John C. Goodchild, III

Partner

John C. Goodchild, III is a partner in Morgan Lewis's Business and Corporate Litigation Practice. His practice focuses on commercial contract and credit disputes, business tort litigation, real estate litigation, and bankruptcy litigation.

Mr. Goodchild has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in commercial disputes and business tort litigation. He recently defended an industry-leading software company in a dispute over alleged implementation problems. He represented a mortgage lender in connection with a series of putative class actions relating to consumer credit practices. He was part of the Morgan Lewis trial team in the two lawsuits stemming from the acquisition by Chase Manhattan Mortgage Company of Advanta Corporation's home mortgage business.

Mr. Goodchild's practice also includes disputes relating to real estate and real estate valuation. He represents a nationally known retailer as real estate litigation counsel in numerous matters in Pennsylvania, including land use appeals and development contract disputes. He was lead trial counsel for the property owner during the condemnation hearings relating to the destruction of the Gettysburg National Tower, as well as the subsequent appellate and arbitration litigation. He represented a leading national music and concert promotion company in connection with disputes relating to the leasehold rights for a major concert venue in Philadelphia.

Mr. Goodchild regularly represents defendants in actions brought by receivers, liquidators, and bankruptcy trustees. He represented a national provider of continuing care services in a dispute with an insurance company in liquidation. He represents a national consulting firm in a lawsuit alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and deepening insolvency relating to the financial collapse of a major subprime automobile lending institution. He represented a publicly traded transportation company in a lawsuit brought by the trustee of a bankrupt trucking operator, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and deepening insolvency. He represented a national retail pharmacy in a dispute with a bankruptcy trustee of one of its beauty products suppliers, involving retail credits and returns. He represents one of the nation's largest food suppliers in a PACA action brought in connection with the bankruptcy of a grocery store chain.

Mr. Goodchild has represented debtors, official committees, and creditors in litigation in and related to bankruptcy cases. He represented a group of health and retirement trust funds in litigation against the bankruptcy estates of Westmoreland Coal Company and Horizon Natural Resources. He represented a group of bondholders in their capacity as co-plan proponents in the bankruptcy of Meridian Automotive Systems. He represents a major mutual fund company in connection with, and sits as the Chair of the Liquidation Committee of, the Cayman Islands liquidation proceeding for the SPhinX group of hedge funds.

Mr. Goodchild is one of three course coordinators for the Morgan Lewis Trial Academy, an intensive, week-long trial training program for the firm's most senior associates, taught by its finest and most experienced trial lawyers. Mr. Goodchild also teaches "Computer Applications in Litigation" as a member of the adjunct faculty of the Villanova University School of Law.

Mr. Goodchild is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a member of the American and Pennsylvania Bar Associations and the American Bankruptcy Institute.