John C. Goodchild, III is a co-leader of the firm’s bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency practice. He represents financial institutions, investors, fiduciaries, and corporate trustees in restructuring proceedings, workouts, and distressed situations. A trial lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience in disputes arising from financial distress due to fraud and misconduct, John has led the defense of numerous actions brought by bankruptcy trustees, receivers, and liquidators asserting breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting, fraudulent transfer, subordination and preference.
John represents investors and fiduciaries appointed in non-US jurisdictions in Chapter 15 cases and other cross-border restructuring matters involving corporations, investment funds, and private equity structures. He represents plan sponsors and health and welfare plans in employee benefits and ERISA litigation relating to restructuring proceedings, workouts, and financial distress.
John is a co-founder and the lead coordinator of the Morgan Lewis Trial Academy, an intensive weeklong trial training program for the firm’s most senior associates. He serves as the chair of the firm's Fiduciary Review Committee. As an adjunct faculty member of the Villanova University School of Law, he teaches a course on trial presentation.
Recognized, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Philadelphia, The Best Lawyers in America (2022–2024)
Ranked, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Philadelphia & Surrounds, Chambers USA (2019, 2021–2023)
Ranked, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Pennsylvania, Chambers USA (2009–2019)
Recommended, Finance: Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate, The Legal 500 US (2015, 2017–2022)
Best Law Firm Mentor, The Legal Intelligencer (2021)
Highly Regarded – State, IFLR1000 Financial and Corporate (2019–2023)
Highly Regarded – State, IFLR1000 United States (2019, 2020)
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member, New Jersey Bar Association
Member, American Bankruptcy Institute
Fellow, Temple University Academy of Advocacy