Johnsen Carolyn J

In the complex world of business, financial distress and the need for strategic reorganization can be daunting challenges. For companies and creditors across Arizona, navigating the intricacies of bankruptcy law and insolvency requires an attorney with not only profound legal knowledge but also extensive practical experience in guiding multi-million dollar entities through troubled waters. In Phoenix, Carolyn J. Johnsen stands as a distinguished leader in the fields of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights, Insolvency, and Reorganization Law. With over 30 years of dedicated practice, she has earned a reputation for her strategic acumen and her ability to orchestrate successful outcomes in even the most complex financial restructurings.

Carolyn J. Johnsen, often referred to as "CJ," brings a unique blend of legal expertise and business insight to her practice. Her work extends beyond mere legal filings; it involves deeply understanding the operational, managerial, and financial structures of businesses in a wide array of industries. From healthcare and real estate to manufacturing, retail, and energy, she has advised both private and public corporations, guiding boards and senior managers in formulating and implementing solutions that lead to the emergence of stronger businesses or strategic asset acquisitions and sales. This holistic approach ensures that her clients receive not just legal advice, but comprehensive strategies that support their long-term viability and growth.

Her career is marked by significant achievements, including serving as lead counsel in one of Arizona's largest real estate bankruptcies and counseling the state's largest utility company on bankruptcy issues. With nearly 50 confirmed Chapter 11 plans under her belt, CJ Johnsen's track record speaks volumes about her ability to negotiate multi-million-dollar transactions with various stakeholders, including lenders, investment bankers, and governmental agencies. For businesses in Arizona grappling with financial challenges, Carolyn J. Johnsen offers not just legal representation, but a partnership grounded in decades of successful restructuring and a deep commitment to finding viable pathways forward.

Beyond her legal practice, CJ Johnsen is actively involved in community and professional initiatives, further solidifying her reputation as a highly respected and influential figure in the Arizona legal landscape. Her dedication to financial education, through programs like Arizona's CARE (Credit Abuse Resistance Education), underscores her broader commitment to fostering financial responsibility.

Carolyn J. Johnsen practices in a prime and highly accessible location in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. While her primary office address is often listed as 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA, it's important to note that she is a member of Dickinson Wright PLLC, a prominent national law firm, and her specific office within that firm is located at 1850 North Central Avenue, Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Both addresses are in the vibrant core of downtown Phoenix, offering excellent convenience for clients across the metropolitan area and beyond.

The central location ensures superb accessibility via public transportation, including the Valley Metro Rail, which has stops within easy walking distance. For those traveling by car, numerous parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity. The professional setting of her firm's office in a modern high-rise building provides a discreet and comfortable environment for discussing sensitive and often complex financial matters. This strategic placement not only makes it convenient for clients but also offers easy access to state and federal courthouses, which is crucial for her practice areas that often involve court proceedings.

Carolyn J. Johnsen specializes in sophisticated legal services related to business bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency, serving both debtors and creditors. Her comprehensive approach addresses financial distress from multiple angles.

• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law: Representing debtors, creditor committees, and lenders in complex, multi-million dollar reorganizations under Chapter 11 and other bankruptcy chapters.
• Litigation - Bankruptcy: Handling disputes and legal proceedings that arise within bankruptcy cases, including contested matters and adversary proceedings.
• Distressed Healthcare Restructuring: Providing specialized legal counsel for healthcare entities facing financial difficulties and the need for reorganization.
• Distressed Assets & Business Disposition: Advising on the sale and acquisition of financially troubled businesses and their assets, often through bankruptcy court-approved sales.
• Creditors' Rights & Bankruptcy Litigation: Protecting the rights and interests of creditors, including lenders, trade creditors, and unsecured creditor committees, in bankruptcy proceedings.
• Workouts and Restructurings: Negotiating and implementing out-of-court agreements to restructure debt and revise operations to avoid formal bankruptcy proceedings.
• Trustee Representation: Providing legal support to bankruptcy trustees in their administration of bankruptcy estates.
• Commercial Transactions in Distressed Situations: Negotiating multi-million dollar transactions with various parties such as lenders, investment bankers, brokers, asset purchasers, sellers, and governmental agencies in financially challenged contexts.
• Corporate Advisory in Distress: Advising private and public corporations on formulating and implementing managerial, personnel, and operational structures to address financial challenges and emerge stronger.

