Derek represents Fortune 1000, local, international and other organizations as lead or Delaware counsel in bankruptcy proceedings and litigation on behalf of debtors, creditors, official and ad hoc committees and transactional case constituents.
Derek regularly works with debtors-in-possession (“DIP”) and exit financing lenders, as well as outside and inside counsel, turnaround professionals, crisis management firms, and investment and non-investment bank professionals. His recent client representations include AT&T Inc., General Motors Corporation, Quality Care Properties, Philips International, Viacom Inc., TD Bank, and Nortel Networks.
Derek is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, receiving a B.S. in 1987. He has made the honor, leadership, and discipline that are the hallmarks of that institution the cornerstones of his professional career. In 2016, he was invited to join the 28th Class of Fellows of the American College of Bankruptcy. In 2018, he was presented the Delaware State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Commitment Award, recognizing his sterling commitment to pro bono work throughout his career. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Caleb R. Layton III Service Award, given by the judges of the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Delaware to an attorney who personifies the qualities of a federal practitioner: legal acumen, professional decorum, and public service. Derek’s Delaware community activities are frequent and diverse ranging from assisting the Delaware Legal Services Community with fundraising activities, to serving as legal counsel for a variety of indigent clients through Delaware Volunteer Legal Services. He chairs the Morris Nichols pro bono committee and sits on the Firm’s recruiting committee.
He frequently presents before national and Delaware bar associations, bankruptcy organizations and other business and professional audiences. His client and peer recommendations are numerous and have resulted in his recognition by Chambers USA: Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
Wilmington, DE (August 20, 2020) – Thirty-one Morris Nichols attorneys were recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 67,000 eligible attorneys. Five Morris Nichols attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted with an asterisk below). This... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 28, 2020) – Fourteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in 2020 Delaware Super Lawyers. Ken Nachbar and Bill Lafferty appear on the “Top 10” list recognizing the Delaware lawyers who received the highest point totals – with Bill designated as the “Number One” attorney on the Top 10. In... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (April 23, 2020) – Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP appears in the top tier in four Delaware practice categories in the 2020 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business released today. The prestigious Chambers guide has consistently ranked Morris Nichols as a Band 1 law firm for Delaware... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2019) – Thirty-five Morris Nichols attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 94,000 eligible attorneys. Seven firm attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted with an asterisk below).... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 6, 2019) – IFLR United States – The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Firms again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP in two Delaware tables ranking the top M&A law firms and the leading restructuring and insolvency law firms. Based on transactional evidence and peer and client feedback, seven firm... Continue Reading
Fifteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in 2019 Delaware Super Lawyers. Derek C. Abbott and William M. Lafferty appear on the “Top 10” list recognizing the Delaware lawyers who received the highest point totals – with Bill designated as the “Number One” attorney on the Top 10. In addition,... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (April 25, 2019) – The 2019 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Guide to Leading Lawyers for Business has again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a leading Delaware law firm in four practice categories. For more than a decade, Morris Nichols has consistently been ranked Band 1 in Chambers’ Delaware tables for... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (October 24, 2018) – Today, Derek C. Abbott was presented the Commitment Award at the 2018 Christopher W. White Distinguished Access to Justice Awards. The honor is given by the Delaware State Bar Association to a member of the Bar who has demonstrated a sterling commitment to pro bono work throughout his or her career by... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (September 17, 2018) – The 2018 edition of IFLR United States – The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Firms has been released. Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP appears at the top of the two Delaware tables ranking the leading M&A law firms and the leading restructuring and insolvency law firms. “Considered... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (September 14, 2018) – A pro bono team from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP has successfully appealed a veteran’s claim for disability benefits, securing a compensation award of more than $250,000 for past-due benefits. Through an appointment from the Veterans Law Clinic (“VLC”) at Widener University Delaware Law... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2018) – Thirty-three attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 87,000 eligible attorneys. Three firm attorneys earned “Lawyer of the Year” designations... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 18, 2018) – Seventeen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in 2018 Delaware Super Lawyers. William M. Lafferty was ranked number one on the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, Kimberly Gill McKinnon, D. McKinley (Mac) Measley, Andrew R. Remming, and... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 3, 2018) – Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP has been ranked Band 1 in four Delaware practice categories in the 2018 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. The firm was ranked in the highest tier for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2017) – Thirty-two attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 83,000 eligible attorneys. Six firm attorneys earned “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 26, 2017) – The 2017 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a Band 1 law firm in the Delaware categories for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and Intellectual Property. Twenty-three... