John Penn

Practice Areas

With more than four decades of experience in bankruptcy and restructuring, John Penn has built a distinguished practice representing secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, trustees and unsecured creditor committees in high-profile reorganizations and insolvency proceedings across the country.

A fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy and a past president of the American Bankruptcy Institute, John brings deep institutional knowledge and a thorough understanding of insolvency law to every engagement. Clients and colleagues recognize John for his tenacious advocacy and his pragmatic, results-oriented approach to dispute resolution. He is adept at balancing aggressive representation with sound judgment, consistently working toward outcomes that serve his clients' strategic and financial objectives.

John has guided clients through complex Chapter 11 reorganizations and restructurings spanning a broad range of industries, including aviation, financial services, construction, energy, hospitality, home furnishings, nonprofits, timber, and commercial real estate. His experience extends to contested bankruptcy litigation, where he has defended clients against actions to recover alleged fraudulent transfers and preferential transfers, as well as claims of equitable subordination. In many of these matters, John has helped clients resolve disputes on favorable terms, including negotiated settlements that resulted in substantial reductions to the claims asserted.

John holds dual board certifications in Business Bankruptcy Law — from the American Board of Certification (since 1992) and the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (since 1991).

Career

John joined Fox from a global law firm. He previously practiced at global and regional law firms.

Professional Memberships

American College of Bankruptcy Foundation Director (2010-2018) | Longhorn Council Boy Scouts of America (2004-2017) | Tarrant County Chapter of March of Dimes (1995-2004) | American Bankruptcy Institute, Chairman (2007-2008), President (2005 -2006), Vice President for Publications (2001-2004), Executive Committee (2001-2008), Co-Chair of Veterans and Servicemembers Task Force (2018-2023) | American Board of Certification, Chairman (2003-2004), President (2002-2003), Executive Committee (1999-2004) | American College of Bankruptcy, Fellow (18th Induction Class, 2007) | Tarrant County Bankruptcy Bar Association, Past President

Education