Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s business reorganization and restructuring department in New York consists of a group of restructuring experts, including Andrew Mordkoff and Thomas Mark who represents debtors and strategic investors. The firm is noted for their company-side practice and can assist distressed companies both in and out-of-court, while also maintaining a creditor side practice, with specialists including Brett Miller that represents tort claimant committees, ad hoc bondholder and lender committees and official committees of unsecured creditors. The team has also advised on cross-border assignments, including involvement in the Cineworld and Imerys Talc America cases. Rachel Strickland is well regarded for her focus on advising on chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings, as well as advising financial and strategic investors looking to acquire distressed targets or maximize recoveries. Ana Alfonso and Shelley Chapman are key names in the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘This team has mastered negotiating deals that on the surface seem unattainable. They're also experts at generally finding solutions to complicated problems--especially when those solutions require skilled negotiators. To be sure, their advocacy in bankruptcy court is second to none. But what separates Willkie from the rest is their practical approach and skill in getting the outcome the client wants without the mess and risk that comes with more adversarial work.'
‘The lawyers I've worked with are goal oriented and goal driven. They don't allow the procedure and adversarial nature of bankruptcy to district them from attaining what the clients want. Just the opposite, they deploy those procedures to attain meet the clients' goals. That's easier said than done. It takes not only expertise in bankruptcy law but also foresight, intellect, and skill to wield the bankruptcy process so effectively.’
‘Great firm for the most complicated restructuring cases. Excellent advocates for their clients.’
‘Dennis Jenkins is an exceptional restructuring lawyer in highly complex cases. He is a fierce advocate for his clients. Dennis is strong at the negotiating table and in the courtroom.’

Key clients

Clovis Oncology, Inc.
Independent Directors of the U.S. Entities of Cineworld plc
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Core Scientific
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Western Global Airlines
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of SAS AB
SL Green
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA
Official Committee of Talc Claimants of Imerys Talc America
Future Claimants’ Representative in Whittaker Clark & Daniels
Ad Hoc Group of Secured Senior Noteholders and DIP Lenders of Sanchez Energy

Work highlights

Advised Clovis Oncology, Inc. in their highly contested chapter 11 cases, which featured a novel, live auction for parties to provide Clovis’ DIP financing on the most favorable terms.
Serving as counsel for the Committee in the chapter 11 restructuring of SAS AB and its affiliated debtors (collectively, the “Debtors” or “SAS”).
Negotiated resolutions of significant disputes and claims between and among debtors and their stakeholders in the PROMESA/Title III case of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA).