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Thad Wilson is a partner, trusted counselor, and skilled attorney who represents financial institutions, companies, directors and officers, and other parties in stressed and distressed situations and related litigation, including in Chapter 11 bankruptcies, out-of-court restructurings, foreclosures, assignments for the benefit of creditors, and other corporate and insolvency matters.

As the leader of King & Spalding’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Litigation practice, Thad has been recognized as a leading bankruptcy lawyer in Chambers USA and as the Georgia Bankruptcy Litigation 2023 and 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America. His clients commend him for being an “excellent lawyer who is strategic and deal-oriented” and for “help[ing]. . . navigate complex processes.” Thad specializes in representing parties in high-stakes litigation, jury trials, and insolvency proceedings involving lender liability, creditors’ rights, fraudulent transfers, and alter ego. Thad frequently advises boards of directors and special board committees in connection with restructurings and liability management transactions, constructing bankruptcy-related corporate compliance programs, and defending against government investigations. In addition to his extensive experience with real estate restructurings and disputes (having worked out, restructured, foreclosed on, and acquired over $5 billion of distressed real estate loans in almost every asset class, including office, multi-family, student housing, hotels, senior living and skilled nursing, hospitals, retail, industrial, and data centers), Thad has significant experience in connection with distressed companies and credits in the cryptocurrency, technology, media and telecom, energy, healthcare, and financial services sectors.

Thad was a member of Leadership Atlanta's Class of 2024 and is focused on positively impacting the Atlanta community through active involvement in civic and charitable organizations. In 2021, he was honored for his legal accomplishments and community involvement by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta's "40 Under 40," along with other "up and comers," including a U.S. Senator and a former Major League Baseball MVP.  Thad is deeply devoted to the Atlanta community and a proud member of the board of directors of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, where he serves as Assistant Treasurer and on the Finance and Audit and External Relations Committees.

Thad also devotes significant time to the restructuring professional community as the Chair-Elect of the Atlanta Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association and as a Barrister of the W. Homer Drake, Jr. Georgia Bankruptcy American Inn of Court. He is also a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Atlanta Bar Association (Bankruptcy Section), and the State Bar of Georgia (Bankruptcy Section).

Thad has been interviewed on TV and quoted in numerous publications, including Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Bloomberg News, on a variety of financial and bankruptcy-related topics. He is also a frequent lecturer, including as a Financial Poise faculty member, and author of numerous articles.

A native of Holland, Michigan, Thad received his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law, with distinction.  While in law school, Thad served as the Executive Editor of the Iowa Law Review. Thad received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics, magna cum laude, from Furman University.

Full Bio

Credentials

J.D., University of Iowa, with distinction

B.A., Economics, Furman University, Magna Cum Laude

Georgia

Supreme Court of Georgia

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

American Bankruptcy Institute

American Bar Association

Atlanta Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section

State Bar of Georgia, Bankruptcy Section

Structured Finance Network

Turnaround Management Association

W. Homer Drake, Jr. Georgia Bankruptcy American Inn of Court

Recognized for Bankruptcy Litigation


Best Lawyers 2022

Named to 40 Under 40 List


ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE, 2021

Leading Bankruptcy Lawyer


Chambers USA, 2021

Close

Recognition

Recognized for Bankruptcy Litigation


Best Lawyers 2022

Named to 40 Under 40 List


ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE, 2021

Leading Bankruptcy Lawyer


Chambers USA, 2021

Matters

Insolvency-Related & Lender Liability Litigation

Representing an international bank in connection with alleged fraudulent transfer claims in connection with the Bernard Madoff SIPA proceedings (S.D.N.Y.)

Representing numerous borrowers and guarantors in connection with distressed real estate situations

Represented a Fortune 100 Company in defeating alleged fraudulent transfer claims brought to enjoin the spinoff of a multi-billion-dollar-revenue division and prohibit the payment of dividends (N.D. Fla.)

See more

Close

Matters

Insolvency-Related & Lender Liability Litigation

Representing an international bank in connection with alleged fraudulent transfer claims in connection with the Bernard Madoff SIPA proceedings (S.D.N.Y.)

