Ranking tables
Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite | USA
New York
In-depth overview
NEW YORK: An Introduction
JURISDICTION
On 30 June 2023, the New York State legislature passed a bill to ban new non-compete clauses in emp...
Authored by Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, Lori Marks-Esterman, Sahand Farahati
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 4 Years Ranked
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 4 Years Ranked
Morrison Foerster 4 Years Ranked
Proskauer Rose LLP 4 Years Ranked
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP 4 Years Ranked
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates 4 Years Ranked
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 4 Years Ranked
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 4 Years Ranked
Band 4
Band 5
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 AkinBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedAkin is a superb performer in the area of complex bankruptcies and restructurings on behalf of high-profile creditors and committees, while offering an excellent debtor-side offering. Boasts an impressive roster of experienced practitioners with both insolvency-related transactional and litigation expertise. Enjoys a strong reputation for its expertise in the energy, retail, media and financial services sectors. Offers notable strength in cross-border matters.
1 Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP boasts a standout team of highly reputed bankruptcy and restructuring attorneys primarily advising clients on the creditor side, including notable experience acting for bondholder groups. Offers impressive capabilities on advisory and transactional assignments, as well as top-quality representation in multijurisdictional matters, with burgeoning strength in oil and gas-related issues. Excels in debtor-in-possession financings, distressed M&A, and strategic planning and advisory work for major financial institutions.
1 Kirkland & Ellis LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedKirkland & Ellis LLP maintains a market-leading reputation in the bankruptcy and restructuring field, bringing formidable capability to its representation of all parties, but particularly excelling in connection with company-side representations. Offers an exceptionally deep bench of experienced attorneys with expertise in handling insolvency-related matters for a variety of domestic, international and multinational corporations. Maintains broad-ranging industry sector expertise, including energy, retail and media.
1 Milbank LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedMilbank LLP possesses a distinguished bankruptcy and restructuring practice offering a broad range of expertise, particularly on complex Chapter 11 cases, to underwriters, investors and creditors. Demonstrates particular strength in restructuring transactional matters such as distressed M&A, in addition to offering prowess in contentious bankruptcies. Well-regarded group of attorneys experienced across a myriad of industry sectors and cases involving cross-border components, with notable strengths in Latin America. Active in the energy and natural resources, retail and financial services sectors, among others.
1 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP offers a deep bench of bankruptcy and restructuring experts experienced with representing creditor and debtor-side clients, as well as equity sponsors. Advises on the full spectrum of distressed transactions and insolvency proceedings across the energy, technology and financial services sectors. Houses significant domestic and cross-border expertise, regularly working on restructurings involving European or Latin American components. Offers an impressive multidisciplinary approach, drawing on its wider strengths in corporate, finance and tax law.
1 Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 1 | 4 Years RankedWeil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is an impressive performer that handles a wide spectrum of restructuring matters on behalf of domestic and international clients. Well reputed for its representation of financial institutions and major corporate clients. Highly regarded debtor practice, with additional strength in creditor work. Houses a deep bench of experts who demonstrate significant experience handling distressed situations within the oil and gas, metals and mining industries, as well as the retail sector.
Band 2
2 Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 2 | 4 Years RankedKramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP boasts a diverse bankruptcy and restructuring practice that is active on behalf of a range of clients, including creditors' committees, bondholders and the acquirers of distressed assets. Undertakes significant work in the area of complex bankruptcy litigation while also advising on M&A of distressed companies. Also offers notable expertise with regard to bondholder representations in municipal restructurings.
2 Latham & Watkins LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 2 | 4 Years RankedLatham & Watkins LLP has an acclaimed bankruptcy and workouts team with an established creditor practice and burgeoning debtor-side capabilities. Relied upon by clients in major Chapter 11 cases, as well as out-of-court restructurings and distressed M&A transactions. Maintains a fine reputation for its cross-border capabilities and is also particularly noted for its work in the energy sector. Notable strengths in bankruptcy-related litigation.
2 Paul Hastings LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 2 | 4 Years RankedPaul Hastings LLP fields a highly capable team with a wealth of experience in the full range of bankruptcy work. Offers impressive cross-border capabilities, with particular expertise in Latin America. Active in the airline, energy and hospitality sectors and routinely acts for creditors' committees, noteholders and lenders. Also handles sovereign debt restructuring.
2 Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 2 | 4 Years RankedWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz houses a deep bench of experienced transactional lawyers able to advise on the full range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters with additional support from its talented litigators. Noted for undertaking complex restructuring and distressed M&A work for major private equity, hedge fund and financial institution clients. Areas of expertise include transactional work, debt exchanges and litigation.
