Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce John G. Willard joined the firm’s St. Louis office as a partner in the Banking and Financial Services and Corporate and Business Transactions practice groups, which continue to experience rapid but measured growth in response to increased client needs. Since late August, Spencer Fane has added 25 attorneys in these practice areas across 11 different markets.
John advises clients in complex financial transactions and corporate restructurings, carefully tailoring his diverse legal acumen to meet unique business objectives. Within his dynamic practice, he represents domestic and international financial institutions and corporate borrowers in financings related to the media and entertainment, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and retail industries. He has also represented both financiers and borrowers in complex syndicated loan transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate developments, recapitalizations, working capital loans, spinoffs, and debt restructurings.
In addition, John advises corporate and financial institutions on bankruptcy and creditor rights issues. His extensive experience in this area includes representing numerous debtor companies in Chapter 11 reorganizations, including domestic and international retailers and energy companies, highly regulated institutions, bank holding companies, and liquidating trusts.
“John’s wide-ranging transactional practice touches multiple legal sectors, offering cross-industry knowledge we welcome within our strong and versatile team,” said Amy Mistler, Office Managing Partner for Spencer Fane in St. Louis. “Similarly, as our geographic footprint continues to grow, we are excited to welcome attorneys with a broad national and international reach.”
John’s diverse professional background in entertainment, finance, business, and international transactions has made him an impactful counselor for many notable clients, including the world’s largest neurosurgical society and the historical trust of a former U.S. President.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College, John worked on both the talent and corporate sides of leading entertainment studios in Los Angeles, later earning his Juris Doctor at Saint Louis University.