Representing numerous borrowers and guarantors in connection with distressed real estate situations

Represented a Fortune 100 Company in defeating alleged fraudulent transfer claims brought to enjoin the spinoff of a multi-billion-dollar-revenue division and prohibit the payment of dividends (N.D. Fla.)

Represented Citibank and its affiliates in their successful defense of alleged fraudulent transfer, improper liquidation, and contract claims brought by Chapter 11 trustee in the Thornburg Mortgage bankruptcy case (Bankr. D. Md.)

Represented major international financial institution in connection with litigation brought by foreign representative in the Oro Negro Chapter 15 bankruptcy case (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented ORIX USA, L.P. and its affiliates in connection with alleged lender liability claims asserted by four borrowers and owners of multi-family properties (Ga. State-Wide Business Court)

Represented Sculptor Capital in connection with bankruptcy plan-related discovery efforts in connection with the Puerto Rico bankruptcy case

Represented Chinese bankruptcy administrator in first-of-its-kind litigation in the United States against the debtor’s former parent company and officers and directors and obtained $15 million jury verdict and judgment (N.D. Ga.)

Represented guarantors of office tower financing facility in successful defense of claims asserted by mezzanine lender (S.D.N.Y.)

Represented Triangle Capital Corporation in defeating lender liability claims asserted by second-lien lenders in connection with the bankruptcy case of CRS Reprocessing, LLC (S.D.N.Y.)

Represented SunTrust Bank, as former second lien collateral agent and letter of credit lender, to protect its rights and defeat threatened litigation in the La Paloma Generating Company bankruptcy case (Bankr. Del.)

Represented Citibank in defense of the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee’s motion to obtain standing in the Sabine Oil & Gas bankruptcy case (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited in its defense and settlement of alleged fraudulent conveyance litigation, with alleged damages exceeding $1 billion, brought by the Chapter 11 debtor in In re The Flintkote Company (Bankr. Del.)

Represented Prestige Communications of NC, Inc. and its affiliates in their successful, complete defense of litigation involving $800 million fraudulent conveyance claim brought by the liquidating trustee in In re Adelphia Communications Corp. (S.D.N.Y.)

Represented a multi-national electronics manufacturer in its defense of multi-million-dollar preference actions brought by the debtors in In re Circuit City Stores, Inc. (Bankr. E.D. Va.), In re Ultimate Acquisition Partners, LP (Bankr. D. Del.), and In re Tweeter Opco, LLC (Bankr. D. Del.)

Prepared expert opinion on legal issues related to Georgia fraudulent conveyance law on behalf of party in a major international arbitration

Distressed Company Representations

Representing a publicly traded construction company in connection with out-of-court restructuring

Represented Pareteum Corporation--a public company--and eight of its domestic and foreign affiliates in connection with their Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases and the sale of substantially all of their assets, which sale won the Americas Distressed M&A Deal of the Year for the Middle Market category at the 2022 Global M&A Networks M&A Atlas Awards (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented Global Brokerage, Inc. in connection with its prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy case (one of 2017’s largest bankruptcies) and a subsequent out-of-court restructuring (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented engineering and architecture firm in connection with its out-of-court workout negotiations

Represented Stratum Energy, LLC, an exploration and production company, with its out-of-court restructuring

Represented large Southeast restaurant chain in connection with its out-of-court workout negotiations

Represented one of the first natural gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities in the Western Hemisphere in In re Juniper GTL LLC, which was named TMA Small Company Transaction of the year for 2016 (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)

Represented alternative biofuel company as Chapter 11 debtor in In re KiOR, Inc. (Bankr. D. Del.)

Represented Atherogenics, Inc. in connection with its bankruptcy case (Bankr. N.D. Ga.)

