Patricia O. Vella
About Patricia O. Vella
Patricia O. Vella is a lawyer based in Wilmington, DE and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2016. Patricia O. Vella is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Wilmington, Delaware
- Corporate Governance Law
- Corporate Law
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Current Firm: Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
Education: Villanova University, J.D., graduated 1996
Location: Wilmington, DE
Nearby Lawyers
Tom Hanson represents large and mid-sized companies in the resolution of complex business disputes. Tom pursues and defends claims involving breaches of fiduciary duty, corporate governance, breach of contract, purchase and sale agreements, limited liability company agreements, trade secret protection and restrictive covenants. Tom frequently appears before the Delaware Court of Chancery, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, and the Complex Commercial Litigation Division of t...
Andrew S. Dupre is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Andrew S., 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 Andrew S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kara M. Swasey is a director at Bayard. She concentrates her practice in the area of family law, including divorce, custody, child support, adoption, guardianship and protection from abuse. She provides litigation support to Bayard’s bankruptcy, corporate and commercial law practices. Kara also represents landlords in commercial and residential landlord-tenant matters in Justice of the Peace courts throughout the state of Delaware. Kara is a member of the Executive Committee of the Mels...
Laura Davis Jones is a name partner, a member of the firm's managing committee, and the managing partner of the firm's Delaware office. She gained national recognition as debtor's counsel in the Continental Airlines bankruptcy case, and has represented numerous debtors, creditors' committees, bank groups, acquirers, and other significant constituencies in chapter 11 cases and workout proceedings. She lectures at national bankruptcy and litigation seminars, and has authored numerous articles. ...
Brian R. Lemon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Patent. Brian R., 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 Brian R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mark is a member of the firm, practicing in the Bankruptcy, Insolvency, & Restructuring Practice Group. He is the managing partner of the Wilmington office and co-chair of his practice group. Mark has a broad commercial practice, focusing in the areas of Chapter 11 reorganization and general insolvency law. He has represented all constituencies in corporate restructurings both in and out of Chapter 11, including debtors, unsecured creditors' committees, plan trustees, secured creditors, t...
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...
Mr. Sandler is a member of the firm's Management Committee and Long-term Planning Committee and co-chair of the firm’s Creditors’ Committee Practice Group. He has substantial experience representing debtors, committees, acquirers, fiduciaries (including receivers and trustees), and other significant parties in interest in complex reorganizations and financially distressed situations, both in and out of court. Mr. Sandler’s recent committee representations include Ditech Hold...
Chad Stover represents clients in Delaware’s federal and state courts, and in courts across the country. He is a frequent first-chair trial attorney with a knack for making complex technical and factual problems understandable to juries, judges, and clients. Chad has successfully resolved patent and trademark claims, as well as breach of contract, fraud and other general commercial litigation claims, often involving licensing disputes. Known for building focused and persuasive arguments...
Anthony W. Clark has handled high-profile bankruptcy-related matters for diverse industry giants with transactions ranging in the multibillions. With decades of experience representing debtors, creditors, and acquirers, he regularly advises on corporate, securities, and general litigation matters. The former head of a major law firm’s Delaware Corporate Restructuring & Bankruptcy and Bankruptcy Litigation Practice for more than 25 years, he focuses his practice on Chapter 11 debtor ...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.