James A. Knauer

James A. Knauer is a partner at Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP in Indianapolis with substantial experience in business transactions, business litigation, real estate litigation, bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights. His practice includes director and officer defense, business fraud, secured creditor enforcement, guaranty disputes, lender liability, class actions, noncompete matters, foreclosures, workouts, and construction litigation. Jim has represented creditors, receivers, bankruptcy trustees, lenders, committees, and business debtors in significant insolvency matters throughout Indiana.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Science from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1968 and his Juris Doctor from Indiana University in 1971. He is admitted to practice in Indiana and before several federal courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His extensive legal background supports his work on complex commercial, bankruptcy, appellate, and receivership matters.

Jim has handled major bankruptcy, receivership, and business disputes involving substantial assets and complex financial issues. His experience includes representing Electrolux in the HHGregg bankruptcy, former officers of ITT Technical Institute, and officers of Irwin Union Financial Corp. He has served as a bankruptcy trustee, federal receiver, examiner, and antitrust divestiture trustee. Jim has also handled significant appellate matters and class actions, including litigation involving business contracts, noncompete agreements, secured obligations, and creditor claims.

James A. Knauer has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America from 1987 through 2026 and was recognized among America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators in 2021. He has also received repeated Indiana Super Lawyers recognition and is a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. His decades of experience in commercial litigation, insolvency, receiverships, and creditors’ rights provide clients with practical guidance when navigating complex financial disputes and high-stakes business matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute, 1983-2018
• Member, American Bar Association (1972-2018)
• Member, Litigation Counsel of America (2012-2025)
• Senior Fellow, Indiana State Bar Association, 1972-2018
• Member, Seventh Circuit Bar Association, 1985-2018

Licensed State

• Indiana

Education

• Indiana University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Indiana University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)