Foley & Lardner LLP: John P. Melko

In the dynamic and often volatile economic landscape of Texas, businesses frequently encounter complex financial challenges, including the need for restructuring, managing distressed assets, or navigating the intricacies of energy and maritime law. When companies face bankruptcy, require business reorganization, or are involved in sophisticated sales and acquisitions within sectors like oil and gas or shipping, having an attorney with deep industry knowledge and extensive experience is not just beneficial—it's essential. For businesses and stakeholders across Texas, particularly in the energy hub of Houston, John P. Melko, a distinguished partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, stands out as a go-to legal resource. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of John P. Melko's specialized practice, his accessible Houston location, the broad range of services he offers, and why his expertise makes him an invaluable asset for locals confronting significant legal and financial hurdles.

John P. Melko is a highly respected partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, where he focuses his practice on complex sales, acquisitions, bankruptcies, and financings primarily within the energy sector across the United States. His expertise also extends to offshore and bluewater shipping-related issues, handling both foreign and domestic cases and financings. With years of cross-border and multinational experience, John has worked across a remarkably broad range of industries. His clientele spans critical sectors including food service, oil and gas (exploration, production, transportation, refining, and marketing), electric generation and transmission, renewable energy projects, blue water shipping, and airlines. This extensive industry exposure provides him with a unique perspective and deep commercial awareness when advising clients. John previously co-chaired Foley's national Bankruptcy & Business Reorganization Practice, underscoring his leadership and expertise in this crucial area. He also serves as an advisory member of the firm's Energy & Infrastructure Sector, reinforcing his commitment to and knowledge of these vital Texas industries. Throughout his career, John has adeptly guided clients through various market dislocations, leveraging Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 15 procedures, as well as out-of-court workouts. His experience includes representing borrowers, debtors in possession, creditors, creditors' committees, securitized noteholders, trustees, investors, and buyers of assets and businesses in and out of restructuring or bankruptcy settings. For two years, he served as general counsel of a media company, an experience that further honed his appreciation for efficient matter management and practical solutions. John Melko's blend of extensive legal knowledge, broad industry experience, and practical business acumen makes him an exceptional choice for any Texas entity navigating the complexities of financial distress, significant transactions, or industry-specific legal challenges.

John P. Melko practices from the Houston office of Foley & Lardner LLP, which is strategically located in the bustling downtown area. The address is:

1000 Louisiana St Suite 2000, Houston, TX 77002, USA

This address places the firm within one of Houston's most prominent and easily recognizable high-rise buildings, ensuring excellent visibility and accessibility for clients. Situated on the 20th floor, the office is centrally positioned within Houston's major business and financial district. This makes it a convenient destination for companies and individuals from across the greater Houston metropolitan area and other parts of Texas. For those traveling by car, numerous public parking garages are readily available in the vicinity of 1000 Louisiana Street, providing ample options for client visits. Furthermore, Houston's robust public transportation network offers convenient access. The METRORail system has several stops within comfortable walking distance, and a comprehensive network of bus routes also serves the downtown area. This prime, central location in one of Texas's largest and most economically vital cities underscores Foley & Lardner's commitment to being readily available to its diverse clientele, facilitating seamless consultations and interactions for businesses engaged in complex financial, energy, and restructuring matters.

John P. Melko, as a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, provides highly specialized legal services focused on complex financial matters, particularly within the energy and maritime sectors. His key practice areas and services include:

• Bankruptcy & Business Reorganizations: He advises a broad range of clients, including borrowers and debtors in possession, creditors and creditors' committees, securitized noteholders, trustees, and investors. His work involves navigating Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 15 procedures, as well as out-of-court workouts, to help businesses restructure their debt, maximize recoveries, or enhance value during financial distress.

• Creditor Committee Representation: John has extensive experience representing official creditors' committees, advocating for their interests during bankruptcy proceedings to ensure fair treatment and maximize recovery for unsecured creditors.

• Complex Sales & Acquisitions (Distressed Assets): He counsels buyers of assets and businesses both within and outside of restructuring or bankruptcy settings. This includes guiding clients through the intricacies of acquiring distressed companies or assets, which often involves unique legal and financial considerations.

• Energy Sector Financing & Transactions: A significant portion of his practice is dedicated to the energy industry. He handles complex financings and transactions for clients across oil and gas exploration, production, transportation, refining, and marketing, as well as electric generation and transmission, and renewable energy projects.

• Maritime Law: John advises on offshore and bluewater shipping-related issues, handling both foreign and domestic cases and financings within the maritime industry. This includes matters related to vessel financing, maritime bankruptcies, and other shipping-specific legal challenges.

• Cross-Border & Multinational Experience: With years of experience, John brings a global perspective to his practice, assisting clients with legal issues that span multiple jurisdictions and diverse industries, from airlines to manufacturing.

• Litigation related to Bankruptcy & Restructuring: He also handles litigation arising from financial distress and restructuring, representing clients in disputes concerning creditors' rights, asset recovery, and other contested matters within insolvency proceedings.

John P. Melko's professional profile is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his expertise and value to clients, particularly in the Texas market.

• Deep Industry Specialization: A primary highlight is his profound specialization in the energy sector. He possesses extensive experience across the entire energy value chain, from oil and gas exploration to renewable energy. This industry-specific knowledge is invaluable for Texas businesses operating in this critical sector.