Director, Officer & Special Board Committee Representations

Representing special committee of publicly traded technology company in connection with evaluation of strategic alternatives

Representing former director, officer, and co-owner of Mountain Express Oil Company

Representing former officer of Celsius Networks

Represented the independent directors of a publicly traded telecom company in connection with restructuring efforts

Represented the independent directors of Fusion Connect, Inc. in connection with a substantial out-of-court restructuring

Represented current and former directors and officers of CBL & Associates Properties Inc. in connection with obtaining broad third-party releases in CBL's bankruptcy case (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)

Represented current and former directors and officers of American Addiction Centers, Inc. (Bankr. D. Del.)

Represented former directors and officers of Quorum Health Corporation (Bankr. D. Del.), Adeptus Health (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), Implant Sciences Corporation (Bankr. D. Del.), and iPractice, Inc. (Bankr. M.D. Tenn.)

Creditor Representations

Representing national bank in connection with numerous real estate-related loans

Represented PNC Bank, N.A. in connection with the bankruptcy cases of Akumin, Inc. and its affiliates (S.D. Tex.)

Represented countless secured creditors and mezzanine lenders in connection with exercising their rights and remedies under billions of dollars of loans in connection with equity pledges, real property mortgages, and liens on personal property

Represented margin loan lender in connection with restructuring of a $100+ million loan where lender was repaid in full

Represented Deutsche Bank in connection with its role as collateral agent for in excess of $4 billion in priority guaranty notes in In re iHeartMedia (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)

Representing major credit card processor in numerous Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases throughout the United States

Represented Carter’s, Inc., the largest non-toy supplier in In re Toys R’ Us (Bankr. E.D. Va.)

Represented The Coca-Cola Company in connection with the Perkins & Marie Callender’s bankruptcy case (Bankr. D. Del.)

Represented Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and its affiliates to protect their interests in dozens of bankruptcy cases, including In re ERG Intermediate Holdings, LLC (Bankr. N.D. Tex.)

Represented Goldman Sachs Realty Management lender in Chapter 11 single-asset real-estate bankruptcy case involving $40 million in notes secured by office park development in In re Lichtin/Wade, LLC (Bankr. E.D.N.C.)

Represented landlords and tenants in numerous bankruptcy cases and out-of-court distressed lease and guaranty renegotiations

Distressed Acquisitions

Represented numerous real estate investors in their purchase and sale of distress real estate properties and distressed debt

Represented entertainment producer in connection with its acquisition of The Walking Dead video game franchise and related assets out of an assignment for the benefit of creditors

Represented Jack Cooper Holdings Corp. in its $135 million acquisition through 363 sales process of Allied Systems Holdings, Inc. (Bankr. D. Del.) – Large Company Turnaround of the Year in 2013-2014 for the Southeast Region of the Turnaround Management Association

Represented Arris Real Estate Partners in connection with its acquisition of student housing complex in San Antonio, Texas (Bankr. W.D. Tex.)

Represented the debtor in a multi-million dollar 363 sale of assets in the Chapter 11 case of In re Propex, Inc. (Bankr. E.D. Tenn.)

Represented Southeastern Grocers, Inc. in acquisitions and sales of more than 60 grocery stores

Compliance & Government Investigations

Represented DeFi cryptocurrency firm in connection with its assessment of default-related issues

Represented top 5 largest single-family homeowner in connection with its efforts to revamp its internal compliance program, including bankruptcy-related compliance matters

Represented a major mortgage originator and servicers in defense of foreclosure-related litigation, bankruptcy-related government investigations, and revamping related internal compliance programs

Matters

Insolvency-Related & Lender Liability Litigation

Representing an international bank in connection with alleged fraudulent transfer claims in connection with the Bernard Madoff SIPA proceedings (S.D.N.Y.)

Representing numerous borrowers and guarantors in connection with distressed real estate situations

Represented a Fortune 100 Company in defeating alleged fraudulent transfer claims brought to enjoin the spinoff of a multi-billion-dollar-revenue division and prohibit the payment of dividends (N.D. Fla.)

See more

Close

Matters

Insolvency-Related & Lender Liability Litigation

Representing an international bank in connection with alleged fraudulent transfer claims in connection with the Bernard Madoff SIPA proceedings (S.D.N.Y.)

