Department profile
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite

USA Guide 2026 : New York


Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Rankings

About

Provided by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Premier Insolvency Practice

We are regularly involved in the most high-profile insolvency matters in the United States and around the world. We represent major creditors and debtors in chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings, and we have an extensive record representing major parties in litigation relating to bankruptcy cases and other debt-related issues.

Recent substantial restructuring engagements can be found here.

Distressed Mergers and Acquisitions

We advise clients on acquisitions and divestitures of businesses in financial distress and other strategic transactions involving debtor-creditor issues, bringing to bear the full expertise of both our restructuring and our preeminent mergers and acquisitions practices. We regularly represent buyers in “section 363” bankruptcy sales, as well as debt investors in change-of-control transactions both in chapter 11 and out of court.

We wrote the book on Distressed M&A.

Leaders in Liability Management

Our firm has advised companies, financial sponsors and investors in connection with many of the most high-profile liability management transactions in recent years, including Envision, Travelport and Mitel.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite - New York

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Wachtell, 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. The firm is 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.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz represented Medical Properties Trust in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Steward Heath Care.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They come up with ideas that nobody else does and are able to run circles around other firms in negotiations.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Wachtell’s team delivers exceptional strategic insight, commercial judgment and execution in highly sensitive and time-critical situations.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Every partner is outstanding in their area.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite respondentUSA
  • They provide practical, clear advice and stewardship navigating complex issues.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite respondentUSA
  • They are very creative and very good.

    Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Richard G Mason
    Band 2Richard G Mason

    Richard G Mason

    Richard Mason provides support to creditors, debtors and noteholders on Chapter 11 proceedings and bankruptcy litigation. He has notable expertise in complex matters with cross-border elements.
  • Band 2Scott K Charles
    Band 2Scott K Charles

    Scott K Charles

    Scott Charles routinely handles Chapter 11 cases and distressed M&A. He offers notable expertise acting on behalf of clients in the retail sector.
  • Band 3Emil A. Kleinhaus
    Band 3Emil A. Kleinhaus

    Emil A. Kleinhaus

    Emil Kleinhaus is well regarded for his bankruptcy practice, which includes Chapter 11 cases in the retail and healthcare sectors. He wins particular praise for his litigation capabilities.
    • Emil is very smart and always well-prepared and effective.

      Bankruptcy/Restructuring: The Elite respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (3)

New York

Members

Provided by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

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