• Bankruptcy and Restructuring Leadership: John previously co-chaired Foley & Lardner's national Bankruptcy & Business Reorganization Practice and currently serves as co-chair of the firm's Bankruptcy & Business Reorganizations Practice and vice-chair of the firm's Oil & Gas Industry Team. This leadership role within a major national firm demonstrates his recognized expertise and influence in these complex legal areas.

• Comprehensive Experience in Financial Distress: He has a robust track record of guiding clients through financial dislocations, utilizing a full range of insolvency procedures (Chapter 7, 11, 15) and out-of-court workouts. His experience representing various stakeholders—debtors, creditors, trustees, and buyers—provides a holistic understanding of bankruptcy processes.

• Extensive Cross-Border and Multinational Background: John's years of experience handling multi-jurisdictional and international cases, particularly in sales, acquisitions, and financings, equip him to navigate complex global legal landscapes, a crucial asset for Texas businesses with international operations or interests.

• Recognized by Peers and Industry: He has been selected to Super Lawyers for multiple years (2007-2013, 2016-2025) in the area of Creditor Debtor Rights, a peer designation awarded to a select number of accomplished attorneys. Chambers USA also recognizes him for his expertise in Bankruptcy/Restructuring, noting that he is "highly experienced in advising on bankruptcies in the energy space" and is "a go-to in this space."

• Practical Business Acumen: Beyond his legal expertise, his prior experience as general counsel for a media company instilled in him an appreciation for lean staffing and efficient matter management. This practical business perspective means he offers advice that is not only legally sound but also strategically aligned with a client's operational realities.

• Thought Leadership and Engagement: John is a frequent presenter on topics related to bankruptcy, energy, and emerging legal issues, including carbon capture and storage. This active engagement showcases his commitment to staying at the forefront of his practice areas and sharing insights with the broader legal and business communities.

Based on publicly available information, John P. Melko and Foley & Lardner LLP do not typically advertise specific "promotions or special offers" in the way that consumer-focused businesses might. As a large, international law firm specializing in complex corporate, financial, and industry-specific legal matters, their value proposition lies in their extensive expertise, national and global reach, and the sophisticated legal strategies they provide to major corporations, financial institutions, and other substantial entities.

For businesses and stakeholders in Texas looking to engage with legal counsel of John P. Melko's caliber, the primary "offer" is access to unparalleled expertise in bankruptcy, business reorganizations, energy sector transactions, and maritime law. Prospective clients seeking his services would typically arrange for an initial consultation. During this consultation, the client can discuss their specific challenges—whether it involves navigating financial distress, a complex energy deal, or a maritime dispute—and John can assess the scope of the legal work required. While a free consultation may not be explicitly advertised, it is standard practice for firms of this standing to have an initial discussion to determine fit and scope before formal engagement and fee arrangements are established. The ultimate benefit and "promotion" for clients are the long-term strategic advantages, risk mitigation, and successful resolution of complex financial and operational challenges achieved through his highly specialized and recognized legal guidance, which can translate into significant value for their business operations in Texas and beyond.

For businesses and individuals in Texas requiring expert legal counsel in complex financial matters, energy sector transactions, or maritime law, John P. Melko at Foley & Lardner LLP can be contacted using the following information:

Address: 1000 Louisiana St Suite 2000, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Phone: (713) 276-5727

Mobile Phone: +1 713-276-5727

These direct contact details provide clear avenues to connect with John Melko's office in downtown Houston. When reaching out, it is advisable to have a concise overview of your legal challenge, such as details about a potential business reorganization, an energy sector acquisition, or a maritime dispute. This will help his team understand your needs and direct your inquiry appropriately. His central location in downtown Houston ensures convenient access for clients across the metropolitan area and the wider state of Texas, making it easier for local businesses to engage with this highly specialized and recognized legal professional.

For locals in Texas, particularly those operating within the state's vital energy sector or facing complex financial challenges, John P. Melko at Foley & Lardner LLP is an exceptionally suitable legal partner. Texas's economy is heavily influenced by the energy industry, and businesses within this sector frequently encounter unique legal and financial complexities, including bankruptcies, restructurings, and large-scale transactions. John Melko's profound specialization in these areas, coupled with his extensive experience across the entire energy value chain, makes him uniquely qualified to navigate the specific legal needs of Texas's energy companies and their stakeholders.

His leadership roles within Foley & Lardner's national Bankruptcy & Business Reorganization Practice and advisory position in the Energy & Infrastructure Sector underscore his deep expertise and strategic influence. For Texas businesses in distress or seeking to capitalize on market opportunities, having an attorney who understands both the legal intricacies of insolvency and the commercial realities of their industry is invaluable. Furthermore, his experience in maritime law is particularly relevant for the Gulf Coast region, where shipping and offshore activities are crucial components of the economy.

The recognition he has received from prestigious legal directories like Super Lawyers and Chambers USA, with accolades noting his advocacy and "go-to" status in the energy bankruptcy space, provides strong external validation of his capabilities. Operating from a premier downtown Houston location means convenient access for local clients, facilitating direct and efficient communication essential for handling high-stakes matters. In essence, John P. Melko offers Texas businesses a powerful combination of specialized legal knowledge, vast industry experience, and a reputation for effective counsel, making him an ideal choice for navigating the state's most challenging financial and energy-related legal landscapes.