Atty. John J. Monaghan
John J. Monaghan is the national practice group leader of the firm's Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors' Rights Practice Group.
'Bet The Company' Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Boston, MA · 41+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About John J. Monaghan at a Glance
John J. Monaghan is a bankruptcy and litigation attorney based in Boston, Massachusetts, practicing at Holland & Knight LLP. They have 41+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1985. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association (1985). Educated at Boston University School of Law (—). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Serves clients in Boston, MA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John J. Monaghan
- John J. Monaghan is the national practice group leader of the firm's Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors' Rights Practice Group
- Mr. Monaghan is particularly focused on representing major case participants in complex commercial Chapter 11 cases
- His extensive bankruptcy practice has involved representation of a wide range of clients, including Chapter 11 debtors, creditors’ committees, equity committees, lenders, purchasers of assets, landlords, licensors, trustees, parties to prepetition contracts and leases, defendants in adversary proceedings and unsecured creditors
- His experience crosses a broad array of industries, including finance, leasing, manufacturing, real estate, technology, telecommunications, retail, healthcare, resort and hospitality, franchise, food service, maritime and the airline industry
- He advises clients on the business aspects of bankruptcy and workouts, and represents clients in matters in the Bankruptcy Court, as well as in other state and federal courts
- Matters in which Mr. Monaghan has been lead counsel have resulted in the issuance of over a dozen published opinions on topics ranging from the standing of creditors' committees to pursue a Chapter 11 debtor's causes of action to the adequate protection rights of secured parties when an estate representative seeks to return goods in satisfaction of a vendor's prepetition claim
- He has been named as a top bankruptcy lawyer by The Best Lawyers In America, Chambers USA, The Deal and Massachusetts Super Lawyers
- In 2008, Mr. Monaghan was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy, a professional, educational and honorary association whose membership is limited to those in the profession who exemplify the highest standards of professional and ethical standards
- A frequent lecturer on bankruptcy issues, Mr. Monaghan has presented seminars on representing debtors in commercial Chapter 11 cases, debtor in possession financing, cash collateral usage and adequate protection issues and transferring assets in Chapter 11 cases for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program
- competing plans of reorganization for the Boston Bar Association CLE Program
- the Bankruptcy Code safe harbors for financial industry transactions, constitutional issues arising from BAPCPA and representing purchasers from Chapter 11 estates for the American Bankruptcy Institute
- amendments to the Bankruptcy Code for the Practicing Law Institute
- as well as creditor issues in bankruptcy, asset protection, bankruptcy taxation and fraudulent conveyances to various industry groups and continuing professional education organizations
Practice Areas Explained
John J. Monaghan's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John J. Monaghan handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Boston.
Bankruptcy & Debt in Boston
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
John J. Monaghan is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Massachusetts →
Civil Litigation in Boston
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
John J. Monaghan is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Massachusetts →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Boston
Practicing law in Massachusetts. Legal matters in Massachusetts are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Boston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Massachusetts state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Boston Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Boston-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 Massachusetts attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Boston or all attorneys in Massachusetts.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Boston Choose John J. Monaghan
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 J. Monaghan's practice in the field of bankruptcy and litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
John J. Monaghan brings 41+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering bankruptcy and litigation, John J. Monaghan can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Boston
A Boston-based practice means John J. Monaghan 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 J. Monaghan Handles in Boston
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John J. Monaghan has experience with under Massachusetts 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 J. Monaghan directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find John J. Monaghan Online
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John J. Monaghan's Practice Areas & Specializations
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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