Bill's practice concentration is corporate and other business counseling and litigation. He is a past chair of Young Conaway’s Corporate Counseling and Litigation Section. Leading cases in which he has been involved include Paramount Communications v. QVC Network, 637 A.2d 34 (Del. 1993), Malpiede v. Townson, 780 A.2d 1075 (Del. 2001), In re: IBP Shareholders Litig. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., 789 A.2d 14 (Del. Ch. 2001), Homestore, Inc. v. Tafeen, 880 A.2d 204 (Del. 2005), Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. v. Black, 954 A.2d 380 (Del. Ch. 2008), Hurd v. Espinoza and Hewlett-Packard Co., 34 A.3d 1084 (Del. 2011), and Hermelin V. K-V Pharmaceutical Co., 2012 Del. Ch. LEXIS 23 (Del. Ch. Feb. 7, 2012). A special focus of his practice is advancement and indemnification under Delaware law, and he has written and spoken extensively on those subjects. He also has substantial ADR experience, both as counsel and as an arbitrator or mediator. Bill has been certified as a mediator by the Superior Court of Delaware.
Bill is a past president of the Delaware State Bar Association. He is a member of the Board of Bar Examiners of the Delaware Supreme Court. He serves in leadership positions with the American Bar Association, and he is Bar Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates. He is Immediate Past President of the American Judicature Society.
Bill is a past member of the Delaware State Human Relations Commission, having served for twenty-four years by gubernatorial appointment. At Young Conway, he co-chairs the firm’s Diversity Committee.
Bill is a graduate of Colgate University and of The Washington and Lee University School of Law. He served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Daniel L. Herrmann, Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court.
American Bar Association
Member (1983 - present)
House of Delegates
• State Bar Delegate (2006 - present)
• Member, House Committee on Delegate
Involvement (2010 - present)
Section of Business Law
Audit Response Committee
• Member (2011 - present)
Business and Corporate Litigation Committee
• Chair (2010 - present)
• Co-Vice Chair (2008 - 2010)
• Co-Chair, Programs (2005-2007)
• Chair, Indemnification and Insurance
Subcommittee (1997-2005)
• Vice Chair, Indemnification and Insurance
Subcommittee (1995-1996)
Corporate Documents and Process Committee
• Member (2008 - present)
Corporate Governance Committee
• Member (2011 - present)
Director and Officer Liability Committee
• Member (2007 - present)
• Chair, Indemnification and Insurance
Subcommittee (2011 - present)
• Member, Model Indemnification Agreement
Working Group (2007 - present)
Dispute Resolution Committee
• Member (2011 - present)
Federal Regulation of Securities Committee
• Member (2011 - present)
Mergers and Acquisition Committee
• Member (2011 - present)
Section Nominations
• For Appointment to the ABA Standing
Committee on the Federal Judiciary (2012)
• For Appointment to the ABA Standing
Committee on Publishing Oversight (2009)
• For Appointment to the ABA Standing
Committee on on Professionalism(2004)
Working Group Regarding Proposed Changes to the ABA Model Code of
Judicial Conduct
• Chair (2005-2007)
Section of Litigation
Corporate Counsel Committee (2006 - present)
American Bar Foundation
Fellow (2009 - present)
State Chair (2011 - present)
American Counsel Association
Member (2010 - present)
American Inns of Court
Member, Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court (2002 - present)
Member, Executive Committee (2006-2008, 2010 - present)
Group Leader (2004-2008)
American Judicature Society
Member (1983 - present)
Immediate Past President (2011 - present)
President (2010 - 2011)
President-Elect (2009 - 2010)
Director (2003 - present)
Treasurer (2008-2009)
Vice President (2006-2008)
Chair, National Advisory Council (2005-2007)
Chair, Strategic Planning and Implementation Committee (2005 - 2010)
Chair, Advisory Committee to the Elmo B. Hunter Citizens Center for Judicial
Selection (2003-2005)
Member, Amicus Committee (2003-2005)
Member, National Jury Center Advisory Committee (2003-2005)
Member, Substantive Programming Committee (2003 - 2010)
Member, Team Representing Delaware at National Conference on Pro Se
Litigation (Scottsdale, AZ Nov. 18-21, 1999)
Delaware Law Related Education Center, Inc.
