Bankruptcy/Restructuring: California

THE FIRM The California-based restructuring group of this national firm maintains its reputation as strong, effective bankruptcy professionals undertaking significant matters on a local and national level. While it is historically recognized for its debtor-side representations, sources have emphasized the development of its work on behalf of secured lenders and bondholders and its current standing as an excellent all-around bankruptcy practice. It has recently been working on the Chemtura restructuring on behalf of the ad hoc committee of bondholders of over $770 million in debt. Since publication, a highly regarded team led by the esteemed Bruce Bennett has arrived from Dewey & LeBoeuf.

Sources say: "Their vocation and their ability to keep their eye on the ball is really top notch."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Wynne is an "outstanding lawyer" who "does exceptionally well in court, as well as providing very solid overall case management." He has taken the lead on a number of the firm's most significant cases, including the representation of the ad hoc committee of bondholders in the Chemtura matter and the committee of non-agent lenders in the Chapter 11 of Adelphia.

Peter Benvenutti is a seasoned restructuring lawyer with "an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code." His practice covers all aspects of bankruptcy law and he is praised for his good commercial sense. Sources testify that "he's got the theoretical knowledge and the common sense." He recently represented Plant Insulation in its Chapter 11 proceedings. 

Tobias Keller possesses "a substance of knowledge of his area of law which is unrivalled," say sources. He has acted on behalf of clients in a number of industries, and recently represented Toyota in the restructuring and liquidation of New United Motor Manufacturing, a joint venture of Toyota and General Motors. 

Bennett Spiegel recently advised the Chapter 7 trustee of Axium International in connection with potential litigation arising from pre-bankruptcy transactions. He is lauded as a "great strategist who is extremely responsive, technically knowledgeable and thorough." 

Most notable among the firm's recent spate of arrivals from Dewey & LeBoeuf was that of the eminently respected Bruce Bennett, an attorney described as "one of the smartest, most experienced, imaginative and creative bankruptcy lawyers in the country." Prior to joining Jones Day, he gained significant acclaim for his lead in the LA Dodgers bankruptcy. He is also held in exceptionally high regard for his creditor-side work, with clients attesting to "his good commercial sense" and ability to "think like an investor as much as he thinks like a lawyer." 

Assisting him on the Dodgers case while at Dewey was James Johnston. Johnston is an "outstanding strategic thinker who has a terrific ability to analyze complex situations and get to the heart of a matter and figure out what needs to be done." He also wins praise for his role at his previous firm in representing a group of creditors in the Tribune reorganization. 

Sidney Levinson, also from Dewey, was also involved in the Dodgers matter. He has been praised for his "very sharp mind" and "excellent command of the facts which drive the restructurings." He is also noted for his work at his previous firm alongside Bruce Bennett in the representation of the holders of term loans in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas bankruptcy. 

THE FIRM This is one of the premier bankruptcy boutiques in the country, and receives resounding praise from peers and clients alike for the depth, intellect and ability of its team. The group was recently selected as bankruptcy counsel to Jefferson County in relation to restructuring negotiations and a potential municipal filing. It also recently acted on behalf of the examiner - the firm's own Kenneth Klee - in the Tribune Chapter 11 cases. The team has also continued to act as co-counsel on behalf of MGM in its pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Sources say: "They're smart and they're aggressive; they're creative beyond other firms." "They really demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a commitment to service for their client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lee Bogdanoff is "very quick, business savvy and calm under pressure," say sources. He represents both creditors and debtors, and is singled out for the flair of his litigation practice. Interviewees identify him as "somebody who does his homework and continually scrutinizes issues in a smart, creative and thorough manner."

Kenneth Klee is revered as a "guru of bankruptcy practice in the US." He has recently been involved as bankruptcy counsel to Jefferson County, and also acted as examiner in the Tribune bankruptcy. According to sources, "his knowledge and performance at bankruptcy hearings making arguments on behalf of his clients is impressive."

