Press Release
Duane Morris Bankruptcy Lawyer David Sykes Receives Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Bankruptcy
PHILADELPHIA, March 18, 2008 - Duane Morris is pleased to announce that David T. Sykes, a leading architect of the firm's Business Reorganization and Financial Restructuring Practice Group, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the American College of Bankruptcy (ACB). The ACB presented the award to him at its All Fellows Luncheon and Induction Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 15, during which Mr. Sykes was introduced by Hon. Marjorie O. Rendell.
The American College of Bankruptcy is an honorary association of bankruptcy and insolvency lawyers and professionals. Members are selected based on high standards of professionalism and service. Only one Distinguished Service Award is given annually by the ACB to a member who has contributed significantly to improving the bankruptcy and insolvency field.
Sykes was recognized by the ACB for his achievements both in his own law practice and in the greater legal community. Specifically, the ACB cited his founding and leadership of Duane Morris' Business Reorganization and Financial Restructuring Practice Group and his well-regarded career in bankruptcy law as being central to his selection. The ACB also noted Sykes' commitment to pro bono work and his leadership in this area by co-founding and serving as one of the presidents of the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project and by serving as the initial chair of the ACB's Pro Bono Committee.
Sykes has mentored a number of successful bankruptcy and insolvency attorneys, served on the Mayor of Philadelphia's Leadership Task Force for the city's Housing Authority and held several leadership positions within the ACB. Sykes is a Fellow and the immediate-past chair of the ACB and formerly served as the organization's president.
"He has been a guiding light to attorneys in our practice area and a great mentor," commented Margery Reed, partner in the Business Reorganization and Financial Restructuring Practice Group in the firm's Philadelphia office.
In addition to business reorganization and bankruptcy, Sykes focuses his practice on corporate and commercial finance, arbitration, mediation, insurance company rehabilitation, and commercial trial and appellate matters. He directed Duane Morris' representation of parties in bankruptcy cases for more than 35 years and was formerly the firm's managing partner and vice chairman.
"David is a tenacious and tireless advocate for clients," said Skip Di Massa, chair of Duane Morris' Business Reorganization and Financial Restructuring Practice Group. "He set the standard of excellence, dedication to clients, service to the community and camaraderie which guides Duane Morris lawyers today."
Sykes has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for 20 years and has been ranked as one of the top 100 lawyers in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine. A member of the American Bar Association's Center for Professional Responsibility, he lectures frequently on bankruptcy issues. Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, Sykes earned his LL.B. from Temple University School of Law in 1965 and is a graduate of Hamilton College.
About Duane Morris
Duane Morris LLP, one of the 100 largest law firms in the world, is a full-service firm of more than 650 lawyers. In addition to legal services, Duane Morris has independent affiliates employing approximately 100 professionals engaged in other disciplines. With offices in major markets in the United States and internationally, Duane Morris represents clients across the U.S. and around the world.
