Christopher M. Seelen

Professional Experience

A second generation attorney, Chris Seelen was inspired by his mother, a Fordham University School of Law graduate, to pursue a career in law. At Ruder Ware, Chris serves as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee in Eau Claire and is certified in creditors' rights by the American Board of Certification. Being a trustee means employing creative problem solving techniques to resolve complicated matters. He works with collection officers and special asset departments on workouts and bankruptcies at banks and financial institutions throughout Wisconsin.

His experience includes:

Representing ag lenders in farm bankruptcies.
Representing lenders in commercial and consumer foreclosures and replevins, cash collateral, adequate protection, relief from stay, objections to plan, preference of defenses, 363 “free and clear” sales.
Representing secured creditors in bankruptcy cases under Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.

A published children’s book author, Chris is a passionate advocate for children’s literacy. He has been involved in Reach Out & Read Wisconsin, previously serving on its Advisory Council and as an Ambassador.

Education

B.A. (magna cum laude), University of Notre Dame - South Bend, IN (1994)
J.D. (cum laude), Marquette University Law School - Milwaukee, WI (1997)

Bar Associations

American Bar Association
State Bar of Wisconsin - Section Member: Bankruptcy, Creditors Rights; Business Law; Member of Chapter 128 Revision Committee for Wisconsin Receiverships law
Eau Claire County Bar Association

Certifications

Board Certified - Creditors' Rights Law - American Board of Certification (through 2020)

Admitted to Practice

Wisconsin Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Professional Recognition

Wisconsin Super Lawyers® magazine, 2010 - 2011 Wisconsin Rising Star in Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights

Professional Activities

American Bankruptcy Institute - Member
Eau Claire County Bar Association - Past-President
National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees - Trustee Member

Civic Activities

Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Eau Claire, Co-Chair; Government and Law Day (2002 - present); Leadership Eau Claire - 1999 graduate
Reach out and Read Wisconsin Advisory Council - Member (2012 - 2014)
Eau Claire YMCA - Board of Directors
United Way Emerging Leaders Advisory Council