John Lyons stands out as a highly accomplished legal professional with extensive expertise in business reorganizations, fraud investigations, and asset recovery. His career showcases a deep involvement in significant corporate restructuring cases and a commitment to public service in Illinois.
Lyons has played a crucial role as counsel in numerous high-profile business reorganizations. His impressive portfolio includes representing US Airways, Delphi Corporation, Vyera Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Katy Industries, Inc., Silver Airways, VeraSun Energy Corporation, Interstate Bakeries Corporation, Exodus Communications, Inc., Favorite Brands International, Inc., Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp., Montgomery Ward, LLC, Air Transport International, LLC, FINCA Microfinance Holdings, and Rupari Food Services, Inc. This diverse range of cases underscores his capability to navigate complex legal and financial landscapes across various industries. Notably, John Lyons also served as counsel for the official committee of unsecured creditors during the chapter 11 reorganization of American Airlines and its merger with US Airways, further cementing his reputation in large-scale corporate restructuring. His representation extends to companies, lenders, creditors, and stakeholders in numerous other chapter 11 cases, highlighting his broad expertise and trusted counsel in challenging financial situations.
Beyond corporate restructuring, John Lyons is recognized for his work in fraud investigations and asset recovery. He represents prominent clients such as Jonathan D. King, Chapter 7 Trustee in the Zetta Jet Pte., Ltd. and Zetta Jet USA, Inc. bankruptcy cases, and David Carickhoff, Liquidation Trustee of the Vyera Liquidation Trust, in significant recovery efforts. His expertise is also sought by entities like the special committee of ShengdaTech, Inc., where he aids in investigations and asset protection through chapter 11 and international proceedings. John Lyons has also successfully represented Paliafito America, Inc. in recovering millions from international debtors and principals and advised a large commodity supplier in tracing and seizing assets from embezzlement. These cases demonstrate his tenacity and skill in pursuing financial justice and recovering assets in complex fraud scenarios.
John Lyons‘ commitment extends beyond his legal practice to public service. In 2019, he was appointed by Governor Pritzker to the State Universities Retirement System Board of Trustees (SURS). This significant role involves overseeing retirement plans for over 250,000 beneficiaries within the Illinois higher education system, managing assets exceeding US$28 billion. Demonstrating his leadership and expertise, Governor Pritzker appointed John Lyons as chair of the SURS board in November 2023 and re-appointed him for another six-year term in September 2024. Furthering his dedication to Illinois’s economic growth, in March 2024, John Lyons joined the Board of Directors of INTERSECT Illinois. This organization collaborates with the Governor’s Office and key leaders to attract businesses and foster economic development throughout the state.
Through his extensive legal career and dedication to public service, John Lyons has established himself as a respected and influential figure. His expertise in business reorganization, asset recovery, combined with his leadership roles in Illinois public institutions, reflects a profound commitment to both the financial health of organizations and the economic well-being of the state.
