Demetra Liggins has joined McGuireWoods’ Restructuring & Insolvency Department as a partner in Houston, bringing more than two decades of experience in business finance and restructuring for public and private companies.
Liggins works on in-court and out-of-court restructurings. Her clients include healthcare systems, oil and gas companies, retail corporations, financial institutions, partnerships and private equity funds.
“Demetra brings a wealth of experience and strong relationships with companies in several major industries,” said Dion Hayes, McGuireWoods’ deputy managing partner for litigation. “She is a talented and creative problem-solver whose insight will provide immense benefits for our clients.”
Liggins, who comes to McGuireWoods after 13 years at Thompson & Knight, joins a practice with experience in some of the most significant restructurings and Chapter 11 cases in recent years. McGuireWoods earned Tier 1 national practice rankings for insolvency and reorganization law and bankruptcy litigation in the 2021 edition of U.S. News-Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms.”
“Demetra is highly respected for her ability to guide clients through complex reorganizations and distressed acquisitions,” said Scott Vaughn, chair of the firm’s Restructuring & Insolvency Department. “She is an important addition who enhances our national restructuring capabilities at a time of growing demand.”
Liggins is a fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy and a sought-after speaker on bankruptcy and finance issues, as well as diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the wider business community. She co-founded Corporate Homie, an organization dedicated to helping women and minorities advance in corporate America. She also speaks at conferences and events around the country and hosts the Corporate Homie podcast. Last month, the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity awarded Liggins a Rick Palmore LCLD Alumni Award and she has been recognized as a Law Firm Rainmaker by Diversity & the Bar magazine, a Minority Corporate Counsel Association publication.
“Demetra is a dynamic lawyer whose track record of excellence and leadership on diversity and inclusion fits perfectly with our culture,” said Yasser Madriz, managing partner of the Houston office.
Liggins is the sixth partner to join McGuireWoods’ Houston office this year. Her arrival follows the additions of M&A partner Edmund Daniels, private equity partner Garrett Johnston, labor and employment partner Jason Huebinger, and healthcare partners Janice Suchyta and Jonathan Ishee.
“McGuireWoods’ restructuring and insolvency team excels in handling complex national matters across industries,” Liggins said. “I am excited to join this powerhouse practice and to be part of the firm’s continued growth in Texas.”