Robinson Cole LLP
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J. Zachary (Zak) Balasko represents clients in complex bankruptcy and corporate restructuring litigation, with experience across all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code. A seasoned bankruptcy and corporate restructuring litigator, his extensive experience ranges from small family business Chapter 11 restructurings to service with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he handled major insolvency matters involving federal interests.

Zak has represented an array of clients, including debtors, secured lenders, trustees, trade vendors, creditors’ committees, governmental entities, and other parties-in-interest. He has handled bankruptcy and bankruptcy litigation matters nationwide, with significant experience in Texas, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia. Throughout his career, he has been committed to guiding clients through the complexities inherent in corporate restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings.

  • Washington and Lee University School of Law (Juris Doctor, cum laude)
    • Lead Articles Editor, Washington and Lee Law Review
    • Managing Editor, German Law Journal
    • Omicron Delta Kappa
  • West Virginia University (Bachelors, magna cum laude)
    • Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
    • B.A., International Studies and World Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

  • State of Texas
  • Commonwealth of Virginia
  • State of West Virginia

Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Committee
Member

National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges
NextGen Participant (2024)

American Bankruptcy Institute

ABI Secured Credit Committee
Newsletter Editor

Northern Virginia Bankruptcy Bar Association

Dulin United Methodist Church
Chancel Choir

Roanoke Diversity Center
Board of Directors

Experience


Debtor Representation: Successful Chapter 11 Reorganization for West Virginia Hospital System

Represented a West Virginia hospital system through a successful Chapter 11 reorganization, saving over 1,000 jobs and enabling the hospital to continue to provide essential care to West Virginians. *

*Attorney Balasko was counsel in this representative transaction prior to joining Robinson+Cole.

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Debtor Representation: Chapter 11 Sale of Virginia Home Manufacturer

Represented a Virginia manufactured home manufacturer through Chapter 11 sale process.*

*Attorney Balasko was counsel in this representative transaction prior to joining Robinson+Cole.

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Debtor Representation: Representation of Retail Store in Chapter 11 Sale + Structured Dismissal

Represented a Virginia second-hand retail store through a Chapter 11 sale process and structured dismissal.*

*Attorney Balasko was counsel in this representative transaction prior to joining Robinson+Cole.

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Publications


February 27, 2026

Appeals Courts Say Fraud Debts Can Survive Small Business Bankruptcies

West Virginia Banker, Pub. 17, Issue 1

View the article.

2025

Navigating a Post-Purdue World: Third Party Releases in Section 363 Sales

Bankruptcy Law News, Volume XXV, No. 43
2015

A Return to Reasonability: Modifying the Collateral Source Rule in Light of Artificially Inflated Damage Awards

Washington & Lee Law Review Online 16
February 27, 2026

Appeals Courts Say Fraud Debts Can Survive Small Business Bankruptcies

West Virginia Banker, Pub. 17, Issue 1

View the article.

2025

Navigating a Post-Purdue World: Third Party Releases in Section 363 Sales

Bankruptcy Law News, Volume XXV, No. 43
2015

A Return to Reasonability: Modifying the Collateral Source Rule in Light of Artificially Inflated Damage Awards

Washington & Lee Law Review Online 16