Jerome R. Kerkman

Jerome R. Kerkman is a highly experienced attorney known for his work in business litigation, corporate restructuring, and financial disputes. He handles high-stakes matters involving mergers, unfair competition, and trade secrets. Jerome has represented clients in both federal and state courts and is a recognized authority in resolving complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.

Jerome earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Lawrence University in 1979. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1984. Admitted to practice in Wisconsin and multiple federal courts, Jerome brings a disciplined and educated approach to his legal practice.

Jerome has played a key role in landmark cases involving multimillion-dollar disputes, including representing debtors, creditors, and trustees. His leadership helped confirm reorganizations for companies like Great Western Publishing, Triad Group, and Bulk Petroleum Corp. In one notable case, he achieved a jury verdict of $1.2 million for a former company president in Arizona.

Jerome also served as lead counsel for unsecured creditors, secured lenders, and business owners in both liquidations and reorganizations. He has been instrumental in crafting successful restructuring plans, often preserving ownership or recovering significant value for stakeholders. He is one of four Subchapter V Chapter 11 trustees for Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Jerome has spoken at legal seminars across the state and authored publications in respected law journals, including topics like the U.S. Trustee system and bankruptcy procedure. His legal acumen has earned repeated recognition from Best Lawyers® in America and an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

Jerome R. Kerkman has helped businesses protect their assets and restructure during times of financial stress, often preserving company leadership and improving outcomes for creditors. His decades of experience and case history demonstrate his commitment to delivering practical, strategic solutions across a wide range of business law issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Kerkman & Dunn
• Co-Chair, Bankruptcy Committee and Board Member, Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association (2017-Present)
• Director, Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association (1988 – 1992)
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute (2001 – Present)
• Member, U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin (1984)
• Member, U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin (1984)
• Member, U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit (1986)

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• University of Wisconsin Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Lawrence University
  BA in Music

Awards & Badges