Akerman LLP is pleased to announce that it has expanded its Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice with partner John Thompson in Washington, D.C. Thompson joins the firm from McGuireWoods LLP in DC.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring companies across all industries significant disruption, distress or uncertainty,” said Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice Group Chair Andrea Hartley. “John has valuable experience representing debtors, creditors, acquirers, landlords and equity holders, both in and out of court, across a broad range of industries. His work will be critical to helping our clients navigate financial complexities as a result of the current market.”
Thompson focuses his practice on complex Chapter 11 cases and debtor and creditor rights. He handles business reorganizations and cross-border insolvency matters. Thompson has served as a key team member in the representation of numerous high-profile Chapter 11 debtors, including Enron, Worldcom, Northwest, and LyondellBasell. He also represented a number of creditors in the Takata, First Energy, White Star, and Lehman bankruptcies, and regularly advises financial institutions on trading contract and derivatives issues.
Dedicated to giving back to his community, Thompson frequently volunteers and handles pro bono matters. He served as counsel of record in the restructuring of a nonprofit school for emotionally disturbed adolescents and represented African-American police officers in their employment discrimination litigation against the city of Baltimore. Thompson actively participates in pro bono activities on behalf of veterans and military service members and serves as co-chair of the legislative committee for the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Veterans Task Force.
Before earning his law degree, Thompson served as a captain and helicopter pilot in the United States Army. During his service, Thompson commanded a company of 275 soldiers stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and led an air cavalry platoon of the 24th Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia.