Director (2006 - 2011)
Delaware State Bar Association
Member (1982 to present)
State Bar Delegate to the American Bar Association (2006 - present)
Co-chair, Committee on Consumer Debt Actions in the Court of
Common Pleas (2011 - present)
Immediate Past President (2002-2003)
President (2001-2002)
President-Elect (2000-2001)
Vice President At Large (1999-2000)
Vice President, New Castle County (1997-1999)
Secretary (1996-1997)
Member, Executive Committee (2 years appointed, 8 years as an officer of the
Association)
Assistant Secretary (1995-1996)
Member, Council of the Corporate Counsel Section (1995 - present)
Member, Corporation Law Section (1983 - present)
Member, Special Committee of the Corporation Law Section (2003-2007)
Chair, Pro Se Litigation Assistance Committee (1996-2000; 2003-2007)
Member, Diversity Committee (1995-2007)
Chair, Program Committee (1989-1993)
Member of the Editorial Board, The Delaware Bar In The Twentieth Century
(1994)
Member of the Editorial Board, The Delaware Constitution of 1897 -- The First
100 Years (1997)
Member of the Editorial Board, Delaware Supreme Court Golden Anniversary
(2001)
Vice Chair, Committee on the Provision of Legal Services to Low Income
People of Delaware (1994-1995)
Member, Redding Fellows Subcommittee of the Diversity Committee (1994-1996)
Delaware Supreme Court
Member, Board of Bar Examiners (2006 - present)
Member, Delivery of Criminal Justice Policy Committee (2001-2002)
Member, Rules Advisory Committee (1984-1987)
Member, Delaware Appellate Handbook Subcommittee of the Rules Advisory
Committee (1983-1990)
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, Inc.
Volunteer pro bono attorney (2009 - present)
High School Mock Trial Competition
Scoring Judge, Delaware Competition (2006 - present)
Co-author, “case” for 2008 National Competition (hosted by Delaware)
Federal Bar Association (Delaware Chapter)
Member (2007-2008)
International Bar Association
Member (1991-1996)
Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League
Member (2003 - present)
National Conference of Bar Presidents
Member (2000 - present)
Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity
Member (1980 - present)
Stand Up For What’s Right And Just (“SURJ”)
Member (2004 - present)
OTHER DIRECTOR/TRUSTEE/OFFICER POSITIONS
Peninsula United Methodist Homes, Inc.
Director (2006-2010)
Trustees of Color, Inc.
Board of Advisors (2006 - 2011)
The Pilot School, Inc.
Trustee (1992-2008)
Treasurer (1995-2008)
Member, Executive Committee (1995-2008)
HLR Holdings, Inc.
Director (1990-1996)
Assistant Secretary (1990-1996)
Roche Pharma, Inc.
Assistant Secretary (1990-1998)
University & Whist Club of Wilmington
Director (1989-1993)
Sigma Chi Fraternity
President, Sigma Chi of Colgate, Inc. (alumni corporation) (1985-1989)
BIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Rating
The Best Lawyers in America® (Corporate Law)
Delaware Super Lawyers®
Who's Who in America
Who’s Who in American Law
Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America
HONORS
“Community Service Award,” Delaware State Bar Association (2007)
“President’s Citation,” Delaware State Bar Association (1996)
“Certificate of Appreciation,” 1996 Louis L. Redding Fellows (1996)
“Leadership Award,” Delaware State Human Relations Commission (1996)
“Helping Hand – Diversity in the Legal Community,” Delaware State Conference of
The NAACP (1995)
“President’s Citation,” Delaware State Bar Association (1993)
“President’s Citation,” Delaware State Bar Association (1991)
“Grand Consul’s Citation,” Sigma Chi Fraternity (1989)
MEMBERSHIPS
Wilmington Country Club
Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club
Lincoln Club of Delaware
University & Whist Club
ACTIVITIES
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Member, Chancel Choir (1970 - present)
Member, Worship Commission (2010-2011)
Lay Delegate, Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference (2006 - present)
Co-chair, Worship Commission (2006-2008)
Lay Leader (2005-2006)
Associate Lay Leader (2003-2004)
Member, Administrative Board (2003 - present)
Member, Staff-Parish Relations Committee (1996-1998)
Chair, Religion & Race Commission (1986-1989)
Past Member, Administrative Board, Lay Leadership (formerly Nominating)
Committee and other committees of the Church
Boy Scouts of America
Eagle Scout
Chair, Troop 67 Troop Committee (1982-1985)
Colgate University
Class Agent (1992-1995)
Delaware State Human Relations Commission
Commissioner, by gubernatorial appointment (1987-2011)
Member, Executive Committee
Member, Legislative Committee (1994 - present)
Past Acting Chair and Past Acting Vice Chair
Chair, Regulations Committee (1994-1996)
Chair, Legislative Committee (1994-1996)
Chair, Community Response Committee (1992-1994)
Rotary Club of Wilmington
Member (1997 - present)
Co-Parliamentarian (2006 - present)
Member, Chaplains Committee (2006-2007)
Chair, Rotary Foundation Committee (2005-2006)
Vice Chair, Rotary Foundation Committee (2004-2005)
Chair, Vocational Service Committee (2003-2004)
Director (2000-2002)
