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John Matthew Derstine
Matt Derstine has a diverse commercial litigation and bankruptcy practice.
Matt’s commercial litigation practice focuses on the representation of parties involved in disputes over commercial loan transactions; foreclosure and receivership; commercial leases; secured transactions including inventory financing; sales and leases of personal property; construction contracts; and wholesale energy trading contracts.
In his bankruptcy practice, Matt has extensive experience representing secured lenders; trade creditors; equipment lessors; commercial landlords and tenants; counterparties to derivative and wholesale energy contracts; parties in preference and avoidance proceedings; and mechanic’s lien claimants.
Matt’s practice also includes public utility issues including the siting of power plants and transmission facilities.
Areas of Practice
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Bankruptcy Litigation
- Creditors Rights
- Public Utility
- Energy
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1990
- U.S. District Court District of Arizona, 1987
- Arizona Supreme Court, 1987
- Arizona, 1987
Education
- University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, California
- J.D. - 1987
- Law Review: Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly, Note and Comment Editor
- University of Arizona
- B.A. - 1984
- Honors: With Distinction
Classes/Seminars
- Program Chair, The Coming Commercial Real Estate Storm (May 2010)
- Regular Presenter, State Bar of Arizona Course on Professionalism
- Presenter, NBI Collection Law Tips and Strategies (November 2007, December 2008, May 2009)
- Presenter, Ninth Circuit & Arizona Law Update: New Cases and Controversies, Arizona State Convention, Bankruptcy Section (June 7, 2002)
Honors and Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2011 - 2012
- Arizona's Finest Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- American Bar Association - Litigation Section, Business Law Section, Environment, Energy & Resources Section, and Forum on Construction
- Federal Bar Association
- State Bar of Arizona
- Maricopa County Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section
Pro Bono Activities
- CASA, Maricopa County Juvenile Court
- Volunteer Lawyers, Maricopa County
