Biography
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).
Before Fox Rothschild
John joined us from a global law firm. He previously practiced at global and regional law firms.
Beyond Fox Rothschild
John has been active in the Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as chairman and a member of the executive board, and was a leader in the Tarrant County Chapter of the March of Dimes.
Bar Admissions
- Texas
- New York
Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Education
- Baylor University School of Law (J.D., 1982)
- Baylor University (B.B.A., 1981)
Memberships
- 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
Board of Directors
- 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)
Honors & Awards
- Recipient of the American Bankruptcy Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
- Recognized in the Chambers USA Guide for Bankruptcy/Restructuring in Texas (2009-2010, 2019-2026)
- Selected to the Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyers guide (2020, 2022-2023)
- Selected to the "Best Lawyers in America" list for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation - Bankruptcy (2003-2026)
- Named to the list of "Super Lawyers" for Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights (2003-2026)
- Selected as one of Fort Worth's Top Attorneys in Bankruptcy in Fort Worth Texas Magazine (2008, 2010-2011, 2013)
- Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell

