Managing Director John Kearns has an extensive restructuring and insolvency practice, acting in company receiverships, liquidations, voluntary arrangements and administrations. Over his 20 years in this field John has been involved in landmark cases that are fundamental to Insolvency Law in the jurisdiction.

He also advises major Northern Ireland banks in relation to enforcement procedures under various types of debentures, and assists in the appointment of fixed-charge receivers as well as assisting individuals and businesses in relation to restructuring their liabilities with the financial institutions.

In addition, John has a substantial Liquor Licensing practice and heads this area within the firm. 

John lectures at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s University on both Insolvency Law and Company Law.

• acted in administration of a major local retail clothing firm
• advised objectors to a proposed Asda supermarket in Belfast, which successfully made new law in Northern Ireland
• extensive experience of licensing law, and acting for a major local off-licence company
• advised on numerous joint ventures, corporate finance transactions, acquisitions and MBOs/MBIs 
• company secretary of First Derivatives PLC
• assisted in Northern Ireland’s largest property-based insolvency restructuring