Ranking tables
Bankruptcy/Restructuring | USA
Illinois
Authored by Mayer Brown LLP
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
Band 4
Senior Statespeople
Band 1
Anup Sathy Kirkland & Ellis21 Years Ranked
Catherine L Steege Jenner & Block LLP18 Years Ranked
Chad Husnick Kirkland & Ellis9 Years Ranked
Felicia G Perlman McDermott Will & Emery LLP16 Years Ranked
Nancy A Peterman Greenberg Traurig, LLP20 Years Ranked
Patrick J Nash, Jr Kirkland & Ellis13 Years Ranked
Randall Klein Goldberg Kohn Ltd21 Years Ranked
Band 2
Caroline Reckler Latham & Watkins LLP9 Years Ranked
Christopher Dickerson Ropes & Gray LLP15 Years Ranked
Matt Murphy Paul Hastings LLP10 Years Ranked
Matthew A Clemente Sidley Austin LLP8 Years Ranked
Michael M Eidelman Vedder Price PC17 Years Ranked
Michael Messersmith Arnold & Porter13 Years Ranked
Richard A Chesley DLA Piper LLP (US)18 Years Ranked
Ron E Meisler Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates13 Years Ranked
Vincent Lazar Jenner & Block LLP17 Years Ranked
Band 3
Adam Silverman Adelman & Gettleman Ltd4 Years Ranked
Bojan Guzina White & Case LLP5 Years Ranked
Brian L Shaw Cozen O'Connor9 Years Ranked
David Agay McDonald Hopkins LLC5 Years Ranked
Elizabeth Vandesteeg Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC4 Years Ranked
Harold D. Israel Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC7 Years Ranked
Howard Adelman Adelman & Gettleman Ltd23 Years Ranked
James Mazza Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates5 Years Ranked
Jeremy Downs Goldberg Kohn Ltd16 Years Ranked
Jill Nicholson Dentons10 Years Ranked
John K Lyons DLA Piper LLP (US)17 Years Ranked
Louis S. Chiappetta Mayer Brown LLP4 Years Ranked
Matthew Warren Paul Hastings LLP6 Years Ranked
Melissa M. Root Jenner & Block LLP8 Years Ranked
Michael Small Foley & Lardner LLP10 Years Ranked
Paul V. Possinger Proskauer Rose LLP13 Years Ranked
Peter A. Siddiqui Katten10 Years Ranked
Peter P. Knight Katten11 Years Ranked
Ross Kwasteniet Kirkland & Ellis8 Years Ranked
Ryan Dahl Ropes & Gray LLP3 Years Ranked
Band 4
Brad B Erens Jones Day17 Years Ranked
Bradley T Giordano McDermott Will & Emery LLP4 Years Ranked
D Tyler Nurnberg Arnold & Porter15 Years Ranked
Dan McGuire Winston & Strawn LLP6 Years Ranked
Dennis Twomey Sidley Austin LLP2 Years Ranked
Gregory Pesce White & Case LLP3 Years Ranked
Harold L Kaplan Foley & Lardner LLP20 Years Ranked- Jason DeJonker Seyfarth Shaw LLP7 Years Ranked
Jerry Switzer Polsinelli PC12 Years Ranked
John R. Weiss Duane Morris LLP11 Years Ranked
Kenneth Ottaviano Blank Rome LLP13 Years Ranked
Marc Carmel McDonald Hopkins LLC4 Years Ranked
Mark Fisher ArentFox Schiff LLP13 Years Ranked
Nicholas Miller McDonald Hopkins LLC12 Years Ranked
Peter Roberts Seyfarth Shaw LLP4 Years Ranked
Robert E Richards Dentons11 Years Ranked
Ryan Bennett Kirkland & Ellis3 Years Ranked
Sean Scott Mayer Brown LLP5 Years Ranked
Shelly DeRousse Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP6 Years Ranked
Thomas S Kiriakos Mayer Brown LLP22 Years Ranked
William J. Barrett Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP13 Years Ranked
Band 5
Aaron McCollough McGuireWoods LLP6 Years Ranked
Alexandra Schwarzman Kirkland & Ellis5 Years Ranked
Angela Allen Jenner & Block LLP5 Years Ranked
Brian Lohan Clifford Chance US LLP5 Years Ranked
Chad H Gettleman Adelman & Gettleman Ltd20 Years Ranked
Dimitri Karcazes Goldberg Kohn Ltd12 Years Ranked
Elizabeth Janczak Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP3 Years Ranked- Eric Walker Cooley LLP5 Years Ranked
- Gordon Gouveia Fox Rothschild1 Years Ranked
James Ktsanes Latham & Watkins LLP2 Years Ranked
Jason J Ben Tucker Ellis LLP3 Years Ranked- Kevin Morse Clark Hill PLC1 Years Ranked
Mark L Radtke Foley & Lardner LLP5 Years Ranked- Michael Brandess Husch Blackwell LLP1 Years Ranked
Nathan Q. Rugg Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP3 Years Ranked
Neville Reid Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP3 Years Ranked- Joseph FrankBurke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, PC
Up and Coming
Jack O'Connor Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC1 Years Ranked
John Luze Kirkland & Ellis1 Years Ranked
Justin Bernbrock Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP1 Years Ranked
Lindsey Henrikson Paul Hastings LLP1 Years Ranked- Oksana Koltko Rosaluk DLA Piper LLP (US)1 Years Ranked
Spencer Winters Kirkland & Ellis1 Years Ranked
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 Kirkland & EllisBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 1 | 20 Years RankedA global leader in the field of bankruptcy and restructuring, and widely acknowledged as the preeminent practice for debtor representation in Illinois. Frequently takes the lead on the largest filings both nationally and globally. Expertise cuts across sectors including financial services, telecom, energy and resources. Also noted for its representation of creditor-side clients.
