Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Florida

THE FIRM: This standout firm has a strong practice across the board, and is seen to be particularly strong in debtor work. Recently, the firm represented TOUSA in its $270 million restructuring proceedings, and continued to work for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors on the Taylor, Bean & Whitaker bankruptcy.

Sources say: "When you think large complex commercial bankruptcies you think Berger Singerman." “They are progressive, collaborative and team-oriented.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm cofounder Paul Steven Singerman is singled out as “one of the finest bankruptcy lawyers in the US.” One source enthused: "He has an incredible ability to quickly grasp the issue, take command of the task, and follow through on what is necessary to take an issue from conceptual approach to execution.” He takes the lead on the firm's most complex cases, exemplified by his continuing representation of the Trustee in the Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler bankruptcy. 

Jordi Guso is an “outstanding, high-quality lawyer” who is “both insightful and pragmatic.” He has experience of large scale restructuring on both the creditor and debtor side and is currently representing the official committee of unsecured creditors in the Fiddler's Creek bankruptcy. 

Brian Gart is commended for his “great technical strength.” He is currently lead debtors' counsel to Gulfstream International in its chapter 11 restructuring. Sources testify to his “knowledge, creativity and forcefulness in situations which require horsepower.” 

Howard Berlin is valued for his business acumen. He recently supported Paul Singerman in restructuring matters for TOUSA. 

Arthur Spector is a former bankruptcy judge who brings his comprehensive knowledge of this area of law to commercial bankruptcy cases. 

Leslie Cloyd is praised for her “excellent and down-to-earth” work ethic. She acts on behalf of creditors and debtors, and represented the trustee in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy and subsequent Chapter 7 liquidation of Megacolor. 

Tallahassee-based Brian Rich has a broad bankruptcy practice and has been identified by clients as "a very intelligent, creative, low-key facilitator who achieves great results." Sources appreciate his ability to "talk his way through a task rather than pushing." He is currently working on behalf of the official committee of unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings of Black Crow Media Group. 

Douglas Bates has recently joined Brian Rich in the Tallahassee office. He has been working on behalf of the trustee in National Gold Exchange's Chapter 7 filings, as well as assisting Brian Gart with the Chapter 11 of Gulfstream International. Sources attest to his “tenacious, committed, and effective” approach.

THE FIRM This full-service firm is praised for its work on a local and national level. It is highly respected for its work in complex bankruptcy and restructuring matters, including debtor-in-possession financing, trustee and creditors' committee representation, and avoidance litigation. The team recently acted on behalf of the debtors in the Chapter 11 reorganization of Cordia Communications, as well as representing three investment funds in the involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings brought against the principals of the Banyon entities who defaulted on loans used to acquire structured settlements from Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, the perpetrator of a billion dollar Ponzi scheme.

Sources say: “Brilliant tacticians, very creative and well respected in the Bankruptcy courts.” "It definitely has its share of the local restructuring pie."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Scott Baena has “a reputation in this area that is gold standard in terms of reorganizations and bankruptcies.” Clients appreciate his “ability to relate to clients on a commercial level and make the right arguments from an equitable perspective.” He recently represented Indenture Trustees of Tribune's bonds in a $2.5 billion fraudulent transfer lawsuit brought against the company's former shareholders. 

Mindy Mora successfully negotiated a consensual plan in the Chapter 11 of CABI Development, and is currently representing CABI New River as debtor, and CABI SMA as debtor-in-possession, in their respective Chapter 11 reorganizations. Clients praise her skill in the courtroom, asserting that “Judges listen when she's talking. She really knows how to get her message across.” 

Jay Sakalo “is an outstanding bankruptcy lawyer with a ready knowledge of complex and sophisticated Chapter 11 case law.” He has been working on behalf of LNR Partners, which was the special servicer to a loan made to Transwest Properties, currently in Chapter 11. Commentators report: “He has excellent analytical skills, and is a thoughtful and skilled litigator, making good tactical decisions during the course of the case.”

THE FIRM This Florida boutique is exceptionally well regarded for its handling of bankruptcy and restructuring matters across the spectrum. It is particularly admired for its trustee and committee work, as well as its well-developed bankruptcy litigation practice. Sources praise the team's profound knowledge of the law and good commercial sense. 

Sources say: "They have a very strong knowledge of corporate Chapter 11s." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Battista is an "exceptional bankruptcy lawyer" whose courtroom skills are hugely admired. Sources are impressed by "his intonation, his voice, his energy," concluding "he's an A+ in court. He really fights hard for his clients." 