Vice Chair, Vocational Service Committee (1999-2000; 2002-2003)
Chair, Scholarship Committee (1998-1999)
Chair, Fellowship Committee (1997-1998)
Stubbs Elementary School, Wilmington, Delaware
Mentor (2010 - present)
United Way of Delaware
Chair, Tocqueville Society (2011 - present)
Chair, Legal Sector (2010-2011)
Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington, Delaware
Member, “Friends Forward” Capital Campaign Committee (2003-2005)
Member, “250
th Celebration” Capital Campaign Committee (1998-1999)
PUBLICATIONS
William D. Johnston, “Report: Mid-year Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates,” The Journal, Volume 35, Number 8 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Mar. 2012)
William D. Johnston, Introduction to “Our Mini-theme: A Preview of the Forthcoming Annual Review, Business Law Today (Section of Business Law of the American Bar Association) (Jan. 2012 on-line issue)
William D. Johnston, “Flexibility Under Delaware Law In Drafting Advancement Provisions On A ‘Clear Day,’ And Potential Surprises For Those Who Do Not Take Advantage Of That Flexibility,” Delaware Law Review, Volume 13, Number 1 (2011)
William D. Johnston, “Delaware Courts Expert At Handling Foreign Law,” Delaware Business Court Insider (Legal Intelligencer, American Lawyer Media Dec. 21, 2011)
William D. Johnston, “Opportunities to ‘Give. Advocate. Volunteer’ Continue to Abound for DSBA Members Through United Way of Delaware,” The Journal, Volume 35, Number 5 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Dec. 2011)
William D. Johnston, “Report: Annual Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates,” The Journal, Volume 35, Number 2 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Sept. 2011)
William D. Johnston, “President’s Report: The ‘State of the Society’ and Our Thanks to Dave Richert,” Judicature, Volume 94, Number 6 (American Judicature Society) (May-June, 2011)
William D. Johnston, “President’s Report: AJS Membership Has Its Privileges (and Its Responsibilities and Opportunities),” Judicature, Volume 94, Number 5 (American Judicature Society) (Mar.-April 2011)
William D. Johnston, "Report: Results of the Midyear Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates," The Journal, Volume 34, Number 8 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Mar. 2011)
William D. Johnston, "President's Report: Incivility is Eroding Our Justice System and the Rule of Law," Judicature, Volume 94, Number 4 (American Judicature Society) (Jan.-Feb. 2011)
William D. Johnston, "President's Report: Lessons Learned From the Mid-term Judicial Elections, and Fondly Remembering Dick Perrault and Al Sobel," Judicature, Volume 94, Number 3 (American Judicature Society) (Nov.-Dec. 2010)
William D. Johnston, "Delaware Supreme Court, Delaware State Bar Association and American Judicature Society to Co-Sponsor November 12th 'Celebration of Judicial Merit Selection in Delaware'," The Journal, Volume 34, Number 3 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Oct. 2010)
William D. Johnston, "Report: The 2010 Annual Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates," The Journal, Volume 34, Number 2 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Sept. 2010)
William D. Johnston, "President's Report: Celebrating AJS as a Membership Organization," Judicature, Volume 94, Number 2 (American Judicature Society) (Sept.-Oct. 2010)
William D. Johnston, "Report on the Mid-Year Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates," The Journal, Volume 33, Number 8 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Mar. 2010)
William D. Johnston, Michael R. Nestor, and Kristen Salvatore DePalma, "Bankruptcy: The Game-Changer for Directors & Officers Who May Face Claims by Shareholders or Others," Securities Litigation Report, Vol. 7, Issue 1 (December 2009/January 2010)
William D. Johnston, “Report on the Annual Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates,” In Re:, Volume 33, Number 2 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Sept. 2009)
William D. Johnston, “Report on the Mid-Year Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates,” In Re:, Volume 32, Number 8 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Mar. 2009)
William D. Johnston, “Delaware Court of Chancery Decisions Highlight Importance of Paying Close Attention to Advancement Language,” Securities Litigation Report, Vol. 6, Issue 1 (January 2009)
William D. Johnston and Adam L. Balick, “A Balanced Approach to the Protection of Managers of Healthcare Organizations: A Practitioners Guide,” Member Briefing issued by the Business Law and Governance Practice Group of the American Health Lawyers Association (Oct. 2008)
William D. Johnston, “Delaware Supreme Court Responds to SEC’s first Certified Questions of Law,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 5, No. 6 (Lawyers Weekly,
Inc. Sept. 2008)
William D. Johnston, “Enhanced Mediation Opportunities in Delaware,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 5, No. 4 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. May 2008)
