Michael Brandess

Michael helps businesses, their owners, and their creditors manage the complexities associated with financial distress and bankruptcy law.

Michael’s practice touches on all areas of corporate restructurings, crisis management, and transactions involving financial distress. He routinely counsels debtors, creditors, asset purchasers, assignees, creditors’ committees, and trustees, among others, who require sound judgment and a deep knowledge of how to navigate the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

He has drafted multiple bankruptcy plans incorporating settlements with senior secured lenders, classifications of claims and financials underlying liquidation analyses and has represented numerous bankruptcy committees and creditor trustees across multiple industries, including agriculture, retail, restaurants, and manufacturing.

Michael has substantial experience guiding clients through the process of buying and selling assets out of bankruptcy, including operating assets and intellectual property. He also regularly represents clients in resolving disputes in the context of financial distress, including loan workouts and negotiations involving trade relationships.

Michael frequently writes and speaks on issues pertaining to financial distress, family business, and entrepreneurship. He served as the President of Turnaround Management Association’s Chicago/Midwest Chapter and was named by the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) as a 40 Under 40 Honoree.

Turnaround Management Association, Chicago/Midwest Chapter, Past-President (2022)

American Bankruptcy Institute, Member

American Bankruptcy Institute Journal, Associate Editor​

National Association of Credit Managers, Member

Northern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Liaison Committee, Chair (2018 – 2020)

Lake Forest College, Co-Lecturer on Entrepreneurship and Law (Apr. 2020 and Apr. 2021)