Practice head John Genovese is a "superb litigator" who also possesses a wealth of experience in the handling of wider bankruptcy matters and workouts. 

David Cimo is also noted for his exceptionally strong bankruptcy litigation practice and has been singled out for his handling of matters relating to complex fraud. 

THE FIRM This firm not only has a strong national and statewide practice. It is involved in a number of high-profile, complex bankruptcies, recently representing TOUSA as debtor-in-possession in litigation matters brought against an insurance company, as well as acting for large bank lenders in the Fontainebleu Las Vegas Chapter 11. The team also continues to represent BankUnited, a loan holding company, in various Chapter 11 proceedings.

Sources say: "A top-quality shop on the bankruptcy front." "The lawyers are real experts, and have a collegial team ethic."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Bloom is cochair of the national practice group and is held in exceptionally high regard for his work on behalf of both debtors and creditors. Sources identify him as "one of the most elite bankruptcy lawyers in the US" with a "smart, focused and ethical" approach to his work. 

Robert Soriano is a seasoned bankruptcy lawyer with strong experience in creditor representation. He is currently working on behalf of Sovereign Bank which is agent to a secured bank group owed $165 million in the Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Chapter 11 bankruptcy. He is described as "very practical" yet "big picture-oriented." 

John Hutton is an "extremely knowledgeable" attorney who currently represents Goldman Sachs as secured creditor in relation to the bankruptcy of TPC Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort. 

Scott Grossman is "an excellent, bright, young lawyer" who is noted for his "intellect, work ethic, and humility." Clients report: "He's a really steady hand and possibly the next breakout star at the firm."

THE FIRM This boutique firm is a staple in the Florida bankruptcy community. It handles both complex business restructurings and bankruptcy litigation. The firm is currently acting as bankruptcy counsel to a number of investors known as the Razorback Group in its ongoing claims in the Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler Ponzi case.

Sources say: "The team don't just have very strong legal skills; they also have a great sense of how to represent a client." "They do very high quality work in complex bankruptcy matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Kozyak is regarded as "one of the most  thoughtful and intellectually potent bankruptcy lawyers in the state." He is currently working on behalf of equity holders, as well as acting as a receiver for the Signature Gardens and Signature Grand entities. He "possesses that rare combination of grasping the big picture very quickly, yet maintaining impeccable attention to detail."

Observers describe Charles Throckmorton as "an exceptionally balanced, thoughtful and measured litigator." He represents financial institutions, trustees and individuals in sophisticated bankruptcy and restructuring matters. One client enthused: "His extensive knowledge of the bankruptcy law coupled with a wealth of experience and a quick mind make him your ideal representative to negotiate and settle seemingly impossible situations." 

Commentators note that Corali Lopez-Castro "not only has tremendous legal skills, she also has very strong business and strategic capabilities." She recently acted on behalf of Costa Farms in a litigious action that resulted in its successful purchase of First Foliage. 

David Rosendorf is credited with "real intellectual horsepower" and "a knowledge of the bankruptcy code inside and out." He has been working with Charles Throckmorton in representing the Razorback Group in the Rothstein matter. 

David Samole is an up-and-coming lawyer at the firm whose "creative and disarming approach tends to help us reach solutions faster."

THE FIRM This firm maintains its strong statewide presence, and is commended for its litigation practice and work on behalf of significant institutional creditors. It is currently acting as counsel to the Chapter 7 trustee in the bankruptcy of Royal West Properties. It also continues to represent the trustee in the Ginn-LA St. Lucie case.

Sources say: "The team has a very high level grasp of the legal issues and the art of negotiation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patricia Redmond is a "very experienced and talented lawyer" held in high regard by peers and clients alike. Her practice is particularly strong in the areas of creditor representation and insolvency. She also undertakes work on behalf of trustees and debtors. 

Harold Moorefield chairs the department and has a broad bankruptcy practice with particular expertise in the representation of trustees and creditors. He has recently been working on both the Ginn-LA St. Lucie and Royal West Properties bankruptcies. 

Drew Dillworth handles work across the spectrum of bankruptcy and restructuring. Alongside this, he frequently acts as a trustee in state bankruptcy cases. Sources describe him as "a very effective negotiator, very practical and collaborative, and driven by an interest in finding an efficient resolution." 

THE FIRM This bankruptcy boutique garners widespread praise from clients and peers alike for both the quality of its debtor work and the integrity with which it is conducted. It continues to represent Taylor, Bean & Whitaker in its Chapter 11 filing. It has also worked on numerous other Chapter 11 reorganizations, including that of Poe Insurance, which also involved a dispute settlement with the State of Florida Department of Financial Regulation.

