Thomas Buford

Thomas Buford is a highly respected bankruptcy attorney and partner at Bush Kornfeld LLP in Seattle, Washington. He has a wealth of experience in bankruptcy law, focusing on helping commercial debtors, trustees, and receivers.

Throughout his career, Thomas has represented clients in various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, technology, and maritime sectors. His expertise spans commercial liquidations and reorganizations, and he is known for his skill in negotiating complex insolvency issues and, when necessary, pursuing litigation to protect his client’s interests.

Thomas’ legal career began after earning his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law in 2004. Before law school, he earned his B.A. from Hendrix College in 2001.

Thomas brings extensive experience from his high-profile roles at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served as both a Trial Attorney and an Assistant United States Trustee. In these positions, he represented the United States Trustee in a wide range of commercial and consumer bankruptcy cases. This deep, hands-on background in bankruptcy law gives him a strong foundation to handle complex insolvency matters and effectively guide clients through challenging financial restructurings.

Thomas is also known for his ability to serve as a mediator in insolvency and commercial disputes. He is a Thomas T. Glover Mediation Panel member and has mediated various cases, helping parties reach resolutions without the need for prolonged litigation. In addition to his mediation work, Thomas has served as an expert witness on legal ethics in bankruptcy.

Thomas Buford’s work has earned him recognition from notable legal directories, including Chambers USA and Best Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in America. Thomas has been named to the Super Lawyers® list for his top-rated bankruptcy law practice and is regarded as a competent, reasonable, and effective advocate in negotiation and litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Bush Kornfeld LLP
• Member, Federal Bar Association, Creditor-Debtor Section
• Member, King County Bar Association, Creditor-Debtor Section
• Member, Turnaround Management Association
• Member, Washington State Bar, Debtor-Creditor Section
• Member, Alaska State Bar, Bankruptcy Section

Licensed State

• Washington
• Alaska

Education

• Hendrix College
  Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
• Washington University School of Law, St. Louis
  Juris Doctor (J.D)

Awards & Badges