
Restructuring/Insolvency
UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Sidley Austin LLP
Sidley’s Global Restructuring group consists of over 60 full-time restructuring lawyers, located principally in our Chicago, Dallas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Munich and New York offices. We have in-depth experience in acting for the fulcrum parties in a restructuring, whether acting for the debtor, the sponsor or key creditors and creditor committees. Our matters generally involve the restructuring of large and mid-size companies throughout North America, Europe and Asia. We have navigated our clients through some of the largest and most complicated global restructurings. Our capabilities extend to virtually every aspect of the reorganization and special situations space, and we have practical experience in advising and implementing comprehensive consensual and non-consensual restructurings, both in and out of court. In serving our clients, we are able to draw on the extraordinary breadth and depth of Sidley lawyers in our other practice areas, many of whom have focused on the restructuring space within their own practice areas, to support our clients’ strategic objectives and drive the creation of innovative solutions.
For more information on the practice, please visit the practice's page at: www.sidley.com/en/services/restructuring
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
A large Chinese property developer restructuring case - one of its kind. Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKHe is technically extremely strong. Highly novel solution, very good at solving complex problems. It helps a lot that he doesn’t just look at the legal side but also the commercial aspects. They are extremely good and the success at Sidley Austin LLP with two junior partners is pretty astounding. Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKTheir ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is very strong. Very strong knowledge of restructuring practices and schemes, and tactics required to be successful. Their service levels and responsiveness are very strong. Very responsive and professional. Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 
Philip Hertz
Philip Hertz is the global head of restructuring and insolvency at Clifford Chance, with enviable experience in complex cross-border matters. He is a popular choice for lender clients, counting leading banks and governmental bodies among his client base.
Philip is a top-drawer individual. He is a very high-quality, top-class lawyer in the space. I'm a big fan.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKPhilip is a really good lawyer. He is an excellent communicator, he is highly knowledgeable and respected, he gets to the issue quickly and he provides clear advice.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKPhilip is a mastermind who is able to distil complex issues into commercial advice. Put simply, he is one of the most knowledgeable restructuring attorneys I have ever met, and I have met many.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKPhilip's seniority in restructuring is unquestionable.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
Band 4 
Band 4 
Melissa Coakley
Melissa Coakley is respected for her ability to advise on complex cross-border restructurings. She is experienced in acting for both creditors and debtors.
Melissa is a superstar. She is super commercial and amazing to work with. She completely gets it. She's five steps ahead all the time and understands what the clients want.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKMelissa is a very, very strong lawyer. She is very commercial and knowledgeable.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKMelissa is an outstanding and pragmatic lawyer.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUKMelissa is really hard-working and is able to give complex solutions under pressure and in a short time.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming 
Kieran Sharma
Kieran Sharma is the head of Sidley Austin's restructuring team and regularly assists creditors, sponsors and debtors with the restructuring of stressed and distressed assets.
He's technically extremely strong and he's very good at solving complex problems.
Restructuring/Insolvency respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Sidley Austin LLP (3)
Members
Provided by Sidley Austin LLP

Phillip D. Taylor

Marc D. Wassermann

Jifree Cader

Mark Knight

Philip Hertz
View profile of Philip Hertz
Melissa Coakley
View profile of Melissa Coakley
Kieran Sharma
View profile of Kieran Sharma
Sidley Austin LLP has rankings in the following guides
Band 5 Global 2026
Practice area: Restructuring/Insolvency
Location: Global: Multi-Jurisdictional
View department profile for Global 2026
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