James W. Lane, Jr.

James W. Lane, Jr. is a Charleston bankruptcy lawyer and member who represents creditors, debtors, owners, lenders, creditor committees, and asset purchasers. His practice covers bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, commercial transactions, real estate, and business litigation. He handles out-of-court workouts, restructurings, loan forbearance agreements, lien priority disputes, and real estate title litigation. His experience includes more than 25 years representing parties in bankruptcy proceedings and related financial disputes.

James earned his J.D. from Washington and Lee School of Law and his B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College. He previously served as a law clerk for the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. His education and judicial experience support his work involving insolvency, finance, commercial transactions, litigation, and complex creditor-debtor relationships. He is admitted in West Virginia and before several federal bankruptcy, district, and appellate courts.

James has represented clients in significant bankruptcy and restructuring matters, including Chapter 11 proceedings and major energy transactions. His work has included debtor representation, creditor recovery, asset purchases, loan workouts, and commercial real estate issues. Reported cases involving his practice address lien priorities, bankruptcy disputes, credit union claims, real estate issues, and commercial litigation. He has advised financial institutions on loan collection, restructuring, and enforcement strategies.

James W. Lane, Jr. has received sustained recognition for bankruptcy, real estate, banking, finance, and related litigation. Best Lawyers named him Charleston Lawyer of the Year for Litigation–Bankruptcy in 2026 and 2023. He previously received Charleston Lawyer of the Year recognition for Litigation–Real Estate in 2024 and 2017. His community service includes work with the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and local nonprofit and civic organizations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Member, Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC
• Member, West Virginia Bar Association

Licensed State

• West Virginia

Education

• Washington and Lee School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Washington and Jefferson College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges