John A. Northen

John A. Northen is a partner at Northen Blue LLP, where he focuses his practice on bankruptcy, restructuring, and complex commercial litigation. With decades of experience, he represents businesses, individuals, secured creditors, committees, and trustees in financial restructurings, workouts, and Chapter 11 proceedings throughout North Carolina.

John earned his Juris Doctor and undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and continues to be a trusted authority in bankruptcy and restructuring law.

John’s practice includes extensive work in bankruptcy litigation, including contested matters, adversary proceedings, and appeals. He also advises clients on the sale and acquisition of businesses, both inside and outside of bankruptcy, bringing a strategic and practical approach to financially distressed transactions. His experience allows him to guide clients through high-stakes matters with clarity and efficiency.

John is certified as a specialist in Business Bankruptcy Law by both the North Carolina State Board of Legal Specialization and the American Board of Certification. John served on the panel of Chapter 7 trustees for the Middle District of North Carolina from 1979 through 2015 and has been appointed as a Chapter 11 trustee in the Middle and Eastern Districts of North Carolina.

John’s professional accomplishments have earned national and statewide recognition. He was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy in 2012, one of a select group of attorneys recognized for professional excellence and significant contributions to the field. In 2013, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bankruptcy Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.

John A. Northen is consistently ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners for Bankruptcy and Restructuring in North Carolina and has been recognized by Best Lawyers, Business North Carolina Legal Elite, and North Carolina Super Lawyers. John was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers multiple times, including most recently in 2024.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Northen Blue LLP
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section
• Member, American College of Bankruptcy
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  

Awards & Badges