Sources say: "The firm's reputation for integrity is as well founded as its preeminence in its field of practice." "The team offers knowledge, effectiveness, and efficiency."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Harley Riedel is praised for his strong debtor practice. He has recently worked on the Poe Insurance and The Cove Apartments Chapter 11s. Clients describe him as "a lawyer with a great degree of imagination in how to resolve and negotiate difficult problems and situations." 

Russell Blain is "an outstanding bankruptcy lawyer" who is currently working on behalf of the Chapter 7 trustee in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas case. Observers note: "He is a master at resolving conflicts and promoting compromise." 

Richard Prosser has a broad-based bankruptcy practice, with particular expertise in the litigation of adversary proceedings. He represented E-Brands, a restaurant chain, in its Chapter 11. 

Stephen Leslie heads up the firm's Fort Myers office. He's a "straight shooter" who "handles complicated Chapter 11 cases and weaves together extraordinarily difficult negotiated and disputed plans of reorganization." 

Don Stichter is regarded as "one of the best in the business." He has considerable experience handling complex bankruptcy matters, and has recently been involved in three real estate Chapter 11s. 

Elena Ketchum is "an excellent up-and-coming attorney" who is making a name for herself through her work in assignments for the benefit of creditors. She is described as "very thoughtful and very thorough."

THE FIRM This full-service national firm commands great respect for its creditor-side representation. It continues its work on behalf of 26 lending institutions in the TOUSA bankruptcy. The firm is also representing over 50 claw back defendants in the Madoff case in New York, demonstrating the team's aptitude in Ponzi-related matters. It also enjoys a strong reputation for its receivership work, and recently acted in this capacity in the FEBG Ponzi case where $50 million was stolen from around 300 federal agents.

Sources say: "A solid team, they have a lot of subject matter experts and excellent client relationship skills."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The team is spearheaded by Michael Goldberg who is described as an "exceptionally competent” lawyer. He is a nationally recognized expert on Ponzi schemes, and is currently representing the unsecured creditor's committee in the Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler case. 

Jules Cohen chairs the national bankruptcy and reorganization practice and is heralded as “a brilliant practitioner” with a wealth of experience. 

Andrea Hartley has recently been made President of the Dade County Bar Association and, according to sources, is "an excellent lawyer to work with, even-tempered, creative, and tenacious in advocating for her client."

THE FIRM This compact but effective Miami-based firm is best known for handling large, complex, corporate bankruptcy reorganizations. The team is a popular choice with clients in the commercial real estate and retail sectors, to name a few. It is also praised for its bankruptcy litigation practice, with sources highlighting the team's sheer determination and commitment.

Sources say: "Well-trained lawyers who take on exceptionally tough cases and don't flinch." "They're bulldogs, particularly in respect to plaintiff work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators describe Michael Budwick as "a very solid lawyer doing very solid bankruptcy work." He acts on behalf of debtors, creditors and trustees. He is also noted for his effective litigious work. 

Peter Russin has a broad bankruptcy practice and is held in high regard for his skill in relation to lenders, creditors' committees, trustees and debtors.

THE FIRM This Jacksonville-based outfit handles the whole range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters. The team undertakes work on behalf of debtors, creditors, creditors' committees, institutional lenders and trustees. It is also respected for its skilled handling of matters relating to the healthcare industry.

Sources say: "The team adds value to every assignment it undertakes." "It offers great client service and considerable focus."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Observers describe Stephen Busey as "one of the more intellectual bankruptcy lawyers in Florida" who is currently "at the top of his game." He handles complex Chapter 11 restructurings, as well as undertaking bankruptcy-related litigation.

Cynthia Jackson is an "exceptional lawyer" whose practice includes the representation of corporate debtors and creditors in bankruptcy cases. 

THE FIRM This Tampa-based firm has a highly regarded, full-service, bankruptcy and restructuring practice. It is seen to be particularly strong in its creditor-side representation of financial institutions. It also undertakes work for creditors' committees and Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 trustees. Sources praise the strength of the team and its ability to handle complex and challenging cases.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roberta Colton is "one of the very best lawyers in the state of Florida" who is "not only effective in court but academically proficient also." 

Seasoned practitioner William Knight Zewadski has a wealth of experience throughout this area. He also undertakes general commercial litigation.

