David D. MacKnight

David D. MacKnight

Rochester, NY recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1993
Lacy Katzen LLP

10 Best Lawyers awards

Lacy Katzen LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Biography

David D. MacKnight focuses his practice on Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, representing both consumer and business clients. His work includes insolvency matters involving liquidation and reorganization, as well as representation of secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy cases. Based in Rochester, New York, David is a member of Lacy Katzen LLP and regularly advises financial institutions, including providing comprehensive bankruptcy-related services to multiple credit unions with assets ranging from $50 million to more than $1 billion.

David has extensive experience briefing and arguing appeals, primarily arising from bankruptcy matters, before the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals. His appellate work reflects a detailed understanding of bankruptcy procedure and creditor rights issues.

In addition to direct representation, David provides litigation support, consulting, and analytical services for other attorneys handling bankruptcy and insolvency matters. His work often involves financial analysis, budgeting, auditing principles, management review, investigative methods, and process evaluation. He is frequently retained by bankruptcy trustees to assist with avoidance actions and related proceedings.

An important component of David’s practice is advising clients on strategies to prevent or reduce insolvency-related risks. This includes counseling on the structure and drafting of lease, loan, and security agreements, as well as sales and service contracts. He also works with clients to develop internal procedures that support effective management, planning, and credit review in order to address potential financial challenges before they escalate.

Lacy Katzen LLP

10 Best Lawyers awards

Lacy Katzen LLP logo

Overview

  • Ohio Wesleyan University, B.A., cum laude, graduated 1968
  • University of Chicago, J.D., graduated 1976

  • New York, Monroe County Bar Association
  • New York, New York State Bar Association
  • United States, United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit

  • Bankruptcy Court Committee - Previous Chairman
  • New York State Bar Association - Member
  • Monroe County Bar Association - Member

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
  • United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Courts Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Courts Western District of New York
  • New York, Monroe County Bar Association
  • New York, New York State Bar Association
  • United States, United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • Bankruptcy Court Committee - Previous Chairman
  • New York State Bar Association - Member
  • Monroe County Bar Association - Member
  • Ohio Wesleyan University, B.A., cum laude, graduated 1968
  • University of Chicago, J.D., graduated 1976
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
  • United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Courts Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Courts Western District of New York

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Rochester, NY (2025)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.

Please use the print button to print this profile page.

Spinning circle Big letter B