Representing numerous borrowers and guarantors in connection with distressed real estate situations

Represented a Fortune 100 Company in defeating alleged fraudulent transfer claims brought to enjoin the spinoff of a multi-billion-dollar-revenue division and prohibit the payment of dividends (N.D. Fla.)

Represented Citibank and its affiliates in their successful defense of alleged fraudulent transfer, improper liquidation, and contract claims brought by Chapter 11 trustee in the Thornburg Mortgage bankruptcy case (Bankr. D. Md.)

Represented major international financial institution in connection with litigation brought by foreign representative in the Oro Negro Chapter 15 bankruptcy case (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented ORIX USA, L.P. and its affiliates in connection with alleged lender liability claims asserted by four borrowers and owners of multi-family properties (Ga. State-Wide Business Court)

Represented Sculptor Capital in connection with bankruptcy plan-related discovery efforts in connection with the Puerto Rico bankruptcy case

Represented Chinese bankruptcy administrator in first-of-its-kind litigation in the United States against the debtor’s former parent company and officers and directors and obtained $15 million jury verdict and judgment (N.D. Ga.)

Represented guarantors of office tower financing facility in successful defense of claims asserted by mezzanine lender (S.D.N.Y.)

Represented Triangle Capital Corporation in defeating lender liability claims asserted by second-lien lenders in connection with the bankruptcy case of CRS Reprocessing, LLC (S.D.N.Y.)

Represented SunTrust Bank, as former second lien collateral agent and letter of credit lender, to protect its rights and defeat threatened litigation in the La Paloma Generating Company bankruptcy case (Bankr. Del.)

Represented Citibank in defense of the Unsecured Creditors’ Committee’s motion to obtain standing in the Sabine Oil & Gas bankruptcy case (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited in its defense and settlement of alleged fraudulent conveyance litigation, with alleged damages exceeding $1 billion, brought by the Chapter 11 debtor in In re The Flintkote Company (Bankr. Del.)

Represented Prestige Communications of NC, Inc. and its affiliates in their successful, complete defense of litigation involving $800 million fraudulent conveyance claim brought by the liquidating trustee in In re Adelphia Communications Corp. (S.D.N.Y.)

Represented a multi-national electronics manufacturer in its defense of multi-million-dollar preference actions brought by the debtors in In re Circuit City Stores, Inc. (Bankr. E.D. Va.), In re Ultimate Acquisition Partners, LP (Bankr. D. Del.), and In re Tweeter Opco, LLC (Bankr. D. Del.)

Prepared expert opinion on legal issues related to Georgia fraudulent conveyance law on behalf of party in a major international arbitration

Distressed Company Representations

Representing a publicly traded construction company in connection with out-of-court restructuring

Represented Pareteum Corporation--a public company--and eight of its domestic and foreign affiliates in connection with their Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases and the sale of substantially all of their assets, which sale won the Americas Distressed M&A Deal of the Year for the Middle Market category at the 2022 Global M&A Networks M&A Atlas Awards (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented Global Brokerage, Inc. in connection with its prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy case (one of 2017’s largest bankruptcies) and a subsequent out-of-court restructuring (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Represented engineering and architecture firm in connection with its out-of-court workout negotiations

Represented Stratum Energy, LLC, an exploration and production company, with its out-of-court restructuring

Represented large Southeast restaurant chain in connection with its out-of-court workout negotiations

Represented one of the first natural gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities in the Western Hemisphere in In re Juniper GTL LLC, which was named TMA Small Company Transaction of the year for 2016 (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)

Represented alternative biofuel company as Chapter 11 debtor in In re KiOR, Inc. (Bankr. D. Del.)

Represented Atherogenics, Inc. in connection with its bankruptcy case (Bankr. N.D. Ga.)

Director, Officer & Special Board Committee Representations

Representing special committee of publicly traded technology company in connection with evaluation of strategic alternatives

Representing former director, officer, and co-owner of Mountain Express Oil Company

Representing former officer of Celsius Networks

Represented the independent directors of a publicly traded telecom company in connection with restructuring efforts

Represented the independent directors of Fusion Connect, Inc. in connection with a substantial out-of-court restructuring

Represented current and former directors and officers of CBL & Associates Properties Inc. in connection with obtaining broad third-party releases in CBL's bankruptcy case (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)

Represented current and former directors and officers of American Addiction Centers, Inc. (Bankr. D. Del.)

