Jonathan R. Jon Doolittle

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

3.0 (1 reviews)

San Francisco, California

32+ years experience

Pillsbury

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

415-983-1000

https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/lawyers/jonathan-doolittle.html

Four Embarcadero Center, 22nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111-5998

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Bio

Jon has handled bankruptcy and commercial law matters, both simple and complex, since 1993. He maintains a practice primarily representing debtors and creditors in business bankruptcies, commercial restructurings, commercial litigation, and other matters relating to insolvency issues. He has represented chapter 7 trustees, creditors’ committees, secured creditors, and debtors-in-possession in numerous proceedings in a number of different jurisdictions. In addition to appearing often in bankruptcy court, Jon regularly represents business clients in federal district court and state courts. Jon is best known for his extensive experience representing chapter 7 trustees, having represented chapter 7 trustees in well over one hundred adversary proceedings, and having assisted chapter 7 trustees in selling a wide variety of assets ranging from large volumes of machinery and equipment and large commercial facilities to small asset sales. Jon also assists business clients in resolving commercial disputes both in and outside of bankruptcy court. He has extensive experience in negotiating complex bankruptcy sales and out-of-court restructurings, resolving complicated questions relating to competing claims to property, and complex business disputes and claims. Jon has prosecuted many appeals to the U.S. District Court from the bankruptcy court and handled many appeals to the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the First Circuit. In addition to his practice in Maine, Jon has appeared in hearings before the District of New Hampshire, the District of Massachusetts, the Southern District of New York, and the Western District of Pennsylvania. He is a frequent panelist on bankruptcy-related topics, including speaking at the American Bankruptcy Institute North East Conference. Jon lives in Falmouth with his wife, Blair, his two sons and his daughter.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

California

State Capital

Sacramento

Highest Court

California Supreme Court

Bar Association

State Bar of California

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Bankruptcy, San Francisco (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Bankruptcy, San Francisco (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Bankruptcy, San Francisco (2014)
Recognized: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Recognized: Litigation - Bankruptcy
Special Focus: Chapter 12
Special Focus: Commercial
Special Focus: Creditor Committees
Special Focus: Creditors' Rights
Special Focus: Debtors' Rights
Special Focus: Litigation
Special Focus: Tax
Special Focus: Trustee Representation
Special Focus: Workouts and Restructurings
AV Rated by Maritndale-Hubbell
Recognized in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business under Corporate/M&A: Bankruptcy

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006

Education

University of Maine, J.D., graduated 1993
Middlebury College, AB, graduated 1987

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Reviews

Benjamin Wilson

3 months ago

A solid attorney with deep expertise, but communication could improve

I engaged Jonathan Doolittle at Pillsbury to advise my small manufacturing company during a complex Chapter 11 restructuring. His 30+ years of experience in commercial bankruptcy were immediately evident. He clearly understood the intricate financial and legal pressures we were facing, and his background representing both debtors and creditors provided a well-rounded strategic perspective. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in this field is well-deserved based on his substantive knowledge. However, the experience was not without its frustrations. While his legal analysis was sound, communication was often slower than I would have preferred. Responses to emails could take several days, and there were times I felt I had to follow up repeatedly to get updates on filing deadlines. For the premium rate, I expected a more proactive and responsive communication style. He successfully guided us through the process, but the journey felt more transactional than collaborative. He is undoubtedly a competent and highly knowledgeable attorney, but managing client expectations and accessibility are areas where the service fell short of being exceptional.