William V. Sopp
Partner | Co-Chair, Financial Restructuring & Distressed Transactions

overview
Bill Sopp's practice has spanned the areas of corporate transactions, commercial finance, business workouts and reorganization, and bank litigation. He has developed an industry focus in consumer products generally, and in the food and beverage and fashion markets in particular, having represented companies, C-level executives and investors in these areas. He is often enlisted in complex transactions, such as strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, and strives to recognize transformative opportunities for his clients.
education
J.D., Northeastern University
B.A., with distinction, University of Rochester
admissions
Massachusetts
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
honors & awards
AV® Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
Massachusetts Super Lawyers (2004-2014)

community involvement
Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston
- Leadership Council
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts
- Past Board of Trustees member
University of Rochester George Eastman Circle
experience
- Sale of PE/founder-owned beverage manufacturing company to a global strategic purchaser.
- Formation of a joint venture between a closely-held technology developer and a global medical device manufacturer.
- Outside general counsel to family-owned consolidated transportation companies.
- Acquisition of regional beverage manufacturing plants and distributorships in U.S. and Canada as a growth plan for a New England-based company.
- Negotiation of product development, manufacturing and distribution agreements for numerous consumer products companies.
- Outside general counsel to various early stage technology and media companies, focusing on areas of securing funding, technology development, licensing transactions and exit opportunities for founders.
- Negotiation of executive employment, equity and separation transactions accompanying related company acquisitions or sales.
- Special counsel to niche restaurant developer for debt and equity expansion financing transactions.
- Value-based corporate and real estate acquisitions and reorganizations through Chapter 11.
memberships
American Bar Association
Boston Bar Association
Massachusetts Bar Association
articles
“Tips for Small Business Facing Difficult Financial Times,” Boston Spirit Magazine, July/August 2013
Contributing author, “Bankruptcy Often Not Best Path to Reorganization,” Providence Business News, February 2010
speaking engagements
“Perspective from Trusted Advisors on Strategies for Planning in 2014,” Panelist, Grow Your Success in 2014: Insights & Strategies Program, November 2013