William D. Johnston, “Report on the Mid-Year Meeting of the ABA House of Delegates,” In Re:, Volume 31, Number 8 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Mar. 2008)
William D. Johnston, “Del. Ruling Highlights Importance Of Paying Close Attention to Language of Bylaws,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 5, No. 3 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Mar. 2008)
William D. Johnston, “A Timeless History,” a review of Middle Temple Lawyers and the American Revolution, appearing in Judicature, Vol. 91, No. 4 (American Judicature Society January-February 2008)
William D. Johnston, “Ruling: Bylaws Can Condition Advancement Of Legal Fees,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 5, No. 2 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Jan. 2008)
William D. Johnston, “A Timeless History,” a review of Middle Temple Lawyers and the American Revolution, appearing in The Bencher (American Inns of Court November/December 2007)
William D. Johnston, “Delaware Bankruptcy Court Ruling Highlights Importance Of State Law Advancement Rights,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 4, No. 5 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Oct. 2007)
William D. Johnston, “Report on the Recent ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco,” In Re:, Volume 31, Number 2 (Delaware State Bar Association) (Sept. 2007)
William D. Johnston, “SEC’s New Ability to Certify Law Questions to Delaware Sup. Ct.: Will It Happen?, Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 4, No. 4 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. July 2007)
William D. Johnston, “Reflections of a New Member of the ABA House of Delegates,” In Re: Volume 30, Number 9 (Delaware State Bar Association) (April 2007)
William D. Johnston, “Rulings Question Legitimacy of ‘Backdating’ and ‘Springloading’ Stock Options, Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 4, No. 3 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. April 2007)
William D. Johnston, “Delaware Supreme Court Clarifies ‘Duty of Good Faith’ But Leaves Important Questions Unanswered,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 4, No. 2 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Jan. 2007)
William D. Johnston, “DuPont’s Legal Department Partners With Others On Innovative ‘Diversity Pipeline’ Program,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 4, No. 1 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. October 2006)
William D. Johnston, “KPMG Ruling Calls Into Question Thompson Memo Footnote On Payment Of Attorneys’ Fees,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 3, No. 4 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. July 2006)
William D. Johnston, “An Unmistakable Message From Delaware’s Courts: ‘Mandatory’ Means ‘Mandatory’ In Advancing Defense Expenses,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 3, No. 3 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Apr. 2006)
William D. Johnston, “A Trap For The Unwary: ‘Fiduciary’ Duties of Directors to Creditors,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 2, No. 4 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. July 2005)
William D. Johnston, “Director and Officer Liability: Shifting Sands?,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 2, No. 3 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Apr. 2005)
William D. Johnston and Dawn M. Jones, Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 2004 Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (Mar. 31, 2005)
William D. Johnston, “ ‘Creeping’ Federalization of Corporate Governance: Good Idea Or Unwelcome Intrusion?,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 2, No. 2 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Jan. 2005)
William D. Johnston, “Recent Delaware Decisions Reinforce Importance of Balanced Protection for Directors and Officers,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 2, No. 1 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Oct. 2004)
William D. Johnston and Janet R. McFadden, "Balanced Protection of Directors and Officers: Now More Important Than Ever," Network, Vol. 12, Issue 3 (ABA Business and Corporate Litigation Committee Summer 2004)
William D. Johnston and Dawn M. Jones, Update: Limitation of Director Liability, Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (Aug. 8, 2004)
William D. Johnston, "Pro Bono Opportunities Abound For Corporate Counsel," Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 1, No. 4 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. July 2004)
William D. Johnston, "Delaware's Chief Justice Assesses Director Duties in New Corporate Environment," Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 1, No. 3 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Apr. 2004)
William D. Johnston, Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 2, 2004)
William D. Johnston and Dawn M. Jones, Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 2003 Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 1, 2004)
