Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Washington

THE FIRM This Seattle boutique has successfully established itself as one of the premier firms in the regional market for commercial debt restructuring and reorganization advice. The compact team of seven is praised for its uniformly high level of service, with commentators praising both the senior and junior members of the group.

Sources Say: “Everyone’s first port of call for debtor representation.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gayle Bush and Armand Kornfeld are “two excellent bankruptcy attorneys,” and considered the group’s key practitioners. Both are widely recognized in the region for their extensive expertise in commercial debtor and creditor issues.

THE FIRM The group focuses on lender representation and is experienced in counseling lenders on collection practices, regulatory compliance and defending lender liability claims. The team also represents a wide range of clients, from individuals to international businessess, in connection with bankruptcy issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ragan Powers heads the Seattle bankruptcy group and represents a range of investors, lenders and debtors. Keith Allred remains with the group in an of counsel position.

THE FIRM Foster Pepper’s creditors’ rights and bankruptcy group maintains a strong position in the market and is experienced in the full range of bankruptcy-related work. Sources highlight its lender representation work as one of its strengths. 

Sources Say: “A top-tier lender practice.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jack Cullen chairs the practice and has over 25 years' experience of creditor debtor law. He has represented a range of creditors, debtors, trustees and purchasers of assets in bankruptcy cases. Dillon Jackson is the group’s other standout bankruptcy practitioner.

THE FIRM Lane Powell had one of the region’s first dedicated bankruptcy and creditors' rights groups, and it remains one of the most prominent firms in this field. The team is experienced in bankruptcy and creditors' rights work across a range of sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and real estate.

Sources Say: “A strong group, which lives up to its enviable reputation.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Ekberg is one of the team’s standout practitioners. He is a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy and one of the most experienced attorneys in the regional bankruptcy bar. Mary Jo Heston's practice encompasses both bankruptcy and creditors' rights work, as well as commercial transactions and litigation. Sources appreciate her breadth of experience. Bruce Leaverton is experienced in representing borrowers, lenders, debtors and creditors' committees.

THE FIRM This prominent firm is a client favorite, with sources praising its 24-hour service. The Seattle team benefits from the strength and resources of the wider firm, with its six attorneys acting as part of an approximately 30-strong national practice.

Sources Say: “A dominant regional group with the sophisticated to handle hugely complex matters.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Bruce MacIntyre as “a commonsensical attorney who develops sound strategies that guide clients in the right direction." He has practiced in the insolvency field for over 20 years. Alan Smith co-chairs the firm’s financial transactions and restructuring practice. An experienced bankruptcy attorney, he “has that rare combination of intellectual rigor and pragmatism.” John Kaplan is the group's other prominent insolvency and bankruptcy practitioner. Sources highlight his expertise in representing secured lenders in foreclosure, receivership and bankruptcy-related issues.

THE FIRM This boutique, which debuts in the rankings this year, focuses solely on bankruptcy-related work. Its attorneys are experienced in representing debtors, creditors, trustees and creditor committees; however, it is for its prowess in debtor-side matters that the group receives particular praise.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The firm’s two founding partners, Cynthia Kuno and Shelley Crocker, are highlighted as the driving forces behind the group's success. Kuno works with a range of regional businesses, while Crocker focuses on bankruptcies with an IP element.

THE FIRM The Washington offices of this international law firm are prominent in the regional market for bankruptcy and insolvency-related work. The team, which operates out of Seattle and Spokane, is valued for its local knowledge and expertise, as well as the resources it can bring to bear as part of a national practice.

Sources Say: "Particularly good for creditor committee representations." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marc Barreca is the team’s best-known bankruptcy and insolvency practitioner. He is highly regarded in the state, where he chairs the Washington State Bar Association Creditor-Debtor Section.

THE FIRM Riddell Williams' bankruptcy and creditors' rights group is highly active in the regional market, where it is noted for its representation of both local and national lender clients. 

Sources Say: "Highly practical and efficient client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joe Shickich chairs the firm's bankruptcy and creditors' rights group. His practice emphasizes commercial bankruptcies, though he also represents telecoms companies in M&A transactions.