2 White & Case LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 2 | 4 Years RankedWhite & Case LLP enjoys a solid reputation for its handling of litigious bankruptcy cases on behalf of high-profile clients. Recognized for its representation of creditors in highly contentious bankruptcy proceedings, and also offers counsel to debtors, administrative agents and investors. Handles matters across a variety of industries including technology and energy. Expertise stretches to cross-border restructurings for a range of multinational clients.
Band 3
3 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP provides high-quality counsel to a wide range of stakeholders in Chapter 11 cases, possessing particularly standout expertise in sovereign debt restructuring transactions. Frequently retained to advise on cases with Latin American and wider cross-border components. Also specializes in high-value domestic corporate restructurings, with experience handling both distressed transactions and complex insolvency-related litigation. Counsels clients in the energy and transportation sectors, among others.3 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP offers a solid bench of experienced attorneys that demonstrates strength across its global office network in cross-border restructurings, both in and out of court. Gains particular recognition for its representation of distressed companies and creditors including equity holders and major financial institutions. Also advises on the acquisition of distressed assets and bankruptcy-related litigation. Broad-ranging industry sector expertise that includes entertainment, hospitality and telecommunications, among others.3 Morrison FoersterBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedMorrison Foerster provides quality restructuring and insolvency expertise, most notably excelling on behalf of creditors' committees. Also renowned for its strength in debt trading transactions, representing a variety of asset managers and other financial services clients. An impressive range of international work includes acting for international debtors in Chapter 15 cases and working with bondholders, trustees and liquidators in offshore restructuring and liquidation proceedings. Frequently handles matters arising in the retail, energy and financial services sectors.3 Proskauer Rose LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedProskauer Rose LLP has a widely respected practice active on a number of significant out-of-court restructurings and Chapter 11 bankruptcies, while also offering counsel in corporate governance matters. Exhibits additional strength on contentious matters, particularly in relation to fraudulent conveyance litigation. Offers a wealth of experience with creditor representation, and also provides counsel to distressed companies. Also noted for its counsel on multijurisdictional matters, with considerable experience working in Latin America.3 Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedQuinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP is home to a highly distinguished litigation practice advising on an array of contentious bankruptcy matters, demonstrating particular skill on major Chapter 11 cases. Frequently engaged by significant bondholder, investor and hedge fund clients to handle bet-the-company bankruptcy and restructuring disputes. Offers wide-reaching industry sector expertise in areas including energy and natural resources, and municipal insolvency.3 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP fields an impressive bankruptcy and restructuring group counting high-profile creditors, investors and debtors among its clientele. Draws upon its highly capable M&A practice to provide wide-ranging transactional advice when it comes to distressed situations in the energy, technology and financial services sectors. Possesses a breadth of experience in out-of-court and in-court bankruptcy proceedings including wind-downs, prepackaged bankruptcies and financial recapitalizations. Offers notable cross-border capability.3 Sullivan & Cromwell LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedSullivan & Cromwell LLP has a strong team with the ability to handle complex corporate restructurings and bankruptcy litigation for high-profile clients. Possesses expertise in Chapters 11 and 15 proceedings, and offers notable capabilities in international matters. Acts for clients from a variety of sectors, including financial services, energy and retail.3 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedWillkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is recognized for its prowess in representing major debtors, in addition to undertaking significant creditor-side engagements. Demonstrates impressive skill when negotiating contentious deals, particularly excelling on matters covering multiple jurisdictions. Houses a multidisciplinary team of experts with strength in handling both in-court and out-of-court insolvency proceedings.
Band 4
4 Brown Rudnick LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedBrown Rudnick LLP enjoys an established reputation for acting on behalf of bondholders, lenders and unsecured creditors in contentious bankruptcy and restructuring situations. Well known for its depth of knowledge in insolvency matters, particularly for distressed investors. Frequently represents clients in complex domestic and international matters, with experience advising on distressed situations involving Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as the USA.
4 Debevoise & Plimpton LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedDebevoise & Plimpton LLP has a versatile group that is well equipped to tackle Chapter 11 restructurings for its global clientele. Acts for the full spectrum of stakeholders including creditors, debtors and boards of directors, with significant expertise in representing private equity clients and their portfolio companies in a variety of distressed situations. Notable experience with energy-related bankruptcies.
4 Jones DayBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedJones Day offers a well-regarded practice prominent in the full range of major bankruptcy and restructuring matters in the USA and further afield. Areas of specialty include handling corporate and municipal bankruptcies on behalf of both creditor and debtor-side clients, as well as distressed M&A. Offers significant sector expertise in matters pertaining to the energy and retail arenas, and also active in the technology and financial services sectors.
