Francis J Lawall

Career

Fran represents major industrial and utility companies in complex bankruptcy workouts and litigation. Clients facing massive toxic tort liabilities rely on his guidance to take them through the reorganizations necessary to preserve their businesses.

Fran concentrates his practice on national bankruptcy matters and workouts, including the representation of major health care, energy, and steel companies, and creditors’ committees in commercial transactions, bankruptcy proceedings, and general litigation throughout the U.S. Engagements have included a comprehensive analysis of the liabilities presented and the implementation of programs to ensure a long-term resolution. He also has broad experience in the reorganization of companies plagued with massive toxic tort liabilities, as well as companies in the textile, automotive, clothing, and construction materials industries. He has represented numerous buyers and sellers of assets in and out of bankruptcy proceedings.

In addition to his undergraduate degree in economics, Fran earned a master’s degree in economics and finance, which has proven vital in assisting clients in understanding and solving complex financial problems. Fran has lectured and published extensively on restructuring and credit issues. In addition, he writes monthly articles on current bankruptcy topics for The Legal Intelligencer (Philadelphia). He regularly presents educational seminars to the National Petroleum Energy Credit Association and the International Energy Credit Association. He has also presented numerous programs to the Philadelphia Bar Association on various topics, including Representing the Asset Purchaser in Chapter 11, and to the American Bar Association Subcommittee on Mass and Massive Torts, concerning the use of limited fund class actions as an alternative to bankruptcy. In addition, he routinely lectures to various creditor groups concerning general bankruptcy issues, including preferences, reclamation, the role of creditors’ committees and related litigation issues.