Michael Tuchin has been counsel to MGM in its Chapter 11 proceedings. Clients value his foresight and deft handling of sensitive matters, describing him as "phenomenal, personable, super bright, great in presentation and persuasive."

Thomas Patterson has extensive experience acting on behalf of debtors and creditors, and peers testify to the high regard in which his seasoned practice is held. He recently represented Brotman Medical Centre and Lake Las Vegas in their respective Chapter 11 reorganizations. 

Whitman Holt is another up-and-comer at the firm. According to one peer: "He's absolutely brilliant - one of the smartest young lawyers I've ever met." Clients praise him as a "very persuasive writer with a very quick grasp of the business essentials."

THE FIRM The Los Angeles-based team of this firm's renowned national financial restructuring group plays a key part in major US bankruptcy proceedings. It continues to represent, alongside its New York counterparts, the official committee of unsecured creditors in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. It demonstrates immense expertise in the handling of large, complicated, financial restructurings and is held in exceptionally high regard for its business acumen and commercial application. It is also currently acting on behalf of Station Casinos as debtor-in-possession in its $5.7 billion Chapter 11 proceedings. 

Sources say:  "The team makes an effort to understand what the client wishes to accomplish and then goes out of its way to try and accomplish that."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Aronzon is a "terrific lawyer" with a wealth of experience in the handling of large-scale corporate restructurings, which are often national in scope. He is skilled in the representation of both debtors and institutional lenders and has been one of the firm's lead figures in work undertaken for the unsecured creditors' committee in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. 

Robert Moore has recently been working on behalf of the equity parents of ASARCO in relation to its Chapter 11 restructuring. He has been described as "one of the best all-round restructuring lawyers with the ability to represent debtors, creditors, and committees; in court or when making an acquisition, he's all-around terrific."

Mark Shinderman has recently been working alongside Aronzon on behalf of the unsecured creditors' committee in the Chapter 11 restructuring of Idearc. Sources value him as someone who is "very straightforward and understands what the client wants to accomplish." His ability to build consensus has also been praised, with clients describing him as "somebody who tries to get results not by fighting but by finding the common ground."

Thomas Kreller has been working alongside Aronzon in the representation of Station Casinos as debtor-in-possession in its Chapter 11 filings. He has a broad bankruptcy practice with particular expertise in out-of-court restructurings and Chapter 11 bankruptcies.

Gregory Bray has been identified as "a phenomenal lawyer in his written work, attention to detail and oral skills." He is renowned for his work on behalf of large financial institutions.

THE FIRM This exceptionally well-respected bankruptcy boutique maintains its strong local presence and significant national standing. It is highlighted for the strength of its team and its ability to take on large, complex restructurings, supported by further offices in New York and Delaware. Its practice incorporates all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring, with sources emphasizing the reputation and efficaciousness of its debtor work in particular.

Sources say: "It's a deep group of professionals in the restructuring community."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Pachulski is among the "top bankruptcy lawyers in the whole western part of the US," say sources. His practice incorporates high-profile restructuring matters, including the representation of debtors' and creditors' committees, both in court and out-of-court.

Jeffrey Pomerantz is an "outstanding attorney" whose practice is held in very high regard by peers. He specializes in creditor-side work on behalf of large institutional lenders and committees.

San Francisco-based John Fiero has a wide-ranging bankruptcy and restructuring practice, with particular emphasis on the representation of committees and debtors in Chapter 11 matters. 

THE FIRM The California bankruptcy group of this full-service, national law firm enjoys a strong reputation in terms of both the quality of its local work and its involvement in significant, national proceedings. It represents debtors, creditors and purchasers in matters covering the entire range of restructuring, and is boosted by its ability to draw on the depth of talent and variety of expertise in the wider firm. The group is particularly well regarded for the strength of its bankruptcy litigation practice. Recent work highlights include the representation of Fleetwood Enterprises in its Chapter 11 reorganization and Fleetwood Liquidating Trust in post-confirmation matters.

