John L. Billings

Experience

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  Wilson and Associates, PLLC

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2010

  Associate Attorney

  Represented mortgage banking and financial institutions in state matters, including foreclosure, quiet title, and eviction/repossession issues, as well as all bankruptcy matters under chapter 7, 11, and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Managed a full caseload involving creditor’s rights across East Tennessee, including all four divisions within the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and state court. Litigated single-handedly certain issues involving standing to prosecute, bad faith filing, and post-foreclosure relief along with a high volume of all aspects of bankruptcy practice, including proof of claims, motions for relief, and objections to confirmation of plan.Successfully defended client in an objection to claim hearing by drafting and arguing a brief on whether the amount of pre-petition arrearages in excess of $12,000 included on the claim was unsubstantiated in relation to the corresponding pooling and servicing agreement between servicer of the deed of trust note and the note holders.Effectively negotiated a real estate title issue in a court ordered mediation involving landlocked post-foreclosure property so as to effectuate a land merger to increase property value. Show less

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  Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2011

  Staff Attorney

  Assisted in the administration of over 6,000 chapter 13 bankruptcy cases and disbursement of over 70 million dollars to creditors.Investigated debtors by thoroughly questioning and reviewing their financial background to determine the ability to successfully complete a reorganization plan at the meeting of creditors. Examined proof of claims by creditors for proper classification and objected if improper or disallowed to share in the distribution of funds from the bankruptcy estate.Analyzed mortgage statements filed by mortgage creditors to ensure proper accounting of funds disbursed by the chapter 13 trustee using Trustwin accounting software. Appeared on behalf of the trustee at confirmation hearings and regular court hearings on all case matters involving the chapter 13 bankruptcy estate. Conducted daily financial calculations of proposed bankruptcy plans to insure feasibility limits were met under bankruptcy law using Microsoft Excel financial computation. Show less

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  Self-Employed

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2012

  Attorney at Law

  Successfully appeared and received judgments across East Tennessee courts on behalf of law firms representing health care, banking and financial institutions in matters of debt collection including healthcare receivables, slow pay motions and eviction/repossession issues involving Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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  Appalachian Underwriters, Inc.

  Jan 2012 - Oct 2017

  Associate General Counsel

  In addition to its executive team, provided in-house counsel and legal solutions to the fifth largest managing general insurance agency in the U.S. per "Business Insurance" monthly writing over $300 million in yearly premium. Along with the corporation, assisted in the legal, regulatory and compliance oversight across other affiliated company enterprises including an insurance carrier, a professional employer organization and an insurance claim adjusting company resulting in a corporate portfolio of future investment and growth. Examined and resolved a myriad of legal matters with efficiency, strategy and cost in mind in a majority of areas including general corporate governance, corporate due diligence, regulatory compliance, corporate litigation/arbitration/mediation, financing, outside counsel supervision/legal spend, contract negotiation/interpretation, SIU fraud analysis, real estate, debt collection, bankruptcy, employee and human resources. Supported the development and drafting of company policies and carrier program agreements in response to product development team's request, insurance code and statutes, as well as regulations with IRS, ERISA, DOL, OFAC, BSA, etc.Interacted with management and staff from other departments to ensure compliance procedures are being followed in each area while also providing regulatory guidance on state/federal statutes, rules, regulations, bulletins and attorney general opinions, while recommending revisions to those affected areas.Maintained contact with state regulatory departments and various trade associations regarding insurance legislation, regulations and industry practices.Coordinated the processing, resolution and record keeping of complaints filed with the respective regulatory bodies. Actively structured various insurance programs including reinsurance agreements into a coordinated platform across multiple departments for an effective, profitable partnership. Show less

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  TCV Trust & Wealth Management

  Nov 2017 - Jan 2024

  Vice President

  Served as Vice President of Client Administration and the Tennessee managing officer for TCV Trust & Wealth Management, a employee owned Tennessee state chartered trust company, which provides the highest quality asset management, trust administration and estate settlement services to individuals, families, endowments and foundations.

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  The Law Office of John L. Billings

  Jan 2024 - now

  Owner/Attorney

  Practice primarily in areas of business, estate planning, entrepreneurship, commercial, creditor’s rights and real estate/banking. He also offers functions as “outside” general counsel for local businesses advising these clients on a variety of business and transactional issues. My passion is investing in other leaders and helping their businesses & organizations grow and perform more effectively while also preserving their personal interests in protecting their assets if needed.