Clinton E. Cutler

Clint specializes in representing companies reorganizing or liquidating under the Bankruptcy Code or in or out of court workouts and liquidations. 

Clint is a shareholder and former Chair of Fredrikson’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts Group, practicing in the areas of debtor/creditor law, bankruptcy and complex commercial litigation. Clint has represented clients nationwide in bankruptcy and other proceedings. Clint also represents debtors and creditors in all aspects of state law proceedings of debtor creditor law such as garnishment, attachment, receiverships, assignments for benefit of creditors, foreclosures, and claim and delivery. He works with banks and other lenders on UCC issues and lender liability matters.

• Lead counsel for debtor Gander Mountain Company, a leading outdoor retailer with 162 stores in 27 states, with sales in excess of $1.3 billion, in connection with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case and related section 363 sale and wind down transactions. Transaction size was approximately $450 million.
• Lead bankruptcy counsel representing strategic stalking horse buyer in approximately $23 million purchase of RC-controlled hobby supply and retail business in section 363 sale transaction.
• Lead attorney representing home health care provider with annual revenues of $156 million through Chapter 11 reorganization.
• Lead counsel for debtor-owner of ethanol production facility in Chapter 11 liquidation proceedings.
• Advised owners of 25,000 acre farm operation and related businesses in workout and restructuring of $80 million secured lending facility.
• Advised business owner of 21 unit car dealership, leisure rental car company and related businesses, involving over $500 million in secured debt.
• Lead counsel in connection with wind down and liquidation of non-profit college.
• Represented third generation, family-owned $50 million business in section 363 sale.
• Represented $100 million manufacturing company in reorganization under Chapter 11.
• Represented $75 million manufacturing enterprise in section 363 sale and liquidation.
• Represented strategic or financial buyers and bidders for acquisitions of $10 million to $500 million.
• Representative industries:
  • Healthcare Services
  • Financial Services
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation
  • Agribusiness
  • Computer Software Development
  • Real Estate
  • Senior Housing/Assisted Living/Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Non-Profits

Education

• Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1984, magna cum laude
• Iowa State University, B.S., 1981, summa cum laude

Admissions

• Minnesota, 1984
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota, 1984
• U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 1984
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 1985

• Private Practice Lawyer Award, Minnesota Justice Foundation, 2024
• Top Lawyer – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Minnesota Monthly, 2024
• Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2013-2025; Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2013-2025
• Minnesota Super Lawyers, Bankruptcy: Business, 1997-2024
• Top 100: Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2006-2008, 2010, 2012-2024
• North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2012-2023
• AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell, 2023
• Lawyer of the Year in Minneapolis for Litigation - Bankruptcy, Best Lawyers, 2015, 2019, 2021
• Pro Bono All Star, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2020
• Lawyer of the Year in Minneapolis Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Best Lawyers, 2013, 2018
• Transaction of the Year, Turnaround Management Association - Minnesota Chapter, 2018
• Top 10: Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2016
• Raeder Larson Public Service Award, 2010
• Distinguished Service Award, Hennepin County Bar Association, 2000
• Judge Nancy C. Dreher Pro Bono Distinguished Service Award, 2013
• Fellow, American College of Bankruptcy
• Order of the Coif

Professional Activities

• American Bar Association
• Turnaround Management Association, Upper Midwest Chapter, Former Board Member
• American Bankruptcy Institute, Member
• Minnesota State Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section, Past Chair
• Hennepin County Bar Association, Debtor/Creditor Committee
• Hennepin County Legal Advice Clinics, Inc., Volunteer Attorney, 1984-present
• Stand Down (project for veterans), VA Medical Clinic, Volunteer Attorney
• University of Minnesota Law School, Associate Adjunct Professor of Law, Bankruptcy Clinic, 2005- present
• University of Minnesota Law School, Co-Instructor, International Bankruptcy, Spring Term 2017
• Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., Board of Directors, Executive Vice President, Executive Committee Member
• American College of Bankruptcy Foundation Pro Bono Committee, Member
• Syracuse Law Review, Executive Editor, 1983-84