Sources say: "One of the things that is good about working with the firm is you never question its loyalty to its clients. The team will strategize and fight to the end of the earth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Oscar Garza represents debtors, creditors, trustees, purchasers and sellers in bankruptcy-related matters both in and out-of-court. According to clients "academically, his research and written documentation are top-notch; he's calm and rational and has never lost control during a long and difficult case." He is currently counsel to the FCP PropCo debtors in relation to the Station Casino Chapter 11 cases. 

Craig Millet has been singled out for the strength and effectiveness of his bankruptcy litigation practice. Sources credit him with being "so well versed in the Code and such a phenomenal litigator." He has recently taken the lead in the representation of the debtors in the Fleetwood matter.

Samuel Newman has a wide-ranging bankruptcy and restructuring practice and "is really one to say what he means and to fight for what he believes is a good outcome for all parties," say sources. His strategic ability has also been praised, with sources valuing his capacity "to think ahead and try to predict the next move."

THE FIRM Latham's Los Angeles-based group continues to undertake corporate and high finance matters on behalf of creditors, debtors and purchasers. It possesses a strong secured creditor practice and has represented GE Capital as a secured lender on multiple retail and real estate restructurings. The team also operates in numerous high profile proceedings on behalf of debtors. It recently acted for defunct law firm Howrey in its involuntary bankruptcy filing, as well as representing New United Motor Manufacturing in relation to its insolvency.

Sources say: "We have been favorably impressed by their ability to jump into a difficult situation without a great deal of warning and access the key risks and issues to help us manage the matters smoothly." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Gilhuly is a "superb lawyer" who has been identified as a "key player nationally in the law firm restructuring market." He recently represented Howrey in the dissolution of its partnership, wind-down and Chapter 11 proceedings.

Robert Klyman is praised as "exceptionally bright attorney who knows the law well and demonstrates a very practical application of his knowledge and problem-solving." He recently acted for Greystar Real Estate in its acquisition of the assets of Roosevelt Lofts, obtained through a co-sponsored plan of reorganization. 

Gregory Lunt recently acted for Spansion as debtor-in-possession in its Chapter 11 case, and continues to represent the company in relation to post-confirmation matters. Sources value him as "an excellent problem solver who does a great job for his clients."

THE FIRM With multiple offices across the state, the California-based group of this prominent national practice maintains its strong standing in the region. It has a broad bankruptcy practice, with the ability to handle the full range of restructuring and insolvency matters. The team continues to serve as bankruptcy counsel to national retailer Gottschalks in its Chapter 11 proceedings. It has been singled out in particular for the prominence of its secured creditor practice, which is typified by its selection as counsel to the official unsecured creditors' committee in the Chapter 11 of Philadelphia News. It has also represented numerous parties in the pre-packaged bankruptcy of MGM.

Sources say:  "From top to bottom they're really strong - putting legal advice and intelligence aside, their customer service is great and that's why we keep going back to them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ben Logan is "a very talented guy" with an invaluable store of experience in handling Chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings. He led the firm's representation of the committee in the Philadelphia News reorganization. According to clients "he provides great guidance and strategy to navigate the bankruptcy arena."

Steve Warren is celebrated as a "high energy, can-do problem solver." He led in the Gottschalks bankruptcy. Clients value his "creative, unprecedented arguments." As one source said: "Through his creative approach, we managed to pull victory from the jaws of defeat."

Evan Jones has a strong practice representing national banks and financial institutions in complex bankruptcy and restructuring matters. He recently advised Bank of America on the Chapter 11 of Tribune.

Suzzanne Uhland is a "very qualified, respected and experienced" lawyer. She chairs the restructuring practice and has recently been representing Spyglass Entertainment as a credit facility lender in the Chapter 11 reorganization of MGM.

