Derek Wright is an experienced litigator and advisor in complex bankruptcy and insolvency matters, guiding clients through chapter 11 proceedings, out-of-court restructurings, high-stakes bankruptcy litigation, section 363 asset sales, and other insolvency- related matters and distressed scenarios.
Derek represents a diverse array of stakeholders, including creditors, secured creditors, trustees, creditors’ committees and debtors. He regularly leads creditors and trustees through large and complex Chapter 11 cases, across a broad range of industries. His work includes notable representations in the Chapter 11 proceedings of JCPenney, LATAM Airlines, Halcón Resources Corporation, and Avianca Holdings.
In addition to bankruptcy proceedings, Derek successfully represents clients in significant bankruptcy-related litigation. This includes his work as counsel to a trustee in a multi-national litigation effort seeking the recovery of nearly $1 billion through various creditor claims. His depth of experience and ability to navigate challenging financial disputes make him a valuable asset for clients facing complex insolvency issues.
Representative Matters
- Omnicare, LLC: Co-leads a team serving as lead bankruptcy counsel for Omnicare, LLC, a CVS Health subsidiary, guiding the company through Chapter 11 proceedings to address a nearly $1 billion False Claims Act judgment and industry-wide challenges. The team’s work includes leading complex restructuring negotiations and exploring strategic alternatives for the nationwide pharmacy services provider.
- Halcon Resources Corp: Represented the indenture trustee as a member of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for this independent energy company.
- Samson Resources: Represented the indenture trustee as Co-Chair of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for this private oil and gas company in connection with the restructuring of over a billion dollars in debt.
- JCPenney Corporation, Inc: Represented the indenture trustee and collateral agent for $500 million in senior secured bond debt in one of the largest retail bankruptcy filings.
- LATAM Airlines Group, SA and Avianca Holdings SA: Represented a significant creditor supporting US travel agencies and global travel suppliers with respect to these two major international airline carriers.
- Guaranty Financial Group Inc: Represented the indenture trustee and largest creditor of this bank holding company in one of the largest savings and loan failures in US history.
Credentials
Overview
Derek Wright is an experienced litigator and advisor in complex bankruptcy and insolvency matters, guiding clients through chapter 11 proceedings, out-of-court restructurings, high-stakes bankruptcy litigation, section 363 asset sales, and other insolvency- related matters and distressed scenarios.
Derek represents a diverse array of stakeholders, including creditors, secured creditors, trustees, creditors’ committees and debtors. He regularly leads creditors and trustees through large and complex Chapter 11 cases, across a broad range of industries. His work includes notable representations in the Chapter 11 proceedings of JCPenney, LATAM Airlines, Halcón Resources Corporation, and Avianca Holdings.
In addition to bankruptcy proceedings, Derek successfully represents clients in significant bankruptcy-related litigation. This includes his work as counsel to a trustee in a multi-national litigation effort seeking the recovery of nearly $1 billion through various creditor claims. His depth of experience and ability to navigate challenging financial disputes make him a valuable asset for clients facing complex insolvency issues.
Areas of Focus
Representative Matters
- Omnicare, LLC: Co-leads a team serving as lead bankruptcy counsel for Omnicare, LLC, a CVS Health subsidiary, guiding the company through Chapter 11 proceedings to address a nearly $1 billion False Claims Act judgment and industry-wide challenges. The team’s work includes leading complex restructuring negotiations and exploring strategic alternatives for the nationwide pharmacy services provider.
- Halcon Resources Corp: Represented the indenture trustee as a member of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for this independent energy company.
- Samson Resources: Represented the indenture trustee as Co-Chair of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for this private oil and gas company in connection with the restructuring of over a billion dollars in debt.
- JCPenney Corporation, Inc: Represented the indenture trustee and collateral agent for $500 million in senior secured bond debt in one of the largest retail bankruptcy filings.
- LATAM Airlines Group, SA and Avianca Holdings SA: Represented a significant creditor supporting US travel agencies and global travel suppliers with respect to these two major international airline carriers.
- Guaranty Financial Group Inc: Represented the indenture trustee and largest creditor of this bank holding company in one of the largest savings and loan failures in US history.
Credentials
Admissions
- Illinois
- New York
Education
- University of Wisconsin Law School, JD, cum laude
- University of Michigan, BA