Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has cemented its status as a strong team for a variety of clients on both the creditor and debtor side, including distressed companies, fulcrum creditor groups, equity sponsors and distressed investors. The firm has handled high-profile bankruptcies over the year, including Revlon, where lawyers Robert Britton , Alice Belisle Eaton, Kyle Kimpler and Sean Mitchell represented Revlon in its complex and publicized Chapter 11 cases and continue to represent the company in the wind-down of its remaining Chapter 11 case. Paul Basta co-chairs the New York-based team and has a storied career representing debtors, creditors and investors in a broad range of restructuring matters, ranging from Chapter 11 cases to cross-border insolvency matters. Andrew Rosenberg also co-chairs the department and has represented a diverse range of clients across numerous industries in matters including out-of-court restructurings and bankruptcy-related acquisitions. Jacob Adlerstein has broad expertise in advising clients in bankruptcy cases and corporate restructurings, ranging from debtors to ad hoc creditor committees. Brian Hermann and Elizabeth McColm have extensive experience in bankruptcy and chapter 11 proceedings, with Hermann skilled in representing clients in complex litigation arising out of Chapter 11, alongside McColm who has been involved in major restructurings and bankruptcies. Andrew Parlen has represented private and public companies in a variety of distressed situations, while Brian Bolin is noted for his experience in distressed financing transactions and exit financings. Kelley Cornish has moved to Selendy Gay PLLC.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Paul Weiss team is incredibly thoughtful, diligent and works with their clients to find the best outcome. They are focused on outcomes not fees. They are incredibly creative in finding the best solutions for their clients.’
‘They are humble, smart, and good people. They are willing to work with clients and prioritize relationships/results over billing. They are willing to take risks and partner with clients. They drive outcomes. The team is incredibly responsive.’
‘Elizabeth McColm's attention to detail is exceptional. She works and looks out for her clients best interests at all times. She and the entire team at Paul Weiss have a full compliment of expertise to meet any need. Their billing is transparent and fair commensurate with premium skill sets.’
‘Elizabeth will always make me aware of risks in situations, so I am never ill prepared or surprised. She is easy to reach and always available.’
‘Paul Weiss has become one of the two or three pre-eminent restructuring firms in the United States, based upon the skill and expertise of its attorneys, their focus on client needs, and their ability to craft novel solutions to unusual legal problems and issues.’
‘The firm has a deep bench of outstanding partners and up-and-coming associates. Paul Basta leads the group and possesses extraordinary talent, judgment, and knowledge. He is joined by such outstanding partners as Brian Hermann, Ken Ziman and John Weber. The depth and quality of the group is astounding.’
‘Deep bench with lawyers who actually find--and give proposed answers to--issues. Generally a very commercial team. Rolls up its sleeves and gets into the docs. ’
‘The team--including the senior-most partners--read the docs and know the matter. Andy Rosenberg and Brian Hermann are, in my view, the top two commercial bankruptcy lawyers in the field. If they are on a deal, they will know all the details and read all the docs and attempt to the best of their abilities to think of solutions and work-arounds to the problems that will arise. Also supported by good litigators--Jeff Recher--and finance team--Brian Bolin, both of which are top young partners.’

Key clients

Blackstone
Brookfield Asset Management
CHC Group
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants
Citigroup
Diamond Sports Group
Great Expressions Dental
KKR
Lower Colorado River Authority
Madison Square Boys & Girls Club
National CineMedia
Oaktree Capital Management
Party City
Proterra
Prudential Financial
Revlon
Ryze Renewables
Salem Harbor Power Development
The Capital Group Companies
Westmoreland Mining

Work highlights

Represented Revlon in its complex and publicized Chapter 11 cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
Represented Party City in its prearranged chapter 11 cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Texas.
Represented National CineMedia, LLC (NCM), in its prearranged Chapter 11 case which was filed in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas in April 2023.

Lawyers

Hall of fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Paul Basta

Work highlightsPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Andrew Rosenberg

Work highlightsPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.