THE FIRM This firm represents clients in the financial, real estate, hospitality and retail sectors in various bankruptcy and restructuring matters. It is particularly well regarded for its work on behalf of secured creditors, and recently acted for a number of financial services companies including Wells Fargo, EverBank and Bank of New York Mellon.

Sources say: "Fowler White Boggs's attorneys are very responsive, very good on documents, and they manage their cases with care."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Emmanuel is a veteran general commercial and bankruptcy litigator, with a wealth of experience in relation to creditors' rights. Sources praise him for his thorough approach and for being "reasonable in his desire to bring proceedings to their logical conclusion." 

Scott Underwood is noted for being "smart, thoughtful and always looking for new ways of doing things." He has recently represented Rolling Oaks Utilities and Beverley Hills Development in their Chapter 11 restructurings.

THE FIRM This Tampa-based group enjoys a high level of respect around the state of Florida for its bankruptcy and restructuring practice, which includes Chapter 11 work and the representation of lenders, trustees and debtors. It is particularly well regarded for its creditor-side work, exemplified by its current representation of Bank of America as agent bank in the Chapter 11 restructuring of a national seller of recreational vehicles. 

Sources say: "It's the ability to see both sides of the equation that makes the firm so valuable." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Glenn is "a magnificently capable insolvency lawyer who can survive in any environment in which he's planted." He is held in especially high regard for his creditors' rights work, but is also singled out as "an exceptionally well-rounded insolvency lawyer who shines in both litigation and negotiation." 

Edwin Rice has a diverse practice, and is considered a "very intelligent lawyer who understands what clients are looking for and communicates well because of that." Clients admire his "relentless approach to problem solving."

THE FIRM The Florida group of this national firm has a statewide standing in the bankruptcy and restructuring arena. Well known for its representation of financial institutions and creditors, it is currently working on behalf of Jabil, one of the largest unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Nortel Networks.

Sources say: "They have a very good understanding of business considerations." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Noel Boeke is "a very senior, very savvy bankruptcy lawyer." He primarily handles issues relating to creditors' rights. His clients, who are often large financial institutions, appreciate his "excellent business acumen," describing him as "knowledgeable and very quick on his feet." 

Rod Anderson has an "excellent courtroom presence." He handles a range of creditor-side issues in litigation, negotiation and appeals. 

Leonard Gilbert is commended as "a wonderfully accomplished lawyer" who is "the complete package - effective, responsive, and knowledgeable." He has a wealth of experience in the representation of institutional lenders and is admired for his "collegial, disciplined, and thoughtful" approach. 

Samuel Zusmann is a seasoned attorney with invaluable experience in a range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters. Sources identify him as "an engaging and knowledgeable presence." 

THE FIRM Rice Pugatch Robinson & Schiller handles a range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters, including the representation of debtors, creditors and trustees, as well as individuals in Chapter 11. The team is also highlighted for its bankruptcy litigation practice. Rice Pugatch is currently acting on behalf of Carpenter Contractors of America in its Chapter 11 restructuring.

Sources say: "An excellent law firm - very intelligent, creative, 'outside the box'-type thinkers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Arthur Halsey Rice has considerable experience in commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters. Sources admire his "impeccable courtroom skills." 

Chad Pugatch is commended for his well-rounded practice, covering a wide array of work in this area. Recently, he has been involved in the Carpenter Contractors' Chapter 11. Sources describe him as charismatic, and praise his "ability to build consensus." 

Lisa Schiller's practice involves the representation of creditors, debtors-in-possession and bankruptcy litigation. She is also considered a solid practitioner in regards to her trustee work.

THE FIRM White & Case's outstanding national reputation for bankruptcy and restructuring work is continued by the firm's Miami office. It handles complicated restructuring matters in a range of matters throughout the state, particularly on behalf of large corporate clients.

Sources say: "The team is very competent and capable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Global practice head Thomas Lauria is "one of the best bankruptcy lawyers in the country." Peers describe him as "an extremely talented attorney who garners a deep level of respect."

THE FIRM This well-regarded local team undertakes a range of bankruptcy work, acting on behalf of clients from the banking, retail and manufacturing sectors. It is held in particularly high regard for its creditors and committee practice. Recently, it has handled bankruptcy and restructuring matters for BB&T Bank, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roy Kobert chairs the firm's bankruptcy and creditors' rights practice group. He is singled out as “a strong, smart bankruptcy lawyer.” He has particular expertise in creditor-side representation.

