John DeGroote is a former global company general counsel now focused on special business situations, significant matters, and efficient dispute resolution as a trustee, mediator and arbitrator. He believes that hands-on leadership, early assessment, and aggressive project management drive results. In 2009, John was appointed to serve as Trustee to the BearingPoint, Inc. Liquidating Trust by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. In this capacity, John has successfully presided over the post-bankruptcy wind-down of the company, acting to liquidate remaining assets and preserve and distribute those financial assets to creditors. John has served as the neutral intermediary, outside board member or trustee in numerous disputes around the country, and as a mediator and arbitrator in significant litigation. John earned his law degree from Duke Law School and his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. For more information, please see John’s abbreviated resume or his more detailed bio.

Gaynell Methvin and John DeGroote co-mediate select patent and technology disputes, and Gaynell also serves as mediator, arbitrator, neutral advisor, technical advisor and special master for U.S. District Courts in intellectual property and technology litigation. Gaynell spent over 30 years as a trial attorney handling primarily intellectual property — with a focus on patents — and technology-related disputes. He was an associate and a partner at Fish & Neave (1967 to 1973); a partner at Johnson & Gibbs (1974 to 1994) where he was head of a 50-person litigation section while working on intellectual property and other technology-related disputes; and, finally, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher until 1997. His abbreviated resume can be found here.

Carol Pratt is a senior executive and consultant with hands-on experience overseeing and managing multiple facets of business operations. Carol has supported DeGroote Partners since its inception, providing program management structure to achieve efficient and effective wind-down of all aspects of business operations for our clients.

Tracey McAllister is a Senior Paralegal and Consultant with 20 years of legal support experience in the areas of corporate matters, litigation support, and compliance. She understands key business issues and provides fast, efficient solutions to the tasks at hand. Tracey has worked with John for much of the past 20 years and has supported DeGroote Partners since its inception.