Band 2
2 Jenner & Block LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 2 | 20 Years RankedAn impressive Chicago offering that draws strong praise from market observers for its broad strength in the bankruptcy sphere. Areas of excellence include avoidance action litigation, trustee representation and transactional insolvency work. Also noted for its experience in commodity broker bankruptcies and for its representation of Section 1114 retiree committees in major corporate bankruptcies.
2 Latham & Watkins LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 2 | 20 Years RankedHugely respected insolvency team, noted for its outstanding representation of creditor and debtor-side clients in the full range of bankruptcy work. Continuing strength in out-of-court restructurings, high-value Chapter 11 cases and cross-border bankruptcies. Also noted for its handling of matters such as distressed M&A and prepackaged bankruptcies.
2 Paul Hastings LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedA strong presence in the Chicago bankruptcy space, with significant strength in both debtor and creditor-side representation. Acts for a varied roster of clients including lenders and natural resources companies. Further experience in distressed M&A.
2 Sidley Austin LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 2 | 20 Years RankedA well-respected practice in the Illinois bankruptcy market. Particularly noted for its representation of debtor clients, handling the full range of in-court and out-of-court restructurings and recapitalizations. Excels in cross-border matters thanks to the support of the firm's strong international network. Also active in distressed M&A.
2 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 2 | 20 Years RankedA powerhouse in the Illinois bankruptcy space, recognized for its representation of companies, creditors and investors in connection with restructurings and reorganizations. Offers a strong track record in matters with a cross-border component. Particularly prominent in matters pertaining to the oil and gas industry.
Band 3
3 Arnold & PorterBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 3 | 20 Years RankedArnold & Porter boasts a strong bankruptcy and restructuring group with a focus on creditors' rights. It offers a broad range of expertise including syndicated loan restructurings, distressed M&A and debtor representation. The Chicago team is active across a range of sectors, including media and real estate.
3 DLA Piper LLP (US)Bankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 3 | 18 Years RankedDLA Piper has a respected Chicago team noted for its work on large cross-border bankruptcies. The firm has a particular strength in the representation of funds as investors in and purchasers of distressed companies, while also noted for its debtor-side representations in Chapter 11 bankruptcies.
3 Goldberg Kohn LtdBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 3 | 20 Years RankedGoldberg Kohn wins recognition for its representation of creditor-side clients in midmarket bankruptcies and restructurings. The firm has additional strength in the commercial finance space, while also impressing in bankruptcy litigation. The team regularly acts for financial institutions and private equity firms as administrative agents.
3 Mayer Brown LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 3 | 20 Years RankedMaintains its position in the Illinois market with a respected creditor-side focusing on the representation of senior secured lenders in restructurings and bankruptcy, while also impressing in its representation of clients in the purchase of distressed assets. Other areas of strength include bankruptcy litigation, such as the prosecution and defense of fraudulent transfer cases. Acts for a number of high-profile financial institutions.
3 McDermott Will & Emery LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 3 | 14 Years RankedWide-ranging practice offering both debtor and creditor representation. Acts for an impressive roster of financial institutions, including investment managers, multinational banks and bond insurers. Brings to bear notable industry expertise in areas such as healthcare, handling large-scale restructurings involving complex regulatory issues.
