Samuel R. Rowley

Partner

Sam Rowley represents clients in complex commercial litigation matters with an emphasis on financial institutions and other public and private entities in disputes concerning corporate insolvency and valuation issues. He often represents parties to fraudulent transfer, lender liability, and a variety of partnership and LLC disputes. Sam also regularly handles antitrust, franchise, and distribution disputes, particularly in the automotive industry, where he represents leading OEMs. He has tried numerous cases to juries, judges, and arbitrators, and has worked on appeals in state and federal appellate courts, including the US Supreme Court.

Extended Profile

Sam has been listed as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2012–2014), and is active in pro bono matters. Previously, he was part of a team that won landmark victories for a group of Uighurs held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

selected representations

Obtained complete trial victory on behalf of mortgage lending servicer in defending fraudulent transfer and breach of contract claims seeking more than $40 million in damages in the Delaware bankruptcy proceeding of Allonhill, LLC (Bankr. Del. 2018-2020).
Successfully defended BMW AG in its defense of a fraudulent transfer/unjust enrichment action brought by the liquidating trust in the bankruptcy proceeding of Fisker Automotive (Bankr. Del. 2016-2019).
In an international arbitration proceeding, representing owner of a 675-megawatt natural gas fired power plant against the EPC contractor in a dispute over large (nine-figure) claims and counterclaims arising from delays in the completion of the project.
Successfully defended lender World Business Capital in its defense of a lender liability case through trial in the Southern District of New York involving claims seeking in excess of $30 million in lost profits damages (S.D.N.Y. 2017).
Tried first-of-its-kind creditor derivative action for plaintiff bondholder in the Delaware Court of Chancery; obtained multi-million dollar award of plaintiff’s fees (Del. Ch. 2015)
Obtained $30 million judgment after trial for oil and gas company in offshore construction litigation arising from bankruptcy case of ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2014)
Prevailed before New York Court of Appeals in Quadrant v. Athilon (2014)
Represented industry trade association challenging the constitutionality of amendments to state legislation regulating automotive manufacturers in Florida and Connecticut (2012–2014)
Represented industry trade association challenging the constitutionality of motor vehicle dealer act amendments in Florida and Connecticut (2012–2014)
Represented Grenada Sovereign Bondholder Committee (2013–2014)
Represented Tempur-Pedic International in responding to second request from FTC in connection with $1.2 billion acquisition of Sealy (2013)
Represented a Fortune 100 company in Madoff trustee avoidance litigation (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2011)
Represented secured term-loan lenders, In re Visteon Corporation (Bankr. D. Del. 2010)
Represented unsecured creditors’ committee, In re Sea Containers, Ltd. (Bankr. D. Del. 2008)