Connell Foley LLP, a law firm based in Roseland, New Jersey, has launched a new Corporate Restructuring & Bankruptcy practice. The initiative includes the addition of Partners Robert K. Malone and Brett S. Theisen as co-chairs, along with Partners Katharina Earle, Dale E. Barney, and Mark Conlan.
As part of this expansion, Connell Foley has opened an office in Wilmington, Delaware. The Wilmington office is led by Partner Katharina Earle and provides clients with direct access to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and the Delaware Court of Chancery. This move is intended to enhance the firm’s ability to advise and litigate in courts where many significant corporate matters are handled.
Timothy E. Corriston, Managing Partner at Connell Foley, commented on the announcement: “This announcement adds significant expertise to our firm, aligns with Connell Foley’s collaborative, results-driven culture and helps set the stage for what’s next – for both the firm, and for our clients. Bob, Brett and Katharina are recognized leaders, along with Dale and Mark. Their collective experience and proven record of success, along with a presence in Delaware, will deliver immediate value to our clients as well as support the continued strategic growth of the firm.”
The launch follows a period of growth at Connell Foley marked by key hires and expansion efforts. In 2025, criminal defense attorney Brian Neary joined to help establish its Bergen County office. Pat Dunican also joined from Gibbons P.C., strengthening the corporate practice further. Most recently, Abbey True Harris became a partner in the Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Group.
The new team brings more than a century of combined experience in corporate restructuring and bankruptcy matters.
Robert K. Malone previously served as Chair of Gibbons P.C.’s Financial Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights practice since July 2019 until January 2025 before joining Connell Foley. He is based in New Jersey with over 40 years’ experience representing various stakeholders such as creditor committees, debtors, trustees, financial institutions, asset purchasers, insurers and others involved in bankruptcy-related litigation.
Malone said: “I’m excited to join Connell Foley at a pivotal moment in the firm’s growth story, particularly as bankruptcy and restructuring matters continue to rise nationwide. Our focus is on delivering lasting results for clients while helping shape the practice’s strategic growth for the future.”
Malone has received recognition from legal rankings including Chambers USA (Band 1), Benchmark Litigation’s “Litigation Stars,” The Best Lawyers in America 2026 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation Bankruptcy.
Brett S. Theisen joins from FBT Gibbons where he was a partner for 14 years and vice-chair of its Financial Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights practice since 2019. Based in New York City, Theisen represents clients across debtor-creditor relations with experience handling complex reorganizations as well as litigation related to director liability issues among others.
“I’m proud to join a firm with a national presence in commercial litigation and now bankruptcy,” said Theisen. “I share its commitment to continued growth and innovation, and I look forward to building new relationships while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We’re going to hit the ground running.”
Theisen’s accolades include recognition by Chambers USA for Bankruptcy & Restructuring; inclusion on American Bankruptcy Institute’s 40 Under Forty list; as well as participation on an award-winning team recognized by The M&A Advisor’s Turnaround Award.
Katharina Earle specializes in corporate restructurings including Chapter 11/7 proceedings; she holds an INSOL Foundation Certificate in International Insolvency Law.
Dale E. Barney brings trial experience representing creditors/lenders/trustees/debtors/committees across bankruptcy/state court cases involving complex financial disputes.
Mark Conlan has represented fiduciaries/stakeholders during insolvency proceedings—most notably leading avoidance actions related to major bankruptcy estate litigation valued at over $2 billion.