4 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a well-resourced outfit operating on a variety of complex bankruptcy and insolvency matters, supported by firmwide experts in litigation, tax and capital markets. Possesses expertise in issues relating to distressed entities and assets, and is regularly engaged in Chapter 11 proceedings and out-of-court workouts. Highly regarded for its strong client base featuring senior lenders, hedge funds and distressed investors. Experienced with navigating bankruptcies in the energy, technology and media sectors, among others.
Band 5
5 Dechert LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedDechert LLP offers a diverse practice handling the full spectrum of representations, excelling for both creditor and debtor-side clients. Undertakes a large volume of cases with a cross-border element, and regularly features on highly litigious deals. Also known for its strength in advisory work concerning CMBS loan restructurings and large CMBS bankruptcies.
5 DLA Piper LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedDLA Piper LLP fields a well-regarded team recognized for its expertise in a wide range of bankruptcy matters, including Chapter 11 proceedings and distressed M&A. Acts for clients from a variety of industries, with recent experience in the retail, healthcare and media sectors. Notable strength in matters with an international element.
5 King & Spalding LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedKing & Spalding LLP has a strong bankruptcy practice with capabilities ranging from Chapter 11 proceedings to distressed M&A. Frequently advises lenders, creditors and debtors, and remains active across an array of industries, including the healthcare, automotive and retail sectors.
5 McDermott Will & Emery LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedMcDermott Will & Emery LLP is adept at handling a wide range of restructuring matters, including Chapter 11 proceedings and related transactions. Noted for its expertise in the cryptocurrency and healthcare sectors.
5 O'Melveny & Myers LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedO'Melveny & Myers LLP is an eminent presence in the bankruptcy and restructuring space, well known for its involvement on significant Chapter 11 restructurings. Has a strong debtor-side practice in addition to representing major lenders. Also possesses strength in advising a broad range of creditors, as well as potential buyers and sellers of distressed assets, and enjoys a fine reputation for its work in the energy sector.
5 Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedPachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP is a well-regarded bankruptcy boutique renowned particularly for its skillful creditor-side representation. Extensive experience with representing unsecured creditors' committees in complex Chapter 11 proceedings as well as out-of-court restructuring transactions and related litigation. Frequently handles issues pertaining to the retail sector.
5 Ropes & Gray LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedRopes & Gray LLP is well known for attracting a wide variety of creditor-side engagements from lenders, bondholders and committee groups. Regularly features in distressed M&A transactions and complex litigation proceedings, as well as contentious insolvency matters. Possesses particular strength in matters concerning the energy sector and is also developing a fine reputation for its work on the debtor side. Also offers counsel to clients active in the technology, media and healthcare sectors.
5 Togut Segal & Segal LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedTogut Segal & Segal LLP is a popular boutique with a broad base of expertise in bankruptcy matters. Acts for a wide range of clients, including debtors, creditors, committees and trustees, and offers significant experience in high-profile Chapter 11 proceedings.
Band 6
6 Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedCravath, Swaine & Moore LLP boasts an impressive team with deep experience in the full range of bankruptcy matters. Advises on in-court and out-of-court restructurings, including high-profile Chapter 11 proceedings. Acts for a variety of clients, with notable expertise representing large financial institutions.
6 Hogan Lovells US LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedHogan Lovells LLP is a popular choice for creditors' committees and investors seeking representation in high-profile matters. Especially noted for its strong international profile, with notable expertise in Chapter 15 work and sovereign restructuring.
6 KattenBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedKatten is highly sought after for its representation of independent directors in Chapter 11 proceedings and out-of-court restructurings. The firm's diverse client base includes creditors, debtors, equity sponsors and liquidators. Their experience spans a wide range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing and cryptocurrency.
6 Schulte Roth & Zabel LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedSchulte Roth & Zabel LLP counsels an impressive array of creditors and debtors on a range of restructuring and insolvency matters, including Chapter 11 proceedings. Noted expertise in representing private investment fund clients such as hedge funds and private equity firms as lenders or distressed investors in complex restructurings.
6 Sidley Austin LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedSidley Austin LLP offers broad expertise with strength across Chapter 11 cases, bankruptcy litigation and out-of-court workouts. Offers experience across a wide range of industries, including real estate, healthcare and aviation. Noted for work on both the debtor and creditor side of transactions.
6 WilmerHaleBankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite2024 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedWilmerHale offers a well-regarded team hailed for its capabilities advising on Chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings. Highly experienced litigators undertaking contentious bankruptcy and insolvency matters at both trial and appellate levels. Accomplished counselor to indenture trustees, and its varied client list also includes investors, bondholder and creditors' committees from the media, energy, pharmaceutical and financial services spaces, among others.