William V. Sopp

Partner | Co-Chair, Financial Restructuring & Distressed Transactions

overview

Bill Sopp's practice has spanned the areas of corporate transactions, commercial finance, business workouts and reorganization, and bank litigation. He has developed an industry focus in consumer products generally, and in the food and beverage and fashion markets in particular, having represented companies, C-level executives and investors in these areas. He is often enlisted in complex transactions, such as strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, and strives to recognize transformative opportunities for his clients.

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education

J.D., Northeastern University

B.A., with distinction, University of Rochester

admissions

Massachusetts

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

honors & awards

AV® Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell

Massachusetts Super Lawyers (2004-2014)

community involvement

Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston

  • Leadership Council

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts

  • Past Board of Trustees member

University of Rochester George Eastman Circle

experience

  • Sale of PE/founder-owned beverage manufacturing company to a global strategic purchaser.
  • Formation of a joint venture between a closely-held technology developer and a global medical device manufacturer.
  • Outside general counsel to family-owned consolidated transportation companies.
  • Acquisition of regional beverage manufacturing plants and distributorships in U.S. and Canada as a growth plan for a New England-based company.
  • Negotiation of product development, manufacturing and distribution agreements for numerous consumer products companies.
  • Outside general counsel to various early stage technology and media companies, focusing on areas of securing funding, technology development, licensing transactions and exit opportunities for founders.
  • Negotiation of executive employment, equity and separation transactions accompanying related company acquisitions or sales.
  • Special counsel to niche restaurant developer for debt and equity expansion financing transactions.
  • Value-based corporate and real estate acquisitions and reorganizations through Chapter 11.

memberships

American Bar Association

Boston Bar Association

Massachusetts Bar Association

 

articles

“Tips for Small Business Facing Difficult Financial Times,” Boston Spirit Magazine, July/August 2013

Contributing author, “Bankruptcy Often Not Best Path to Reorganization,” Providence Business News, February 2010

speaking engagements

“Perspective from Trusted Advisors on Strategies for Planning in 2014,” Panelist, Grow Your Success in 2014: Insights & Strategies Program, November 2013