Represented former directors and officers of Quorum Health Corporation (Bankr. D. Del.), Adeptus Health (Bankr. N.D. Tex.), Implant Sciences Corporation (Bankr. D. Del.), and iPractice, Inc. (Bankr. M.D. Tenn.)

Creditor Representations

Representing national bank in connection with numerous real estate-related loans

Represented PNC Bank, N.A. in connection with the bankruptcy cases of Akumin, Inc. and its affiliates (S.D. Tex.)

Represented countless secured creditors and mezzanine lenders in connection with exercising their rights and remedies under billions of dollars of loans in connection with equity pledges, real property mortgages, and liens on personal property

Represented margin loan lender in connection with restructuring of a $100+ million loan where lender was repaid in full

Represented Deutsche Bank in connection with its role as collateral agent for in excess of $4 billion in priority guaranty notes in In re iHeartMedia (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)

Representing major credit card processor in numerous Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases throughout the United States

Represented Carter’s, Inc., the largest non-toy supplier in In re Toys R’ Us (Bankr. E.D. Va.)

Represented The Coca-Cola Company in connection with the Perkins & Marie Callender’s bankruptcy case (Bankr. D. Del.)

Represented Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and its affiliates to protect their interests in dozens of bankruptcy cases, including In re ERG Intermediate Holdings, LLC (Bankr. N.D. Tex.)

Represented Goldman Sachs Realty Management lender in Chapter 11 single-asset real-estate bankruptcy case involving $40 million in notes secured by office park development in In re Lichtin/Wade, LLC (Bankr. E.D.N.C.)

Represented landlords and tenants in numerous bankruptcy cases and out-of-court distressed lease and guaranty renegotiations

Distressed Acquisitions

Represented numerous real estate investors in their purchase and sale of distress real estate properties and distressed debt

Represented entertainment producer in connection with its acquisition of The Walking Dead video game franchise and related assets out of an assignment for the benefit of creditors

Represented Jack Cooper Holdings Corp. in its $135 million acquisition through 363 sales process of Allied Systems Holdings, Inc. (Bankr. D. Del.) – Large Company Turnaround of the Year in 2013-2014 for the Southeast Region of the Turnaround Management Association

Represented Arris Real Estate Partners in connection with its acquisition of student housing complex in San Antonio, Texas (Bankr. W.D. Tex.)

Represented the debtor in a multi-million dollar 363 sale of assets in the Chapter 11 case of In re Propex, Inc. (Bankr. E.D. Tenn.)

Represented Southeastern Grocers, Inc. in acquisitions and sales of more than 60 grocery stores

Compliance & Government Investigations

Represented DeFi cryptocurrency firm in connection with its assessment of default-related issues

Represented top 5 largest single-family homeowner in connection with its efforts to revamp its internal compliance program, including bankruptcy-related compliance matters

Represented a major mortgage originator and servicers in defense of foreclosure-related litigation, bankruptcy-related government investigations, and revamping related internal compliance programs

Credentials

J.D., University of Iowa, with distinction

B.A., Economics, Furman University, Magna Cum Laude

Georgia

Supreme Court of Georgia

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

American Bankruptcy Institute

American Bar Association

Atlanta Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section

State Bar of Georgia, Bankruptcy Section

Structured Finance Network

Turnaround Management Association

W. Homer Drake, Jr. Georgia Bankruptcy American Inn of Court

Recognized for Bankruptcy Litigation


Best Lawyers 2022

Named to 40 Under 40 List


ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE, 2021

Leading Bankruptcy Lawyer


Chambers USA, 2021

Close

Recognition

Recognized for Bankruptcy Litigation


Best Lawyers 2022

Named to 40 Under 40 List


ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE, 2021

Leading Bankruptcy Lawyer


Chambers USA, 2021