Business Lawyer John Wright Rejoins Ballard Spahr, Brings Decades of Industry Experience

Prominent corporate and finance attorney John B. Wright, II has rejoined Ballard Spahr after nearly 15 years leading the legal department of a large global manufacturing corporation that is a longtime client of the firm.

Mr. Wright is an experienced legal and business counselor who advises public companies and private equity investors, with a focus on corporate governance, securities regulation, and complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. He rejoins Ballard Spahr as senior counsel after serving as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Triumph Group, Inc., from 2004 through December 2018. Mr. Wright was a Ballard Spahr partner from 2001 to 2004 before moving on to lead the legal department at Triumph, a multibillion-dollar, NYSE-traded aerospace and defense supplier with more than 14,000 employees in more than 50 locations worldwide.

"It is a happy occasion, both from a personal and a business standpoint, when a good partner returns to the firm," Mr. Stewart said. "John has much to offer our lawyers and clients in the way of business know-how, industry knowledge, and the in-house perspective. We are so pleased to have him back."

Mr. Wright has successfully handled the gamut of legal and commercial issues that arise in the corporate setting. He provides strategic legal and business counsel to Boards of Directors and executive teams. He has experience negotiating, documenting, and executing acquisitions, refinancing of senior bank debt, and issuance of subordinated and convertible debt. He advises on corporate compliance, including matters involving the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, government contracting, export control, EU data privacy, and corporate governance.

Mr. Wright also has directly supervised numerous significant litigation matters and will use that experience to guide clients on litigation strategy. He handles matters implicating employment law and the legal aspects of labor relations. He also manages corporate intellectual property rights and has experience developing IP-related policies and procedures as well as negotiating licenses and related contracts. Mr. Wright has managed corporate real estate issues, including compliance with environmental laws and negotiation and enforcement of indemnification provisions in remediation agreements.

"John has unique experience as the top attorney at a global manufacturing corporation—experience that can benefit clients dealing with the legal and business hurdles and opportunities that arise in the U.S. and abroad," said Brendan K. Collins, leader of Ballard Spahr's Manufacturing Industry Group. "He has been on the front lines of business and industry for many years, and he's handled an incredible array of transactions, cases, and business issues, including managing outside counsel. He has an insider's view of what companies need and want: excellence in service and added value through deep knowledge of their business. We're excited John has rejoined Ballard Spahr."

Well-known in the legal profession in Philadelphia and nationally, Mr. Wright has garnered a number of prestigious awards over his career, including the Dennis H. Replansky Memorial Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Business Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association. He is a past recipient of the Legends in Law award from The Burton Awards, presented annually at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Wright adds further depth to Ballard Spahr's Manufacturing Industry Group, which helps businesses anticipate and meet the spectrum of business challenges and opportunities, from regulatory obligations and shareholder demands to managing throughput issues. They represent companies across the value chain, including raw material suppliers and converters, end item assemblers, distributors, and logistics providers.

"I am excited to return to Ballard Spahr," Mr. Wright said. "I've stayed in contact with many of the firm's lawyers, who have provided first-rate advice to Triumph during my years in-house, and I am ready to hit the ground running, helping our clients position their ventures for success. Triumph is a wonderful company and I'm grateful for the invaluable experience I gained there. I look forward to using that knowledge to provide the service and value clients expect from Ballard Spahr."