William D. Johnston, “Fair Indemnification And Advancement Clauses For Directors And Officers Require Careful Drafting,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Jan. 2004)
William D. Johnston, “Scope of Protection Against Director And Officer Liability In Flux,” Atlantic Coast In-House, Vol. 1, No. 1 (Lawyers Weekly, Inc. Oct. 2003)
William D. Johnston and Dawn M. Jones, Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 2002 Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 3-6, 2003)
William D. Johnston, Michael L. Gassmann, and Janet McFadden, “Update on Director Liability, Advancement and Indemnification, and D&O Insurance Developments: The Need for Balanced Protection, to the Benefit of All,” Network, Vol. 10, Issue 4 (ABA Business and Corporate Litigation Committee Winter 2002-03)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “With Thanks,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 11 (Delaware State Bar Association June 2002)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “Law-related Education Of The Public: To Everyone’s Benefit,” In Re: Vol. 25, Number 10 (Delaware State Bar Association May, 2002)
William D. Johnston and John J. Paschetto, Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 2001 Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 3-6, 2002)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “Spring: A Time To Take A Fresh Look,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 9 (Delaware State Bar Association April 2002)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “The Delaware Bar: No Competition,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 8 (Delaware State Bar Association Mar. 2002)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “Black History Month: Remembering The Good Times, And The Bad,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 7 (Delaware State Bar Association Feb. 2002)
William D. Johnston, “Extend the Umbrella,” News Journal (Jan. 27, 2002)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “Equal Treatment Under The Law -- Long Overdue,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 6 (Delaware State Bar Association Jan. 2002)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “A Time For Giving And For Receiving,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 5 (Delaware State Bar Association Dec. 2001)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “Strength In Diversity,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 4 (Delaware State Bar Association Nov. 2001)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “We Stand United,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 3 (Delaware State Bar Association Oct. 2001)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “How Are We Doing?,” In Re:, Vol. 25, Number 2 (Delaware State Bar Association Sept. 2001)
William D. Johnston, President’s Corner: “It’s All About Service,” In Re:, Vol. 25 Number 1 (Delaware State Bar Association July/August 2001) (available at dsba.org)
William D. Johnston and John J. Paschetto, Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (March 22-25, 2001)
William D. Johnston and John J. Paschetto, Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 2000 Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (March 22-25, 2001)
William D. Johnston and John J. Paschetto, Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (July 9, 2000)
William D. Johnston and John J. Paschetto, Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (March 25, 2000)
William D. Johnston and John J. Paschetto, Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 1999 Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (March 23-26, 2000)
James L. Patton, William D. Johnston, Danielle Gibbs, and Matthew G. Zaleski, III, Dancing with Scylla and Charybdis: The Tough Job of Directors of a Troubled Company, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (March 23-26, 2000)
William D. Johnston, Summary of the Law Relating to Limitation of Liability, Advancement and Indemnification Issues Raised In: “CRISIS! Governance and Indemnification Perspectives in Parallel Criminal and Civil Litigation” presented at the Meeting of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (December 3, 1999)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr. -- Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (August 8, 1999)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr. -- Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee, ABA Section of Business Law (April 17, 1999)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr. -- Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 1998 Developments, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 14, 1999)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr. -- Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (August 2, 1998)
William D. Johnston and John W. Shaw -- Electronic Discovery -- The Pros and Cons, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 1, 1998)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr. -- Director Liability and Indemnification: Review of 1997 Developments, presented at the Meeting of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 1, 1998)