THE FIRM This high-quality Los Angeles bankruptcy boutique is renowned for the expertise it demonstrates in bankruptcy and restructuring proceedings. It handles both creditor and debtor-side work for commercial organizations from numerous sectors, as well as counting large financial institutions among its clients. The group has recently handled a number of issues on behalf of franchisors and franchisees, exemplified by its current representation of Wagstaff Minnesota, the owner of 76 fast food franchises in the Western part of the US, in its Chapter 11 cases.

Sources say:  "They were very strategic in terms of the difficulties you encounter when you get into a hostile situation and very practical in terms of their advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lawrence Peitzman is "one of the preeminent bankruptcy attorneys in the country" with a wealth of experience in relation to out-of-court proceedings and Chapter 11 cases. According to sources "he's very solution-oriented but his analysis to get there is thorough and smart." He is further highlighted for his "wonderfully elegant way of describing things."

Howard Weg is an "excellent, strong" attorney who is seasoned in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring law. He has taken the lead on a number of the firm's most significant cases, including the representation of Gateway Metro in its Chapter 11 filings. Scott Gautier led on the firm's work on behalf of Wagstaff Minnesota in its Chapter 11 filings. Clients are "very impressed with the tools and the creative solutions he comes up with."

David Shemano has "had a lot of hands-on experience" representing creditors, debtors and trustees and is "very much a pragmatist in understanding how the nuts and bolts of a Chapter 11 case works," say sources. 

THE FIRM The Los Angeles element of this firm's integrated national and international bankruptcy and restructuring practice plays a crucial part in a number of its high-profile representations. It has been at the forefront in the Tribune Chapter 11, where the firm is acting as counsel to the debtor. The group also enjoys an excellent reputation for its work on behalf of creditors and has recently been acting for the primary mortgage lender in relation to the restructuring of Station Casinos. 

Sources say: "Sidley always brings a team to every matter who are from top to bottom extremely hardworking, extremely bright professionals who apply a practical approach to get things done effectively for the client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Havel has a wealth of experience in the handling of Chapter 11s and out-of-court restructurings from both the debtor and creditor side. He "knows how to bring his experience to bear in analyzing complicated problems in a pragmatic way," say sources. He recently represented Penhall Holdings in its successful out-of-court restructuring. 

Sally Neely is a well-respected figure in the bankruptcy community and has been described as "extremely analytical, very detail-oriented, very thorough, and just smart as a whip." She continues to represent Daewoo Motors as the largest unsecured creditor in the Chapter 11 of its former US subsidiary Daewoo Motor America. 

Jeffrey Bjork has a broad bankruptcy practice and is involved in a number of the firm's largest cases, including representing the primary mortgage lender in the Station Casinos matter. He is identified as "thoroughly knowledgeable, detail-oriented, client-focused, practical and fearless in representation."

Jennifer Hagle has a strong creditor practice and undertakes a significant amount of work on behalf of syndicated lenders. She is "smart and astute" and "pretty instrumental in building consensus," say sources. 

Joel Samuels has immense expertise in the representation of secured creditors. He recently played an integral role in the Chapter 11 filings of Tamarack Resort on behalf of Credit Suisse as agent for a bank group. He also has a strong bankruptcy litigation practice. Sources state: "He's very technical, knows the Bankruptcy Code inside and out, and is able to come up with practical solutions to matters."

Kevin Lantry is a specialist in large company-side cases and plays a key role in multiple high-profile matters. He has been central to the group's representation of Tribune in its restructuring proceedings and "has a knack for staying ahead of the issues in his cases and establishing creative ways to advance reorganizations."

THE FIRM This bankruptcy boutique has a long-standing reputation as a key player in the local and national restructuring market. It has substantial experience and expertise in all areas of bankruptcy law, having acted for companies facing financial distress, secured and unsecured creditors and committees, sellers, purchasers and investors. Sources emphasize the strength of its debtor-side expertise in particular, and the depth and talent of its team in the area.

Sources say: "A deep group of professionals in the restructuring community." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Isaac Pachulski has a deep trench of experience in corporate reorganizations and bankruptcy affairs. According to peers he is "an incredibly smart bankruptcy attorney who always thinks of things at a deep level and is never unprepared."

