Sean T. Cork

[email protected]

T: (909) 302-1062

Noteworthy

Shareholder, Sin Lawyers APC, 2024-2025, Senior Counsel, EDA Law, Ltd., 2018-2024; private practice, 2015-2018, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs LLP, 2009-2015, Associate, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP 2001-2008.

 

Education and Honors

Ohio Northern University College of Law (J.D. 1999, summa cum laude), Editor-In-Chief Ohio Northern University Law Review (1998-99), Marlboro College (B.A. Philosophy, 1995); Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2013, 2014, 2015, Co-Author of Pre-Bankruptcy Planning for the Commercial Reorganization, Second Edition, published by the American Bankruptcy Institute, 2008.

 

Clerkships

Law Clerk, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Ohio (1999-2001).

 

Bar Admissions

California (2001); United States District Court, Central District of California, United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California.

A Representative Sampling of Mr. Cork’s Experience Is As Follows:

First Amendment and Defamation Issues
  • Represented nonprofit corporation in jury trial for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, resulting in jury verdict completely in favor of defendant.

Business Litigation
  • Represented former manager of grocery store in lawsuit brought by former employer for indemnification.

  • Represented CEO in shareholder lawsuit alleging violation of shareholder agreement, resulting in complete defense verdict and plaintiff being ordered to pay client’s legal fees.

Bankruptcy/Corporate Restructuring
  • Represented publicly traded rental company in successful chapter 11 reorganization involving more than US $3 billion in assets and liabilities

  • Represented energy generation company in successful chapter 11 reorganization involving more than US $3.5 billion in assets and liabilities.

  • Represented sub-prime auto loan lender in successful Chapter 11 reorganization involving more than US $2 billion in collateralized debt obligations.

  • Represented private residential home builder in successful chapter 11 reorganization involving more than US $400 million in assets and liabilities.

  • Represented foreign representatives in cross-border insolvency proceedings involving a Caribbean-based insurance company involving more than US $200 million in assets and liabilities.

  • Represented Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in chapter 11 reorganization of regional airline that resulted in negotiated plan of reorganization providing recovery to unsecured creditors.

  • Represented special litigation committee of board of directors of real estate company concerning investigation of leveraged buyout of company in transaction involving more than US $500 million.

Asset Sales
  • Represented equity fund in successful acquisition of two long-term care facilities and special nursing facilities involving more than US $300 million in assets and liabilities in section 363 sale in chapter 11 reorganization.

  • Represented equity fund in exploratory negotiations concerning acquisition of foreign airline in a transaction that would have exceeded US $300 million if ultimately pursued.

  • Represented hedge funds in acquisition and trading of distressed debt of power company in chapter 11 reorganization that resulted in clients obtaining significant return on investment upon consummation of plan that paid all creditors in full.

  • Represented private company in successful of its assets in transaction exceeding US $2 million in assets and liabilities.

Real Estate
  • Represented commercial real estate company in structuring special purpose entity secured financing in two tranches exceeding US $250 million.

  • Advised local government in negotiation of stadium lease with a national sports team.

Contract Negotiation
  • Negotiated debtor-in-possession financing agreements in amounts exceeding US $100 million.

  • Successfully negotiated and documented Asset Purchase Agreements (for both buyers and sellers), Stock Purchase Agreements, Executive Employment Agreements, Commercial Real Estate Lease Agreements, Operating Agreements, and Non-Disclosure Agreements.

Labor and Employment
  • Successfully negotiated replacement of executive level personnel.

  • Successfully negotiated and drafted agreements for implementation of incentive bonus plans for executive level personnel.

  • Advised client concerning and drafted separation agreements, noncompete agreements and employee handbooks.

Representative Business Sector Engagement

Mr. Cork has represented clients in matters involving the following commercial/industry sectors:

  • Airlines.

  • Energy.

  • Hospitality.

  • Insurance.

  • Retail.

  • Manufacturing.

  • Homebuilding.

  • Health Care.

  • Sports.

  • Grocery.

  • Rental.

  • Multifamily.

  • Nonprofit.

  • Local and State governments.

  • Loan origination and servicing.