Patrick L. Hughes

Patrick Hughes has represented countless business debtors, secured creditors and court appointed committees in numerous restructuring cases throughout the country. Pat also has had an active business litigation practice, and he has also counseled boards and management teams on a variety of transactional and litigation matters which arise out of restructuring situations, including the purchase and sale of assets and litigation arising in these situations.

Pat’s practice has involved key roles in some of the largest business bankruptcy cases filed. He is credited with a number of reported court decisions in many other noteworthy cases of regional and national significance. While his practice has encompassed all types of businesses, he has particular experience in restructuring matters affecting energy companies, and companies subject to mass tort or large litigation claims. As a fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy and by his inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America, Woodward/White, Inc. (2008-2023) he is recognized in the field as someone who understands what the bankruptcy and restructuring process can do, and how it may help solve problems.

Pat’s experience includes his lead role for large and middle market debtor companies operating in the energy industry, such as Tri-Union Development Corporation, Pisces Energy, LLC, Coral Petroleum, Inc., United Refining, Inc., Great Western Coal Company, each in Chapter 11 reorganization cases. He has similarly represented energy companies in out-of-court restructurings.

His representation of official committees in Chapter 11 cases has included significant bankruptcy cases such as Dow Corning Corporation, Birraporetti's Restaurants, Partners Oil Company, and Sakowitz, Inc.

Pat has also had key roles for creditors and parties-in-interest in a number of mass tort restructuring and bankruptcy cases, such as Federal Mogul Corporation, Dow Corning Corporation, Armstrong Industries, GAF Corp., Quigley Corporation, Garlock Corporation, and Pittsburgh Corning Corp. He has also had significant creditor representation in the EFH Holdings, General Motors and Lyondell Chemical chapter 11 cases.

Pat also has represented significant interested parties in virtually all industry groups, including Ignite Restaurants (casual dining), Forest Park Medical (healthcare), Santa Fe Gold (mining), Buccaneer Resources (Alaska Energy), SWB River Square (multifamily), Commercial Credit Group (construction lending), and many others.

In addition to his business focused practice, Pat is dedicated to the provision of legal services for the poor. He has been recognized by the state and local bar for his work as chair of the Houston Bar Association’s bankruptcy pro bono section since its inception in 1999. Pat also handles individual indigent consumer bankruptcy cases on a regular basis to give them a fresh start. He is especially proud of those clients who have gained a renewed sense of purpose, and who are able to rebuild their lives for the future.

Pat is committed to ensuring his clients are directly involved in the legal process that affects them. He has been certified as a business bankruptcy specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1989, when the specialty was first recognized.

Pat is dedicated to supporting our community, and sponsors scholarships at The South Texas College of Law Houston and the Houston High School Hockey Association as part of his efforts to promote good values in our society.