
Joel R. Glucksman
Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.com
Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.comJames River Coal Co. has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy law for the second time. The latest filing was on April 7, according to Bloomberg. James River Coal is a mine operator in the U.S. Midwest and Appalachia. Falling coal prices caused the company to idle a dozen mines, resulting in $818.7 million in debt that it was unable to repay without legal protection.
High levels of natural gas production from shale rock in recent years have caused a number of electric utilities providers to switch to gas, resulting in lower demand for coal, the news source explained. Production of metallurgic coal in Australia, which is used in the steel making process, increased the global supply of the resource, further reducing prices. James River plans to continue operating as it reorganizes under court protection, though one or more portions of the company could be sold.
“The coal markets in the U.S. have changed dramatically during the past several years,” Chief Executive Officer Peter Socha said in a statement yesterday, according to Bloomberg.
Coal companies have also suffered as a result of President Barack Obama’s push for stricter greenhouse, Reuters explained.
James River will be entering into a $110 million debtor-in-possession financing facility with several large financial funds, according to the news source. The company said that it will use the funds to support its business, assuming approval by the bankruptcy court. It will also evaluate alternatives, like capital investment through a plan of reorganizing. James River shares traded above $60 in June 2008, but closed at 71 cents on the Nasdaq April 7.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

When a family member can no longer make important decisions for themself, the question is often not whether the family will step in, but whether they have the legal authority to do so. A spouse may manage household finances, or an adult child may arrange medical care and pay bills. Still, informal assistance does not […]
Author: Marc J. Comer

New Jersey residential developers with affordable housing obligations should carefully review their existing approvals, development agreements, and proposed deed restrictions in light of the State’s revised UHAC regulations (Uniform Housing Affordability Controls). The regulations, which took effect on November 6, 2025, significantly change the administration and physical requirements for affordable housing units. For developers with […]
Author: Wendy Rubinstein Quiroga

A “no comment” response is sometimes the right call when a legal problem arises. As a blanket policy, however, it lets allegations go unanswered, deadlines pass, evidence disappear, and manageable disputes grow into expensive litigation. The businesses that fare best are usually the ones that say little publicly while acting decisively behind the scenes. When […]
Author: Sean M. Pena

Utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly important component of the electric grid throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As renewable generation expands, electricity demand increases and grid operators seek greater flexibility, battery storage can help balance supply and demand while providing additional capacity and reliability. For developers, battery storage presents […]
Author: Nicholas Wall

A falling out between partners can be disastrous for any business. In many cases, the partnership will not survive. If you are in an unworkable situation with your partners, it may be time to consult a partnership dispute lawyer experienced in handling partnership breakups and dissolutions before the situation deteriorates any further. It is easy […]
Author: Jay McDaniel

When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many assume the process will culminate in a lengthy reorganization plan. However, distressed businesses are increasingly being sold through a different mechanism — a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Section 363 sale allows a company, as a debtor-in-possession in bankruptcy, to sell […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!