William D. Johnston and John W. Shaw -- Electronic Discovery -- Defense’s View: Delaware Cases, presented at the Electronic Data Discovery Seminar of the Corporate Counsel Section of the Delaware State Bar Association (November 5, 1997)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr., Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (August 4, 1997)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr., Update -- Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (April 3, 1997)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr., Update --Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (August 2-6, 1996)
William D. Johnston and James P. Hughes, Jr., Update --Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, presented at the Meeting of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (March 28, 1996)
William D. Johnston, Transfer of Domicile To Delaware by Non-U.S. Corporations, The Professionals’ Guide To Investment In The USA, at 142 (1993)
David C. McBride, Josy W. Ingersoll and William D. Johnston, Corporate Law Seminar, prepared for and presented to a Delegation of the Supreme Soviet (February 21, 1992)
Josy W. Ingersoll and William D. Johnston, Business Strategy Protection a/k/a “The White Knight Privilege” -- When A Confidentiality Order Is Not Enough, presented in connection with the Delaware Bench and Bar Conference (June 1989)
William D. Johnston, United States Supreme Court Limits Recovery of Expert Witness
Fees to $30 per Day in Potentially Far-Reaching Decision, In Re: (newsletter of the Delaware State Bar Association), at 1 (November 1987)
Note, Double Jeopardy: Standard for Representation After Mistrial on Defendant’s Motion, 39 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 581 (1982)
Note, Rule 60(b)(6), 39 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 513 (1982)
EVENTS
American Bar Association
Panelist -- "Annual Review of Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation," Section of Business Law (Las Vegas, NV Mar. 22, 2012)
Panelist -- “Protecting the Personal Assets of Directors and Officers -- The Latest in Indemnification Agreements,” Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the Section of Business Law (Vancouver, B.C., Canada Apr. 18, 2009)
Co-organizer and Panelist -- “Indemnifying and Insuring Management in Crisis,” Business and Corporate Litigation Committee and Federal Regulation of Securities Committee of the Section of Business Law (Washington, DC Nov. 18, 2005)
Co-organizer – “Federalization of Corporate Governance,” Business and Corporate Litigation Committee and Federal Regulation of Securities Committee of the Section of Business Law (Washington, DC Nov. 19, 2004)
Panelist -- “Review of Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation” (Seattle, WA April 1, 2004)
Co-organizer -- “Good Faith in the Spotlight,” Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the Section of Business Law (New York, NY December 5, 2003)
Panelist -- “Review of Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation,” Section of Business Law (Los Angeles, CA April 3, 2003)
Co-organizer and Moderator -- “Mediating Corporate Governance Cases -- Does It Work?,” Section of Business Law (Chicago, IL August 5, 2001)
Participant -- “The Role of the Court in Improving Lawyer Conduct and Professionalism: Initiating Action, Coordinating Efforts, and Maintaining Momentum” (Implementation of the Conference of Chief Justices’ National Action Plan on Lawyer Conduct and Professionalism), sponsored by the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility and the Conference of Chief Justices (Del Mar, CA Mar. 22-24, 2001)
Panelist -- “Review of Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation,” Section of
Business Law (San Francisco, CA April 17, 1999)
Panelist -- “Electronic Discovery -- The Pros and Cons,” Section of Business Law (St. Louis, MO April 1, 1998)
Panelist -- “1997 Review of Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation,” Section of Business Law (Boston, MA April 4, 1997)
Frequent presenter, Update: Limitation of Director Liability and Advancement and Indemnification, Meetings of the Indemnification and Insurance Subcommittee of the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Section of Business Law (1996-2007)
American Judicature Society
Master of Ceremonies/Co-presenter - 7th Annual Dwight D. Opperman Award for Judicial Excellence (Wilmington, DE Mar. 16, 2011)
Master of Ceremonies/Co-presenter - "Celebration of Judicial Merit Selection in Delaware" (Rockland, DE Nov. 12, 2010)
Master of Ceremonies/Co-presenter - 28th Annual Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award (Washington, D.C. Sept. 13, 2010)
Presenter - “Ethics for Judges and Their Families,” 21st National College on Judicial Conduct and Ethics (Chicago, IL Oct. 30-31, 2008)
Presenter - Midwest Regional Conference on Pro Se Litigation (Des Moines, IA
Sept. 7-9, 2006)
Delaware State Bar Association