3 Vedder Price PCBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 3 | 20 Years RankedNoted for its handling of a broad range of matters including debtor-in-possession financing, Section 363 sales and creditor representation in Chapter 11 matters and out-of-court workouts. Enjoys a strong reputation for restructurings in the aviation finance space and boasts lawyers with experience in acting as court-appointed receivers.
3 White & Case LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 3 | 4 Years RankedWhite & Case maintains a strong reputation for its experience in the bankruptcy arena. The team handles complex restructurings, regularly representing debtors, creditors and distressed investors. The firm is often sought out for its expertise in high-value Chapter 11 proceedings.
Band 4
4 Adelman & Gettleman LtdBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 4 | 20 Years RankedCompact boutique recognized for its strength in all aspects of bankruptcy law. Represents both creditors and debtors in Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court workouts and distressed asset sales, among other matters. Also active in bankruptcy courts in Indiana and Wisconsin, in addition to its Illinois presence.
4 Cozen O'ConnorBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedCozen O'Connor houses practitioners who are experienced in handling a range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters. Its expertise covers workouts and bankruptcy-related litigation. The team works with a range of clients, including debtors, creditors and trustees.
4 Foley & Lardner LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 4 | 20 Years RankedRecognized for its representation of creditors' committees, trustees and other creditor-side clients in connection with Chapter 11 cases across a range of industries. Offers sector-specific experience pertaining to the commodity broker industry, energy and healthcare. Activity in matters pertaining to the oil and gas sector. Accomplished advisers to indenture trustees.
4 Greenberg Traurig, LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 4 | 20 Years RankedGreenberg Traurig has a well-regarded business reorganization and financial restructuring group, noted for its handling of matters across the USA. The team is particularly recommended for matters pertaining to the healthcare space.
4 KattenBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 4 | 13 Years RankedKatten is recognized for its representation of lenders, indenture trustees, debtors and other parties in connection with insolvencies and restructurings, while also providing advice on the sale of distressed assets. The firm offers strong experience in sectors such as renewable energy, real estate and healthcare.
4 McDonald Hopkins LLCBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedParticularly active in the midmarket space. Advises on a host of matters including Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 bankruptcies. Clients include private equity firms, commercial lenders and high net worth individuals. The team is experienced in the automotive, manufacturing and technology sectors.
4 Proskauer Rose LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 4 | 17 Years RankedHandles bankruptcies and restructurings across a broad swath of industries, notably handling a number of high-value Chapter 11 cases on behalf of debtor-side clients. Niche expertise in advising private equity firms on the bankruptcies of portfolio companies and additional strength in bankruptcy litigation. Also noted for its handling of distressed M&A. Experienced counsel to creditors' committees.
Band 5
5 DentonsBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 5 | 20 Years RankedHandles all aspects of bankruptcy law, including Chapter 11 reorganizations, workouts and restructurings. Also offers strength in asbestos bankruptcies and transactional work. A huge international footprint lends the team the capacity to handle cross-border work. Counts technology companies on its client roster.
5 Levenfeld Pearlstein LLCBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedLevenfeld Pearlstein is noted for its strong restructuring practice. The firm's attorneys handle a wide range of matters, including workouts, reorganizations and financing transactions. They act for both debtors and creditors.
5 McGuireWoods LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 5 | 7 Years RankedMcGuireWoods' team is renowned for its ability to handles bankruptcy proceedings on both the debtor and creditor sides. The team has experience in the full range of restructuring matters, including reorganization proceedings and litigation. The group has particular experience in the manufacturing and energy sectors.
5 Perkins Coie LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 5 | 14 Years RankedParticularly recognized for its strength in the hotel bankruptcy space, routinely representing both creditors and debtors in the sector's highest-profile bankruptcies and workouts. Clients include hotel owners, asset-based lenders and trade creditors. Also active in a broad range of other industries, including home-building, retail and healthcare. Areas of strength include advising on Chapter 7 trustee matters.
5 Ropes & Gray LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years RankedRopes & Gray has established itself as a leading player in the Illinois bankruptcy and restructuring market. The office boasts a team of excellent attorneys with expertise across a wide range of sectors.
5 Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLPBankruptcy/Restructuring2025 | Band 5 | 13 Years RankedNoted for committee-side representation including unsecured creditors, receivers and trustees. Also experienced in representing debtors. Active for clients in bankruptcy matters nationwide, with particular strength in Chapter 11 cases.