THE FIRM Carlton Fields has a compact yet strong team that handles sophisticated bankruptcy and restructuring work. It is highlighted for its expertise in the field of creditor representation, working on behalf of secured creditors, creditors' committees, trustees and receivers in unique and complex bankruptcies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice group leader Robert Gilbert is “a very effective lawyer” who "really knows what he's doing." He handles a broad spectrum of large-scale bankruptcy matters.

Since publication, Donald Kirk has joined the firm from Fowler White Boggs. Kirk is described as "a good strategist and potently aggressive litigator." He represents commercial clients in matters spanning the entire bankruptcy and restructuring field.  

THE FIRM Propelled by its recent acquisition of a group of seven attorneys from Hunton & Williams, the Miami group of this global firm enters the rankings for the first time. It has a broad practice, with particular emphasis on creditor committee and trustee representation. A notable highlight for the team was acting on behalf of the official committee of unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 reorganization of Arch Aluminum & Glass.

Sources say: "They are dogged professionals who are very knowledgeable and effective."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Rasile is managing partner of the Miami office. He handles bankruptcy and restructuring matters, primarily from the creditor-side, and also undertakes commercial litigation. Sources state: "He is extremely smart, knows the law remarkably well, and is very effective in putting forth his position." 

Andrew Zaron is a "fantastic attorney" whose practice deals with a wide range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters. Sources appreciate his clear and concise communication. 

THE FIRM The Florida team of this national firm handles bankruptcy and restructuring matters across the spectrum. It is seen to have particular strength in the representation of secured lenders in real estate and business restructurings and workouts. It has recently acted for Fifth Third Bank which is a $15 million secured creditor in the Fiddler's Creek reorganization.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Wolfson is “one of those go-to lawyers when you have a tough case with a lot of challenges and complications involved." He handles the team's most complex bankruptcy cases, and is particularly well known for his work on behalf of creditors.

THE FIRM This bankruptcy and restructuring group is praised for strengthening its team in the Florida market. It handles a range of bankruptcy matters, with a particular focus on secured creditor work, including the representation of institutional lenders and creditors' committees. It is currently acting on behalf of the unsecured creditors' committee in the Chapter 11 of Gulfstream International.

Sources say: "Good advisers who work hard to find solutions to all of their clients' problems."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leyza Blanco is described as a "very thorough lawyer who is a great strategist." She primarily handles secured creditor work, and has recently established a niche in Chapter 15 cases. She is currently counsel to the liquidator of British American Isle of Venice who applied for Chapter 15 recognition for a foreign proceeding in the British Virgin Islands. 

Robert Schatzman has a wealth of experience in out-of-court workouts and restructurings. He has recently been involved in the representation of the committee in the Gulfstream International restructuring. Sources praise his "splendid negotiating ability, which is patient, considered, and conducive to achieving consensus." 

Frank Terzo is an "honest, forthright lawyer" with considerable experience in creditor and committee work. Sources single him out for his expertise in healthcare restructurings. A notable highlight was his appointment as Patient Care Ombudsman in the Chapter 11 of Beam Management, a healthcare provider. Sources identify him as "a global thinker who can see the big picture." 

Steven Solomon is a "young, smart, intelligent and practical lawyer." He recently represented the developer of Tuscany Preserve Development in its Chapter 11. Sources praise "his hardworking approach" and "ability to make you feel at ease."

THE FIRM This Orlando-based firm handles both creditor and debtor-side work. It is best known for representing debtors. The team has continued to represent Hudson's Furniture Showrooms, which successfully emerged from its Chapter 11 in 2011. 

Sources say: "They certainly get all of the large Chapter 11 cases in Orlando, and they do an excellent job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Scott Shuker is "the go-to debtor lawyer in Orlando." Commentators report: "He knows his area thoroughly and is an excellent strategist and negotiator - if a company can be saved, he will save it in Chapter 11." His previous experience in banking allows him "to bring a really good financial understanding to a case." 

THE FIRM This Miami-based boutique handles a range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters. It recently represented the committee and the liquidating trustee in the Chapter 11 of All American Semiconductor. 

Sources say: "They have a strong reputation in insolvency litigation matters, and in representing debtors in insolvency."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jerry Markowitz heads the firm's bankruptcy and creditors' rights practice. He is regarded as "a pillar of the bankruptcy community in Florida." He recently took the lead in the representation of the committee and the liquidator in the bankruptcy of All American Semiconductor. 

Ross Hartog is "very professional, with a very good knowledge of bankruptcy law." His practice focuses on the representation of trustees and creditors. He was recently selected as a Chapter 7 trustee.