Key Takeaways:

• Connell Foley launches new Corporate Restructuring & Bankruptcy practice with the addition of five partners from FBT Gibbons: Robert K. Malone and Brett S. Theisen as co-chairs, Katharina Earle, Dale E. Barney and Mark Conlan.
• In addition, Connell Foley has opened an office in Wilmington, Delaware, to better advise and litigate on behalf of clients where many of the country’s most consequential corporate matters are decided.

Connell Foley LLP, a full-service law firm of more than 140 lawyers across multiple offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, today announced the launch of its new Corporate Restructuring & Bankruptcy practice with the addition of Partners Robert K. Malone and Brett S. Theisen as co-chairs, along with Partners Katharina Earle, Dale E. Barney and Mark Conlan. This team brings decades of experience advising major constituencies in complex corporate reorganizations, restructuring and bankruptcy-related litigation.

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Standing (L to R): Robert Malone, Mark Conlan; Seated (L to R): Brett Theisen, Katharina Earle, Dale Barney

As part of the new practice, Connell Foley has opened an office in Wilmington, Delaware, giving clients on-the-ground support through leaders with established ties to the region. Led by Partner Earle, the Wilmington office provides clients direct access to United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and the Delaware Court of Chancery, and enhances the firm’s ability to advise and litigate in courts where many of the country’s most consequential corporate matters are decided.

“Today’s announcement adds significant expertise to our firm, aligns with Connell Foley’s collaborative, results-driven culture and helps set the stage for what’s next – for both the firm, and for our clients,” said Timothy E. Corriston, Managing Partner, Connell Foley. “Bob, Brett and Katharina are recognized leaders, along with Dale and Mark. Their collective experience and proven record of success, along with a presence in Delaware, will deliver immediate value to our clients as well as support the continued strategic growth of the firm.”

This announcement continues a period of significant growth for Connell Foley, highlighted by key hires and strategic expansion. In 2025, acclaimed criminal defense attorney Brian Neary joined the firm and helped establish its Bergen County office. Pat Dunican, former managing director at Gibbons P.C., joined Connell Foley in January to further strengthen its corporate practice. Abbey True Harris joined the firm this month as a Partner in its Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Group, where she will draw on her extensive experience in law firms, government and private industry.

With more than a century of combined experience, Malone, Theisen, Earle, Barney and Conlan bring technical depth with a practical, business-oriented perspective shaped by work at the highest levels of the market.

Malone previously served as Chair of Gibbons P.C.’s Financial Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights practice for the past year, following his tenure as Chair from July 2019 to January 2025. Based in New Jersey and possessing more than 40 years of corporate restructuring experience, he has represented diverse stakeholders, including official and ad hoc creditor and bondholder committees, debtors, trustees, financial institutions, indenture trustees, asset purchasers, insurers and parties in bankruptcy related litigation.

“I’m excited to join Connell Foley at a pivotal moment in the firm’s growth story, particularly as bankruptcy and restructuring matters continue to rise nationwide,” said Malone. “Our focus is on delivering lasting results for clients while helping shape the practice’s strategic growth for the future.”

Malone has been recognized by leading legal rankings and peer reviewed honors, including Chambers USA (Band 1), Benchmark Litigation’s “Litigation Stars,” The Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation Bankruptcy. He also holds an AV Peer Review rating.

Based in New York, Theisen served as a Partner at FBT Gibbons for the past 14 years and the Vice-Chair of its Financial Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights practice since 2019. He represents a broad range of clients, including debtors, official committees, trustees and asset purchasers, and brings extensive experience across all aspects of debtor and creditor relations, with a focus on complex corporate reorganizations and liquidations, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency related litigation and appeals. A seasoned litigator, he has handled high-stakes issues including director and officer liability, lender liability, Ponzi scheme litigation, complex fraudulent transfer and preference actions, alter ego and veil piercing disputes, shareholder disputes, fraud, negligence, breaches of fiduciary duty, and a broad range of commercial and contract disputes.

“I’m proud to join a firm with a national presence in commercial litigation and, now, bankruptcy,” said Theisen. “I share its commitment to continued growth and innovation, and I look forward to building new relationships while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We’re going to hit the ground running.”

Theisen has earned recognition from leading legal and industry organizations, including Chambers USA for Bankruptcy and Restructuring as well as the prestigious American Bankruptcy Institute’s 40 Under Forty list. He was also part of the team recognized with The M&A Advisor’s 2020 Turnaround Award for the Restructuring of the Year for his work as debtors’ counsel to New England Motor Freight and affiliates.

Earle focuses her practice on corporate restructurings, bankruptcy, and other insolvency-related matters. She regularly represents debtors, official committees, investors, plan administrators, asset purchasers and other stakeholders across various industries in both in-court and out-of-court restructurings, including Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 proceedings. She holds the INSOL Foundation Certificate in International Insolvency Law and serves on the TMA Global International Committee.

Barney, based in New Jersey, possesses extensive experience in debtor and creditor relations, bankruptcy and insolvency litigation, and commercial and chancery matters, with substantial trial and appellate work. He has experience representing secured and unsecured creditors, hard money lenders, and lending funds in bankruptcy and state court matters, including major institutions and complex cases involving trustees, debtors and creditor committees.

Conlan brings extensive experience representing fiduciaries and key stakeholders in insolvency proceedings, including creditors, debtors in possession, creditors’ committees and trustees, in bankruptcy cases, bankruptcy litigation and debtor creditor matters. He has deep expertise litigating fraudulent and preferential transfer actions, including leading a team that filed more than 850 avoidance actions as part of the DBSI Estate Litigation Trust in a major bankruptcy involving assets valued at more than $2.65 billion.

About Connell Foley LLP

Established in 1938, Connell Foley is a full-service law firm of more than 140 lawyers across multiple offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Connell Foley provides a broad range of legal services that involve both established and emerging areas of law, with strengths in litigation, corporate, real estate and land use, and sophisticated tax and estate planning. Renowned for its commitment to exceptional client service and practical, results-oriented solutions, Connell Foley has built a reputation for legal excellence and innovation. The firm’s attorneys are recognized leaders in their fields, frequently contributing to industry publications, serving in leadership positions at professional organizations and presenting at key conferences.

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