Ellis, Koeneke, and Ramirez, LLP, McAllen, Texas

1997 - 1998

Conducted litigation involving financial institutions, real estate-related disputes, and personal injury claims.

Associate Attorney

Ware, Snow, Fogel, Jackson & Greene, LLC, Houston, Texas

1996 - 1997

Conducted litigation in both state and federal court, involving product liability cases, asbestos-related personal injury cases, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and Jones Act cases.

Bankruptcy Section - State Bar of Texas

2014 - Current

Rio Grande Valley Bankruptcy Bar Association

2014 - Current

Hidalgo County Bar Association

2007 - Current

Women's Bar Section - Hidalgo County Bar Association

2007 - Current

Texas State Bar  # 00797453

Member

1996 - Current

Texas

Since 1996

• Free Consultation

• Commercial Litigation