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 12, 2017) – Sixteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion to the 2017 Delaware Super Lawyers list. William M. Lafferty was named to the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, Kimberly Gill McKinnon, D. McKinley (Mac) Measley, and Curtis S. Miller were... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (November 10, 2016) – The American College of Bankruptcy announced today that Morris Nichols partner Derek Abbott will be inducted as a Fellow of the 28th Class of the College on March 10, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Derek is one of 30 insolvency professionals being honored and recognized for their professional excellence and... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2016) – Thirty attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 79,000 eligible attorneys. Six firm attorneys earned “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 27, 2016) – The 2016 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a Band 1 law firm in the Delaware categories for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and Intellectual Property. Twenty-five Morris... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 13, 2016) – Seventeen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion to the 2016 Delaware Super Lawyers list. Jack B. Blumenfeld was named to the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, D. McKinley (Mac) Measley, Curtis S. Miller, and Matthew R. Clark were recognized as... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (September 30, 2015) – Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP partner Derek Abbott has been identified as a leading restructuring and insolvency attorney by the Who’s Who Legal independent research team. He will be listed in the upcoming publication, Who’s Who Legal: Restructuring & Insolvency 2016. As a member of the... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 17, 2015) – Thirty attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 79,000 eligible attorneys. Jack B. Blumenfeld was named the Best Lawyers® 2016 Litigation-Intellectual... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 19, 2015) – The 2015 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a Band 1 law firm in the Delaware categories for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and Intellectual Property. Twenty-three Morris Nichols... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 15, 2015) – Sixteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion to the 2015 Delaware Super Lawyers. Jack B. Blumenfeld was named to the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, Curtis S. Miller and Matthew R. Clark were recognized as 2015 Delaware Rising Stars. Morris... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 18, 2014) – Twenty-eight attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell were selected for inclusion in the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 50,000 attorneys. Two partners received special recognition as 2015 Delaware Lawyer of the Year: Jack... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (July 1, 2014) – Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell partners Derek C. Abbott and Robert J. Dehney have been recognized in the Who’s Who Legal: Insolvency & Restructuring 2014. Through client and peer research, the independent guide evaluates hundreds of attorneys worldwide to identify leaders in the field. As members of... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 19, 2014) – 17 Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers - Delaware Edition 2013. Jack Blumenfeld and A. Gilchrist Sparks, III, were named to the Best of the Best Top 10 Delaware Super Lawyers list. In addition, attorneys Eric Klinger-Wilensky and Curtis Miller were recognized as 2014 Delaware... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 23, 2014) – The 2014 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business today ranked twenty-one Morris Nichols’ attorneys and four practice groups as best in Delaware. Chambers annually conducts in-depth interviews of commercial users of legal services to assess the strengths and reputations of US... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (April 28, 2014) – The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) announced that Derek C. Abbott of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP has been elected to ABI’s Board of Directors. An ABI member since 1998 Abbott has been a speaker, a member of ABI’s Business Reorganization Committee and assisted in the planning of various... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (March, 2014) – The Firm congratulates its 21 attorneys who will be included in the 2014 Chambers USA “Leaders in their Field” legal directory by Chambers & Partners. Several practices and lawyers are recognized in more than one area. Delaware A Gilchrist Sparks III, Chancery & Corporate /M&A Derek C Abbott,... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 21, 2013) – Morris Nichols is pleased to announce that two thirds of the firm's partnership have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. The firm was noted for 60 individual specialty selections, 22 "Top-Listed" practice specialties, and five individual 2014 Delaware Lawyers of the... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 23, 2013) – 22 Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers - Delaware Edition 2013. Rick Alexander and A. Gilchrist Sparks, III, were named to the Best of the Best Top 10 Delaware Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 24, 2013) – The 2013 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business today ranked seventeen Morris Nichols’ attorneys and four practice groups as best in Delaware. Chambers annually conducts in-depth interviews of commercial users of legal services to assess the strengths and reputations of US... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 31, 2012) – 28 Morris Nichols attorneys have been named to The Best Lawyers in America 2013 in twenty two practice areas. Morris Nichols lawyers were selected for outstanding reputations and distinguished work in their practice areas based on a confidential peer-review survey of the top attorneys in the country, according... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (September 23, 2011) – Morris Nichols Business Reorganization & Restructuring partner Derek Abbott is the 2011 recipient of the Caleb R. Layton III Service Award. The annual award is given by the judges of the United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Delaware to an attorney who personifies the... Continue Reading
Appearing in the Summer 2015 edition, the article outlines a set of “best practices” for understanding and complying with an increasingly complex array of statutes, federal and local rules, U.S. Trustee guidelines, fee auditor requirements, and...
