Former DOJ trial attorney brings bankruptcy, restructuring experience to support franchise clients
Falls Church, VA (May 7, 2026) – Plave Koch PLC is pleased to announce that Nathan Baney has joined the firm as a partner. Baney brings significant experience handling bankruptcy, restructuring and complex litigation matters in federal and state courts. At Plave Koch, Baney will focus on representing clients in high-stakes disputes involving financial distress and tax-related litigation.
“Franchise systems are increasingly facing complex financial pressures, and that often leads to restructuring and litigation issues requiring experienced counsel,” says Lee Plave, co-founding partner of Plave Koch PLC. “Nathan brings a strong combination of bankruptcy and federal trial experience from his time at the Department of Justice. That perspective allows him to approach complex disputes strategically and we know that he will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”
Baney previously served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice in its Tax Division. There, he litigated matters referred by the Internal Revenue Service. In that role, he handled motions practice, discovery, trials and appeals involving bankruptcy-related issues, including disputes over tax liabilities, dischargeability issues, and claims arising in Chapter 11 proceedings. For his work at the DOJ, Baney was recognized with the Division’s Outstanding Attorney Award.
During his time at the DOJ, Baney also played an active role in training and advising other attorneys on the intersection of bankruptcy and tax law. He also served on the DOJ Tax Division Bankruptcy Committee on Exempt Property and Secured Claims.
Earlier in his career, he built and led a practice concentrating on consumer protection matters. Baney also amassed substantial courtroom experience representing clients in a wide range of disputes, including auto-liability defense, construction law, financial litigation, and premises liability matters.
Baney earned his J.D., cum laude, from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and his B.S. in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
About Plave Koch PLC:
Plave Koch PLC is a prominent and widely recognized U.S. franchise law firm known for combining deep experience, efficiency, and practical, business-oriented thinking to deliver specialized legal guidance in franchising, licensing, and distribution. Serving clients from emerging brands to global businesses, the firm provides strategically and commercially sound solutions, supporting clients at every stage of growth. Plave Koch attorneys offer expertise in franchise agreements, operational and financial matters, and franchise-related litigation, tailoring strategies that mitigate risk while enabling business success. As trusted partners and active members of the franchise community, Plave Koch PLC delivers advanced, innovative guidance in a constantly evolving legal landscape. Learn more at www.plavekoch.com and join the community on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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