Presenter -- "Bridge the Gap" Program of the Delaware Supreme Court (Best Practices in Trial Practice - Depositions; Best Practices in Corporate Law)(October 28, 2011)
Presenter – “Bridge the Gap” Program of the Delaware Supreme Court (Best Practices in Trial Practice – Depositions; Best Practices in Corporate Law) (October 29, 2010)
Presenter – “Bridge the Gap” Program of the Delaware Supreme Court (Best Practices in Trial Practice – Depositions; Best Practices in Corporate Law) (November 6, 2009)
Presenter -- “Bridge the Gap” Program of the Delaware Supreme Court (Best Practices in Trial Practice -- Depositions; Best Practices in Corporate Law) (November 14, 2008)
Presenter -- “Bridge the Gap” Program of the Delaware Supreme Court (Best Practices in Trial Practice -- Depositions; Best Practices in Corporate Law) (October 26, 2007)
Co-presenter -- “Corporate Law Update,” Program for the DSBA Corporate Counsel Section (January 24, 2007)
Co-organizer, Co-moderator, and Panelist -- “The Intersection of Law and Accounting in a Post Sarbanes-Oxley World” (November 13, 2006)
Panelist -- Symposium on the Law of Delaware Business Entities, “Good Faith After Disney: The Role of Good Faith in Organizational Relations in Delaware Business Entities” (October 5, 2006)
Introductory remarks -- Symposium on the Law of Delaware Business Entities, “Fiduciary Duties to Creditors: Evolution or Revolution?” (April 28, 2005)
Co-organizer, Co-moderator, and Panelist -- “The Lawyer’s Role in Corporate Responsibility: Focus on Sarbanes-Oxley and Professional Responsibility” (April 10, 2003)
Panelist -- “Multi-Jurisdictional Practice (or MJP): Not in My Backyard” (April 4, 2001)
Panelist -- Electronic Data Discovery Seminar of the Corporate Counsel Section (November 5, 1997)
Panelist -- Chancery Practice Program (March 26, 1993)
Co-organizer and Co-moderator -- 1992 Appellate Practice program
Panelist -- Appellate Practice in Delaware/Introduction of the Delaware Appellate Handbook (January 18, 1985)
Delaware State Human Relations Commission
Panelist -- "The New Sexual Orientation Law," 17th Annual Fair Housing Training Conference (April 7, 2010)
Presenter -- "The Mission and Work of the Delaware State Human Relations Commission" (Cokesbury Village, December 12, 2009)
Delaware Trial Lawyers Association
Co-organizer and Panelist -- “Appellate Practice” (June 16, 2006)
Panelist -- “Ethics in Light of Tragedy and Ethics Update” (December 14, 2001)
Other
Co-organizer and Panelist -- Corporate Law Seminar presented by Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP to Delegation of the Supreme Soviet (Wilmington, DE February 21, 1992)
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
Corporate Litigation
• Hermelin v. K-V Pharmaceutical Co., 2012 Del. Ch. LEXIS 23 (Del. Ch. Feb. 7, 2012)
(advancement of defense expenses, standards for mandatory and permissive indemnification)
• Hurd v. Espinoza and Hewlett-Packard Co., 34 A.3d 1084 (Del. 2011)
(en Banc)(under-seal treatment of documents filed with the court)
• Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. v. Black, 954 A.2d 380 (Del. Ch. 2008)
(advancement of defense expenses)
• Homestore, Inc. v. Tafeen, 888 A.2d 204, 2005 Del. LEXIS 462 (Del. 2005)
(advancement of defense expenses)
• Brady v. i2 Technologies, Inc., 2005 Del. Ch. LEXIS 194
(Del. Ch. Dec. 14, 2005) (advancement of defense expenses)
• In re IBP Shareholders Litig. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., 789 A.2d 14
(Del. Ch. 2001) (merger/specific performance)
• In re IBP Shareholders Litig. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., C.A. No. 18373,
2001 LEXIS 40 (Del. Ch. Apr. 18, 2001) (first-filed rule/forum non conveniens)
• Paramount Communications v. QVC Network, 637 A.2d 34 (Del. 1993)
(control contest/deposition practice)
• Haseotes v. Bentas, C.A. No. 19155, 2002 Del. Ch. LEXIS 106
(Del. Ch. Sept. 3, 2002) (derivative action)
• Malpiede v. Townson, 780 A.2d 1075 (Del. 2001) (en Banc)
(merger/class action)
• McGowan v. Empress Entertainment, Inc., 791 A.2d 1
(Del. Ch. 2000) (books and records inspection)
• HMG Courtland Properties, Inc. v. Gray, 749 A.2d 94 (Del. Ch. 1999)
(recissory damages)
• Apple Computer, Inc. v. Exponential Technology, Inc., C.A. No. 16315,
1999 Del. Ch. LEXIS 9 (Del. Ch. Jan. 21, 1999)
(sale of all or substantially all of assets)
• Matador Capital Management Corp. v. BRC Holdings, 729 A.2d 280
(Del. Ch. 1998) (merger/disclosure)
• Carlton Investments v. TLC Beatrice International Holdings, C.A. No. 13950,
1997 Del. Ch. LEXIS 86 (Del. Ch. May 30, 1997)
(derivative action/special litigation committee)
• Lipson v. Supercuts, Inc., C.A. No. 15074, 1996 Del. Ch. LEXIS 108
(Del. Ch. Sept. 10, 1996) (advancement of defense expenses)
• Garrett v. Brown, Cons. C.A. No. 8423, 1986 Del. Ch. LEXIS 516
(Del. Ch. June 13, 1986) (entitlement to corporate office)
• Bernstein v. Vestron, Inc., C.A. No. 8404, 1986 Del. Ch. LEXIS 377
(Del. Ch. Mar. 11, 1986) (emergency injunctive relief)
“Alternative Entity” Litigation
• Orix, LF, LP v. Inscap Asset Management, LLC, et al., 2010 Del. Ch.
