John A. Dorsey was appointed as the third United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Rhode Island on September 9, 2025.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Dorsey frequently served as a court-appointed receiver and special master in the Rhode Island Superior Court and many municipal courts throughout the State of Rhode Island. He was previously named to the Rhode Island Superior Court Business Calendar Receivership Committee.

As a court-appointed receiver, Judge Dorsey preserved business operations for distressed businesses until they could be repositioned and sold for the benefit of creditors. He managed properties and businesses during the receivership process as well as successfully marketed and negotiated sales of real estate and business assets. These matters often included situations that preserved important public and economic interests in Rhode Island. In doing so, he gained invaluable experience in operating an array of businesses including healthcare facilities, nursing homes, laboratories, retail complexes, golf-clubs, restaurants, computer and IT companies, gas stations and others.

In 2020, Judge Dorsey was appointed as a program coordinator for the Rhode Island Superior Court COVID-19 Business Recovery Program.

While practicing, Judge Dorsey also worked with cities, towns and landowners to utilize specialized, Court-supervised proceedings focused on collaboratively resurrecting distressed real estate development projects. He designed, implemented, and piloted a public nuisance receivership program to address blighted and abandoned commercial and residential properties throughout the State of Rhode Island. Judge Dorsey’s work in this area helped revitalize many public nuisance properties throughout Rhode Island.

Judge Dorsey was also appointed by the Rhode Island Superior Court and United States District Court as a Commissioner in matters involving the Court-supervised sale of real estate.

In addition, Judge Dorsey successfully represented clients in a variety of complex matters including environmental remediation and compliance; title matters; major land use development; grant and similar incentives related to real estate development projects; tax credits; and construction and business litigation. Judge Dorsey was named a “Rising Star" in the area of real estate law from 2015 to 2023 by Super Lawyers.

EDUCATION

Judge Dorsey is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (B.S. Management, 2007) and Roger Williams University School of Law (J.D., 2010).

HONORS & AWARDS

National and Community Service Award presented by President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Member of the Mastership Team for the Westerly Hospital, which was recognized as the Turnaround Deal-of-the-Year by the Merger & Acquisition Advisor in 2013.

Excellence in the Law (Bankruptcy) – Rhode Island Monthly in 2024.

COMMUNITY

Member, Thurgood Marshal Law Society (Rhode Island).

Member, Roger Williams University School of Law - Alumni Association Board of Directors (2018-2021).

Member, Board of Directors, Quonset Development Corporation (2015-2016).