Bio

Derek Abbott regularly works with debtors-in-possession (DIP), DIP and exit financing lenders, as well as outside and inside counsel, turnaround professionals, independent and special committees of directors, crisis management firms, and investment and non-investment bank professionals. His recent client representations include the Boy Scouts of America, John Varvatos Enterprises, Grupo AeroMexico, Papa Gino’s, AT&T Inc., General Motors Corporation, Philips International, Viacom Inc., TD Bank, and Nortel Networks. He has also served as Chapter 11 Trustee and Chapter 7 Trustee of Tough Mudder. Derek frequently serves as a mediator in matters related to insolvency and distressed businesses, including both adversary proceedings and case-dispositive matters. In addition, Derek has served as an expert witness in matters involving restructuring and bankruptcy matters both domestically and internationally. Derek is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point. He has made the honor, leadership, and discipline that are the hallmarks of that institution the cornerstones of his professional career. In 2016, he was invited to join the 28th Class of Fellows of the American College of Bankruptcy. In 2018, he was presented the Delaware State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Commitment Award, recognizing his sterling commitment to pro bono work throughout his career. He was also the recipient of the 2011 Caleb R. Layton III Service Award, given by the judges of the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Delaware to an attorney who personifies the qualities of a federal practitioner: legal acumen, professional decorum, and public service. Derek’s Delaware community activities are frequent and diverse ranging from assisting the Delaware Legal Services Community with fundraising activities, to serving as legal counsel for a variety of indigent clients through Delaware Volunteer Legal Services. He chairs the Morris Nichols pro bono committee and sits on the firm’s recruiting committee. He frequently presents before national and Delaware bar associations, bankruptcy organizations and other business and professional audiences. His client and peer recommendations are numerous and have resulted in his recognition by Chambers USA: Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.