About Ericka
Ericka F. Johnson: Experienced Restructuring and Reorganization Attorney in Wilmington, Delaware
Ericka F. Johnson is the chair of the restructuring and reorganization practice at Bayard. She advises companies and creditors to maximize the value of assets/recoveries whether it is through an in-court or out-of-court financial restructuring or dissolution. Ericka also helps buyers navigate the purchase of distressed assets and directors and officers in understanding fiduciary duties in an insolvency setting.
Practice Areas
- Creditors' Rights and Insolvency
- Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Ericka has represented debtors in large and small chapter 11 and chapter 7 cases both inside and outside Delaware. She regularly litigates contested matters including involuntary bankruptcies, motions for the appointment of Chapter 11 trustees, claim objections, plan confirmation objections, and dismissal/conversion motions as well as bankruptcy adversary matters, including preference, fraudulent transfer, turnover, and breaches of contract and fiduciary duty actions.
Education & Credentials
- Educational Background: Ericka F. Johnson graduated from Delaware Law School (formerly Widener School of Law), where she was President of the Moot Court Honor Society, a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and member of the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law.
- Bar Admissions: She is admitted to practice law in Delaware.
- Awards & Recognitions: Ericka F. Johnson has been recognized by Best Attorney USA since 2024 for her work in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law.
Before law school, she attended the University of Delaware and was on the competitive Ballroom Dance Team. Ericka is active in the legal community and holds leadership positions in various organizations including the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) where she currently serves as Director at Large on the Executive Committee and the International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC) where she is the Chair of the Delaware Network.
Work Experience
- Creditors' Rights: Ericka F. Johnson advises companies and creditors to maximize the value of assets/recoveries whether it is through an in-court or out-of-court financial restructuring or dissolution.
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Ericka helps buyers navigate the purchase of distressed assets.
- Diretorship and Officer Responsibilities: She assists directors and officers with understanding fiduciary duties in an insolvency setting, including breaches of contract and fiduciary duty actions.
Ericka’s experience at a leading bank holding company where she managed consumer finance operations and internal risk assessments and audits from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency provides her with a unique perspective when counseling clients to combine business strategies with bankruptcy solutions. She is committed to combining practical, proactive approaches to guide clients, including debtors, creditors' committees, trustees, and governmental units through the restructuring process.
Community Involvement
- Ericka has been a volunteer coach for the Delaware High School Mock Trial program teaching high schoolers the intricacies of trial practice and procedure. She is also active in the local community, having volunteered for over fifteen years as a coach for the Delaware High School Mock Trial program.
Professional Affiliations
- American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), Director at Large on the Executive Committee
- International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), Chair of the Delaware Network
- Broadcaster, Education Committee Board Member - American Bankruptcy Institute
Ericka F. Johnson is a published author and frequent speaker on issues and developments in bankruptcy and insolvency law.
