Department profile
Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

USA Guide 2026 : California

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Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones has one of the largest and most highly regarded bankruptcy practices in the nation. It has three offices in California, located in Los Angeles (its headquarters), San Francisco, and Costa Mesa. The firm's bankruptcy attorneys are experienced in representing all of the major constituencies in bankruptcy proceedings and out-of-court workouts, including debtors, committees, trustees, bondholders, asset purchasers, and third-party plan proponents. PSZJ's clients include large public corporations as well as small businesses and individuals. This breadth of experience enhances the firm's effectiveness and capability in virtually all aspects of chapter 11 cases as well as chapter 9 municipal bankruptcies.

PSZJ’s extensive California presence enables its attorneys to represent debtors and creditors’ committees in high-profile bankruptcies of companies such as The Weinstein Company Holdings LLC, Munchery Inc., Open Road Films LLC, and American Apparel, among others.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Bankruptcy/Restructuring - California

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones maintains a market-leading presence, offering debtors, creditors' committees and trustees comprehensive bankruptcy and restructuring advice. It possesses extensive knowledge in areas such as cross-border insolvency, distressed debt investment and M&A for clients in diverse industries, including technology, healthcare and retail. The firm demonstrates notable proficiency in representing clients in both out-of-court and in-court proceedings, including expertise in contentious matters such as complex avoidance actions and claim litigation. The team is equally capable of advising individuals, small businesses and large multinational corporations.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP represented the LeFever Mattson Creditors' Committee and its debtor affiliates in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in relation to one of the largest real estate schemes in Northern California.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It is one of the very best in the field and should always be at the top of the list.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

  • Pachulski always provides solid and practical advice even in complicated cases.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

  • Our business is complicated and I was impressed how from day one the team understood it.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

  • It is the most responsive firm and a very strong advocate for its clients.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Debra Grassgreen
    Debra Grassgreen

    Debra Grassgreen

    Debra Grassgreen is noted for her expertise in Chapter 11 cases, acting on behalf of creditors, with additional experience in contentious matters.

    • She is uniquely talented at identifying solutions and achieving outcomes where most people see zero sum equations.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Debra Grassgreen is a multifaceted superstar who can do it all, from the courtroom to the boardroom.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Debra is capable, confident and excellent in the court. She is also a good deal-maker and spectacular on delivery.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Debra is a fierce advocate on behalf of her clients and can go toe to toe with the best in terms of her intellectual capacity.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Debra is smart with her clients and knows how to bring resolutions.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • Isaac M Pachulski
    Isaac M Pachulski

    Isaac M Pachulski

    Isaac Pachulski is a highly regarded practitioner with experience across a range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters. He regularly advises clients on significant Chapter 11 proceedings, with notable experience in matters concerning offshore drilling.

    • Isaac is likely the smartest person I have ever met. He is simply brilliant.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • James Stang
    James Stang

    James Stang

    James Stang regularly acts for creditors' committees in Chapter 11 proceedings and has notable expertise in bankruptcy matters involving sexual abuse.

    • Jim Stang is a very good lawyer who knows the history of our cases. I was highly impressed by him.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • James Stang is a consummate professional.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • Jeffrey N Pomerantz
    Jeffrey N Pomerantz

    Jeffrey N Pomerantz

    Jeffrey Pomerantz is widely regarded as an expert in representing creditors' committees. He has broad experience spanning an array of sectors, from retail to oil and gas.

    • Jeffrey Pomerantz is knowledgeable, experienced, responsive and practical.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Jeff has incredible peripheral vision, strategic sense and a unique ability to craft creative solutions to thorny problems.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • I love working with Jeff. He is a key asset to us.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • Richard M Pachulski
    Richard M Pachulski

    Richard M Pachulski

    Richard Pachulski acts for both debtors and creditors in Chapter 11 proceedings, and is also experienced in corporate restructurings.

    • Richard is the nicest and smartest guy in the room.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • A good leader and highly competent.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Richard is the dean of the practice. He's well known, very experienced and great in court.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • Jeffrey H. Davidson
    Jeffrey H. Davidson

    Jeffrey H. Davidson

    Jeffrey Davidson's practice includes bankruptcy matters in addition to out-of-court restructurings, with his clients spanning an array of industries, from energy to media.
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  • Ira D Kharasch
    Ira D Kharasch

    Ira D Kharasch

    Ira Kharasch is adept at representing debtors and creditors in bankruptcy matters, including Chapter 11 proceedings. He has experience across a range of sectors, including entertainment and technology.

    • Ira is a terrific lawyer who handles large and complex matters.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA

    • Ira is very even keeled and thoughtful about the issues his clients are dealing with.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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  • Shirley Cho
    Shirley Cho

    Shirley Cho

    Shirley Cho is noted for her expert representation of companies and creditors in restructuring and insolvency cases. She is also noted for her expertise in US insolvency law in foreign proceedings.

    • Shirley Cho is a rising star.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP (8)

California

Members

Provided by Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP

Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP has rankings in the following guides

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