Carolyn J. Johnsen's distinguished career is marked by numerous features and highlights that underscore her expertise and standing in the legal community:

• Extensive Experience (Over 30 Years): With more than three decades of experience, CJ Johnsen possesses a profound depth of knowledge in complex commercial reorganization and bankruptcy across diverse industries.
• Recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Consistently listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008 for "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law" and "Litigation - Bankruptcy" (2024-2025). This peer-reviewed recognition highlights her sustained excellence.
• Selected as a Super Lawyer: Consistently selected to Super Lawyers for Arizona (2007-2025), a distinction based on peer recognition and professional achievement, and has been listed among the "Top 25: Women Arizona Super Lawyers" multiple times.
• "Lawyer of the Year" Accolades: Has received "Lawyer of the Year" honors for her specific practice areas in Phoenix by Best Lawyers.
• Lead Counsel in Landmark Cases: Served as lead counsel in one of Arizona's largest real estate bankruptcies and has counseled Arizona's largest utility company on bankruptcy issues, demonstrating her capability in high-stakes, large-scale cases.
• High Success Rate in Reorganizations: Successfully confirmed nearly 50 Chapter 11 plans, reflecting a strong track record of achieving favorable reorganization outcomes for businesses.
• Cross-Industry Expertise: Her experience spans a wide range of industries including healthcare, mortgage lending, real estate, manufacturing, retail, refining, hospitality, aviation, and energy-related sectors, providing her with a versatile perspective on business challenges.
• Awards for Reorganization Efforts: Received awards for her successful reorganization efforts by prestigious organizations like the Turnaround Management Association and the M&A Advisor.
• Active Community Involvement: Founded Arizona's CARE (Credit Abuse Resistance Education) program in 2006, teaching financial responsibility to high school and college students, and has held board positions in various professional and community organizations, showcasing her commitment beyond legal practice.
• Highly Esteemed by Peers and Clients: The consistent recognition from professional directories and her long-standing reputation indicate deep respect from both her colleagues and those she has represented.

In the specialized realm of business bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency, "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense are not typical. Instead, the value offered by an attorney of Carolyn J. Johnsen's caliber is found in her extensive experience, deep expertise, and a proven track record of successfully navigating complex financial challenges for businesses and creditors. Her long-standing recognition in prestigious legal rankings and her reputation for achieving favorable outcomes serve as the primary "offer" to potential clients. While specific discounted services are not advertised, clients benefit significantly from her strategic insights and efficient management of intricate legal processes, which often lead to substantial financial benefits and long-term stability for their businesses. Her initial consultations, while not explicitly detailed as "free" in the provided public data, generally represent an opportunity for clients to assess her expertise and fit for their complex needs.

For businesses and creditors in Arizona seeking expert legal counsel in bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency matters, Carolyn J. Johnsen can be reached at:

• Address: 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA (also practicing from 1850 North Central Avenue, Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ 85004, as part of Dickinson Wright PLLC)
• Phone: (602) 262-5911 (Please note that other contact numbers like (602) 262-5935 and (602) 285-5040 are also associated with her practice at Dickinson Wright PLLC)
• Mobile Phone: +1 602-262-5911 (Mobile: +1 602-684-4766 also listed)

It is recommended to use the main firm number (602-285-5000) or one of her direct lines to connect with her office and discuss your specific legal needs.

For businesses, creditors, and individuals in Arizona facing the daunting prospect of financial distress, bankruptcy, or complex reorganizations, Carolyn J. Johnsen offers an unparalleled level of suitability. Her deep roots in the Arizona legal and business community, cultivated over more than three decades, provide an intrinsic understanding of the local economic climate, regulatory environment, and judicial landscape. This localized expertise is critical for navigating the nuances of state and federal bankruptcy laws as they apply specifically within Arizona.

Her track record of successfully handling some of Arizona's largest and most intricate bankruptcies, coupled with her consistent recognition as a top lawyer in the state, instills a profound sense of confidence for local clients. She has not only advised major Arizona utility companies but has also guided numerous businesses through successful Chapter 11 reorganizations, ensuring their survival and often, their renewed prosperity. This direct experience with local entities underscores her capacity to address the unique challenges faced by Arizona businesses.

Furthermore, her active involvement in community initiatives like Arizona's CARE program demonstrates a commitment to the broader financial well-being of Arizonans, extending beyond individual case representation. Her prominent office location in downtown Phoenix ensures convenient access for businesses across the Valley, reinforcing her position as a readily available and highly qualified resource.

In essence, for any entity in Arizona grappling with financial challenges that require sophisticated legal intervention, choosing Carolyn J. Johnsen means partnering with an attorney who combines national-caliber expertise with a profound understanding of local dynamics. She offers not just legal solutions, but strategic pathways forward, making her an invaluable asset for the local business community in times of crisis and opportunity alike.