LEXIS 70 (Del. Ch. April 13, 2010) (arbitrability of claims)
• DeLucca v. KKAT Management, L.L.C., et al., 2006 Del. Ch. LEXIS 19
(Del. Ch. Jan. 30, 2006) (advancement of defense expenses)
• Arbor Place, L.P. v. Encore Opportunity Fund, C.A. No. 18928,
2002 Del. Ch. LEXIS 102 (Del. Ch. Jan 29, 2002)
(inspection of list of LLC members)
• In re Cencom Cable Income Partners, L.P. Litig., C.A. No. 14634,
1997 Del. Ch. LEXIS 146 (Del. Ch. Oct. 15, 1997)
(duties of general partner of limited partnership)
• Delphi Easter Partners L.P. v. Spectacular Partners, Inc., C.A. No. 12409,
1993 Del. Ch. LEXIS 159 (Del. Ch. Aug. 1993)
(advancement/general partners)
• Boesky v. CX Partners, L.P., C.A. Nos. 9739, 9744 and 9748,
1988 Del. Ch. LEXIS 60 (Del. Ch. Apr. 28, 1988)
(duties of liquidating partner)
Other Business Litigation
• United States v. Dentsply International, Inc., 277 F. Supp. 2d 387
(D. Del. 2003) (antitrust)
• In re Continental Airlines, Inc., 932 F.2d 282 (3d Cir. 1991)
(bankruptcy/automatic stay)
• Playboy Entertainment Group v. United States, 918 F. Supp. 813
(D. Del. 1996) (constitutional challenge to federal statute)
• Vinton v. Trustbank Savings, F.S.B., 798 F. Supp. 1055
(D. Del. 1992) (interpretation of FIRREA)
• United States v. Conrail, 729 F. Supp. 1461 (D. Del. 1990)
(environmental cost-recovery)
• Charlestown Holdings v. FDIC (In re Competrol Acquisition Partnership, L.P.),
Chapter 11, Case Nos. 94-622 through 94-626 (PJW), Adv. Pro. No. 94-90,
1994 Bankr. LEXIS 2128 (Bankr. Del. Aug. 12, 1994)
(bankruptcy/adversary proceeding)
• Miller v. Phillips Petroleum Co., 537 A.2d 190 (Del. 1988)
(forum non conveniens)
• VS&A Communications Partners, L.P. v. Palmer Broadcasting L.P.,
C.A. No. 12521, 1992 Del. Ch. LEXIS 231 (Del. Ch. Nov. 13, 1992)
(asset purchase/specific performance)
• Pfizer, Inc. v. Advanced Monobloc Corp., C.A. No. 97C-04-037-WTQ,
1999 Del. Super. LEXIS 323 (Del. Super. Sept. 20, 1999)
(non-testifying experts)
• Mt. Hawley Insurance Co. v. Jenny Craig, Inc., 668 A.2d 763
(Del. Super. 1995) (insurance coverage/forum non conveniens)
• Kling Meats, Inc. v. Baltimore Spice Co., No. 84C-OC-19,
1988 Del. Super. LEXIS 431 (Del. Super. Nov. 23, 1988)
(damages action/loss of business)
• Wilson v. Chem-Solv, Inc., No. 85C-MY-1, 1988 Del. Super. LEXIS 372
(Del. Super. Oct. 14, 1988) (environmental clean-up/insurance coverage)
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Special Legal Counsel
• Served as special legal counsel, at the request of parties in pending
litigation, for a determination regarding entitlement to advancement
of defense expenses
(TIFD III-X LLC v. Fruehauf Production Co. LLC,
Del. Ch. C.A. No. 20488-VCL)
ADR
• Certified as a mediator by the Superior Court of Delaware
• AAA arbitration (as counsel)
• Delaware Superior Court arbitration (as arbitrator)
• Delaware Court of Chancery mediation (as counsel)
• Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (as mediator)