Atty. John D. Penn
John Penn is a partner in the Business practice focusing on bankruptcy and workouts. During his more than three decades of counsel, John has represented secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, trustees and unsecured creditor committees in major and high-profile reorganizations and insolvency proceedings.
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law & More Attorney · Serving Dallas, TX
Profile Summary
About John D. Penn at a Glance
John D. Penn is a bankruptcy attorney based in Dallas, Texas, practicing at Fox Rothschild LLP. Admitted to practice in New York, New York State Bar Association and Texas, State Bar of Texas. Educated at Baylor University (JD, 1982) and Baylor University (—, 1981). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Dallas, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John D. Penn
- John Penn is a partner in the Business practice focusing on bankruptcy and workouts
- During his more than three decades of counsel, John has represented secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, trustees and unsecured creditor committees in major and high-profile reorganizations and insolvency proceedings
- John is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy and past president of the American Bankruptcy Institute
- He is certified by both the American Board of Certification and Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Business Bankruptcy Law
- Throughout his career, John has counseled clients involved in complex Chapter 11 reorganizations and restructurings in a range of industries, including airlines, financial services, construction, energy, hospitality, home furnishings, nonprofits, timber and commercial real estate
- His background includes representing clients in bankruptcy litigation, including defending against attempts to recover alleged fraudulent transfers and preferential transfers, as well as equitable subordination
- Many of the clients he defended compromised the claims for substantial discounts, including "cost of defense" settlements
- John frequently provides commentary to the media on current issues and writes articles on topical issues, such as on new disclosure requirements for bankruptcy attorneys, fraudulent transfers in the Chrysler bankruptcy and credit bidding
- Recognized for the past decade by The Best Lawyers in America and "Super Lawyers," John served as a Director of the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation and was a member of the Executive Board of the Longhorn Council Boy Scouts of America where he also served as the Chairman of the Council’s National Eagle Scout Association Committee
Practice Areas Explained
John D. Penn's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John D. Penn handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Dallas.
Bankruptcy & Debt in Dallas
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
John D. Penn is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Dallas
Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Dallas are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Dallas Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Dallas-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Dallas or all attorneys in Texas.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Dallas Choose John D. Penn
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John D. Penn's practice in the field of bankruptcy.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in New York, New York State Bar Association and Texas, State Bar of Texas, John D. Penn can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Focused Bankruptcy Practice
Concentrating on bankruptcy means John D. Penn's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Dallas
A Dallas-based practice means John D. Penn attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues John D. Penn Handles in Dallas
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John D. Penn has experience with under Texas law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John D. Penn directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find John D. Penn Online
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John D. Penn's Practice Areas & Specializations
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