Morris Nichols is proud to sponsor the American Bankruptcy Institute’s full-day CLE program on complex financial restructuring on February 27, 2019 in Las Vegas. Focusing on a case study, the event offers a unique approach to understanding the role of investment bankers and financial advisors in insolvency and restructuring. Morris Nichols... Continue Reading
From April 19-22, 2018, the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) hosts the 36th Annual Spring Meeting, “Capital Connection” in Washington, DC. Morris Nichols partner and ABI board member Derek Abbott will moderate the April 21 session, “Latest Use of Litigation Finance in Insolvency Proceedings.” The panel will provide an overview of... Continue Reading
The American Bankruptcy Institute hosts a full-day CLE program on complex financial restructuring on November 2, 2017 in Philadelphia. Featuring competing teams and a faculty of industry leaders, the event is focused on real case studies. Morris Nichols partner Derek Abbott serves as faculty and will speak at the event. CLE opportunities are... Continue Reading
The Philadelphia Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association hosts an educational and networking event in Wilmington, Del. on October 19, 2017. The program will feature a discussion on recent developments in the restructuring and turnaround industry. Panelists will include the Hon. Laurie Selber Silverstein, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the... Continue Reading
The Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia will co-sponsor a two-day CLE program on “Consumer and Business Bankruptcy” from September 29-30, 2016 in Greensboro, Ga. Morris Nichols partner Derek Abbott will speak in the Thursday afternoon session, “Turmoil in the Energy... Continue Reading
On June 17, 2016, the Delaware State Bar Association hosts the annual Bench and Bar Conference in Wilmington, Del. Morris Nichols partner Derek Abbott will serve as a panelist in the bankruptcy break-out session, moderated by The Honorable Brendan L. Shannon, Chief Judge U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware. CLE opportunities are available.... Continue Reading
The American Bankruptcy Institute hosts its annual spring meeting in Washington, D.C. from April 14-17, 2016. Morris Nichols partner Derek Abbott will participate in the session, “Everything You Need to Know About Liquidating Chapter 11 Plans” on April 16. Panelists with provide debtor perspective, explaining how to successfully use a chapter... Continue Reading
The American Bankruptcy Institute hosts its annual program on complex financial restructuring on November 5, 2015 in Philadelphia. Taking a practical look into restructuring strategies, the day-long event will focus on a real case study of a troubled company’s efforts to reorganize. Morris Nichols partner Derek Abbott serves on the program... Continue Reading
From October 5-7, 2015, the Turnaround Management Association hosts its annual conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. Morris Nichols partner Derek C. Abbott will participate in the panel discussion, “Keips, Kerps, Retentions and Other Compensation Packages: A Turnaround Manager's Tool Kit” on October 6. Speakers will explore the various tools... Continue Reading
On Dec. 10, 2014, Bankruptcy Judges of the District of Delaware and many experienced practitioners and mediators from Delaware and around the country will join together for a day-long CLE seminar. Sponsored by the Bankruptcy Section of the Delaware State Bar Association, the program will focus on the ever-growing breadth of mediation in... Continue Reading
Morris Nichols is a sponsor of the 11th Annual Complex Financial Restructuring Program on Nov. 6, 2014. Hosted by the American Bankruptcy Institute in partnership with the Turnaround Management Association’s Philadelphia chapter, the day-long program will take place on the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business campus. Morris... Continue Reading
The American Bankruptcy Institute hosts its annual spring meeting in Washington, D.C. from April 24-24, 2014. Morris Nichols partner Derek Abbott will participate in the session, “Dilemmas of Dying Businesses: Practical and Ethical Issues to Consider When Representing Businesses that Are on Death’s Doorstep.”.. Continue Reading
Derek C. Abbott, member of the Morris Nichols Business Reorganization and Restructuring Group, will be a featured panelist at the American Bankruptcy Institute’s 9th Annual Complex Financial Restructuring Program, September 13-14, 2012, at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. Derek will join a distinguished group of co-panelists who will assume the... Continue Reading
Derek C. Abbott and Gregory W. Werkheiser, members of the Morris Nichols Business Reorganization and Restructuring Group, will be featured speakers at the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) 10th Anniversary Mid-Atlantic Regional Symposium, June 13-14, 2012, at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Derek is the... Continue Reading
Morris Nichols Business Reorganization & Restructuring partner Derek Abbott will serve as a panel speaker for Townsends Case Study at the 9th Annual Turnaround Management Association (TMA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Symposium, June 9, 2011, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The panel will discuss the sale and legal issues involved in the Townsends,... Continue Reading