Restructuring/Insolvency

Latham & Watkins has a global practice with broad restructuring and insolvency capabilities. Its lawyers are strong on both the creditor and debtor sides, with particular proficiency advising on schemes of arrangement. The team is increasingly relied on by alternative lenders for special situations work. It frequently represents clients in complex international matters, with noted expertise advising on European restructurings and US Chapter 11 cases. The firm's clients include sponsors, secured and unsecured lenders, coordinating committees, debtors, shareholders and insolvency practitioners. It is able to handle matters on behalf of incumbent agents and security trustees.

"Latham & Watkins has good depth across the team and very strong senior associates."

"The team are fantastic in managing difficult inter-party relationships between a lenders' group, the sponsor and other financial advisers on the deal."

"They always seem to be ahead of the curve when it comes to tracking markets, understanding the solutions that are needed, and laying out the big picture when negotiating terms and understanding pressure points."

"Latham & Watkins has significant experience and expertise in creditor representation across a variety of European jurisdictions."

"They are very responsive and understand clients' needs."

Latham & Watkins represented New Look in relation to the group's CVA challenge in the Court of Appeal.

Yen Sum is noted for her skill in handling matters spanning restructuring, special situations and distressed M&A. She acts for all manner of clients, including both debtors and creditors, with notable experience assisting lenders and bondholders. "Yen is really superb on the bondholder committee side." "Yen is a true tour de force. She leads the team extremely well, is hugely efficient, her knowledge is second to none, she is very commercial and she has fantastic interpersonal skills." "Yen has phenomenal commercial acumen in managing stakeholder relationships within a deal and earns the trust of clients by going above and beyond to provide the best deal for them."

Bruce Bell has considerable expertise spanning the gamut of restructuring and insolvency matters, with particular experience handling high-profile recapitalisations. He is particularly adept at acting for debtor companies but is also a capable adviser to creditors. "His level of responsiveness and service is second to none. He proactively thinks outside of the box to deal with complex situations and to get the best outcome for the client." "Bruce is very responsive and can always provide sound advice to clients." "He is creative and hugely commercial."