Joseph C. Schoell

Thomas McGonigle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Municipal Law. Thomas, who practices law in Wilmington, Delaware, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Luke W. Mette is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Luke W., who practices law in Lewes, Delaware, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Luke W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Cliff C. Gardner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Cliff C., who practices law in Wilmington, Delaware, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cliff C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brett M. McCartney is chairman of the Board of Directors of Bayard and a director in the firm's litigation group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate governance and complex commercial litigation, stockholder litigation, fiduciary duties, alternative entity disputes, class action, and derivative litigation. Brett is also a member of Bayard’s Executive Committee. Brett represents stockholders, directors and officers in litigation in the Court of Chancery in a variety of...

Shawn Tucker is an accomplished and well-respected real-estate attorney who has successfully quarterbacked some of Delaware’s largest development projects – from negotiating complex purchase agreements to obtaining final land use approvals in short order. In fact, Shawn’s unique background makes him a natural choice for developers and business leaders looking to expand in Delaware. Prior to entering private practice, Shawn served as New Castle County’s First Assistant ...

David R. Hurst focuses his practice on complex business reorganizations, debt restructurings and insolvency matters. He represents public and private companies in out-of-court restructurings, prepackaged bankruptcies and traditional Chapter 11 cases. His debtor-side representations have spanned a wide variety of industries, including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, chemicals, communications, healthcare, hedge funds, manufacturing and retail. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/...

Peter B. Ladig is a director at Bayard and co-chair of the litigation group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate governance and commercial litigation, business divorce, stockholder litigation, fiduciary duties, partnership and limited liability company disputes, and class action and derivative litigation.Pete represents stockholders and directors in corporate litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery in a wide range of matters, including advancement of legal fees and exp...

Dennis Meloro is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Dennis, who practices law in Wilmington, Delaware, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dennis is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason C. Jowers is a director at Bayard and co-chair of the firm's litigation group. He concentrates his practice on corporate, alternative entity, and commercial litigation. He primarily represents members and managers of LLCs, officers and directors of corporations, and companies in high-stakes litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery, Delaware Superior Court, Delaware Supreme Court, and United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Additionally, Jason handles arbitrations ...

A lifelong Delaware resident with more than 25 years of experience practicing family law, Carl W. Heckert is a respected and long-time practitioner of divorce litigation and mediation. His family law practice includes divorce, property division, custody, child support, alimony, protection from abuse, as well as grandparent and stepparent’s rights. He is also a Certified Family Law Mediator in Delaware following the state’s inaugural certification program by the Family Court of the...