Department profile
Adelman & Gettleman Ltd

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

USA Guide 2026 : Illinois


Adelman & Gettleman Ltd

Rankings

About

Provided by Adelman & Gettleman Ltd

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Adelman & Gettleman, Ltd. has established itself as one of Chicago's oldest and most respected business insolvency firms. We are a team of nine attorneys whose practice is dedicated exclusively to Chapter 11 reorganizations, chapter 7 liquidations, asset sales, insolvency, workouts and general restructurings. 

In addition to commercial litigation in both federal and state courts, Adelman & Gettleman has participated in major bankruptcy, workout and reorganization cases, representing debtors, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, trustees, insurers, lessors and committees throughout the United States. Members of the firm have tried and argued cases in numerous bankruptcy courts, federal district courts, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

The firm prides itself on its quality, integrity and thorough analysis of the alternatives and ramifications of every case, big or small, in order to fashion the most appropriate, efficient and cost-effective means of achieving a client's goals. The firm aggressively protects and asserts the rights of its clients and has accumulated the legal know-how, practical knowledge and business acumen necessary to find solutions to complex financial situations.

With over 223 years of collective experience, the attorneys at Adelman & Gettleman have the well-earned reputation for getting difficult jobs done while maintaining the firm's ideal of being responsible participants in the legal system.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Bankruptcy/Restructuring - Illinois

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Adelman & Gettleman is a boutique recognized for its strength in all aspects of bankruptcy law. Represents both creditors and debtors in Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court workouts and distressed asset sales, among other matters. Also active in bankruptcy courts in Indiana and Wisconsin, in addition to its Illinois presence.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Adelman & Gettleman Ltd represented secured creditor Mission Investment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in connection with USD190 million bond restructure.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They find real-world solutions to thorny problems without over lawyering and have deep experience. They are always highly responsive and available.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
  • They are an amazing boutique firm; they are super smart and they do a very nice job of negotiating hard whilst understanding how to resolve the issues.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
  • They are excellent in terms of the quality and thoroughness. They have deep knowledge of insolvency-related law, and what they don't know already they research with rigor.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Adam Silverman
    Band 3Adam Silverman

    Adam Silverman

    Adam Silverman is well regarded in the market for his impressive experience in bankruptcy matters. He represents clients in Chapters 7 and 11 proceedings, among other matters.
    • He is excellent; he lives and breathes this stuff. He takes time to learn and understand the client and what the best solution is.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
    • Adam is a strong advocate that is always willing to listen and work towards a positive outcome for both parties.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
    • He is a terrific lawyer; very hard-working and offers immediate responses.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
  • Band 3Howard Adelman
    Band 3Howard Adelman

    Howard Adelman

    Howard Adelman is noted for his strength in Chapter 11 cases. He works with debtors, creditors' committees and financial institutions.
    • He is well respected by judges and attorneys for being forceful but cognizant of the need to achieve a positive outcome.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
    • He knows the bankruptcy code inside out and is an experienced litigator.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
  • Band 5Henry B Merens
    Band 5Henry B Merens

    Henry B Merens

    Henry Merens has an impressive bankruptcy litigation practice. He frequently advises on Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 filings and a broad range of distressed transactions.

    • Henry is an incredible lawyer; very good and methodical in court.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
    • He is always available to answer my questions and help me evaluate risk.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingErich Buck
    Up and ComingErich Buck

    Erich Buck

    Erich Buck has a growing bankruptcy practice taking in a range of matters including distressed sales, purchases and Chapter 11 proceedings. He regularly advises on the debtor-side, particularly clients in the insurance and healthcare industries.

    • He is extremely thorough and careful and thinks things through.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
    • He is a true professional; he is incredibly organized in court and he is calm and user friendly.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
    • He is an excellent lawyer with significant experience.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Adelman & Gettleman Ltd (4)

Illinois

Members

Provided by Adelman & Gettleman Ltd

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