Jeffrey Davidson is "a brilliant bankruptcy lawyer" with a far-reaching restructuring practice. He has represented public companies in complex Chapter 11 filings, as well as holders of credit, and sellers and acquirers of distressed debt. 

Robert Greenfield is a seasoned bankruptcy attorney widely admired by his peers for his invaluable experience in all areas of corporate reorganization and insolvency work.

THE FIRM The insolvency practice at this full-service firm continues to garner a great deal of respect for the quality and variety of the restructuring work it undertakes. Its handling of lender-related issues has been underlined, yet its practice extends to the representation of debtors, trustees, and purchasers in a variety of sectors. The group has considerable expertise in real estate-related restructurings and is currently representing the president and CEO of Tutor Perrini in relation to the Chapter 11 reorganization of ThinkFilm. 

Sources say: "An outstanding, below-the-radar firm which provides great value in bankruptcy and litigation." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pamela Webster undertakes the full range of bankruptcy and restructuring matters, and has particular expertise in regulated industries such as insurance, healthcare and finance. Sources value her as "a constructive lawyer who works hard to build consensus."

Bernard Bollinger "brings a quiet yet determined analysis to issues while at the same time acting as a great advocate," say sources. He chairs the insolvency and financial solutions practice and has recently represented Lewis Operating as landlord of real estate leases in multiple Chapter 11 filings, including those of Blockbuster and Borders.

THE FIRM California-based Irell & Manella maintains a highly-respected bankruptcy practice that is substantially involved in both regional and national restructuring matters. It is able to handle both creditor and debtor-side work, and also undertakes distressed M&A and other insolvency-related financial transactions. It is currently counsel to the Chapter 7 trustee of Imperial Credit Industries, a former bank holding company. As well as its transactional work, it also has a well-developed bankruptcy litigation practice.

Sources say: "They're the kind of guys you want representing you when you go into a gun fight or a tough situation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Reisner heads the bankruptcy practice and is a specialist in the representation of companies both as debtor and creditor in restructuring matters. Sources observe that "he's very thoughtful and a good strategist, while having a real ability to think quickly and work with tireless determination on behalf of his client."

THE FIRM This Los Angeles-based bankruptcy boutique has real expertise in the handling of regional work and middle market business reorganizations. It covers the entire spectrum of bankruptcy work and has represented debtors, creditors, committees, trustees and investors. The group is most famed, however, for its prolific debtor work, exemplified by its recent navigation of the Chapter 11 of BioLabs/Westcliff, a large operator of patient service laboratories in California.

Sources say: "I'd give them a definite thumbs-up - they're smart, aggressive and available and that's what you need in lawyers." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ron Bender has considerable experience in working with financially distressed companies and takes the lead on a number of the firm's most prominent cases, including the BioLabs matter. According to one happy client: "He's really smart and he clearly knows how to get things done; he's available for us whenever we need him and creative in terms of how to resolve problems."

David Neale receives praise for his bankruptcy litigation practice. "He has the far-reaching intellect to break through in the matter but also has the razzle-dazzle to convince judges," hail sources. 

THE FIRM This firm's bankruptcy and restructuring practice is a nationally renowned entity, of which its California team plays an indispensable part. It covers all sides of the bankruptcy model and counts major financial institutions such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo among its clients. The group has recently come to the fore in the municipal restructuring field and continues to represent the City of Vallejo in its complex Chapter 9 proceedings, the largest of this nature in recent years. The team also has significant experience of handling cross-border work in Asia. 

Sources say: "It is skilled in the handling of cases with complexities that require a high level of expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marc Levinson is a preeminent figure in the sphere of municipal restructuring and has conducted "groundbreaking" work in his handling of the City of Vallejo bankruptcy filing. Sources value his excellent business sense and his capacity to "think very well on his feet and practically apply his good command of the Bankruptcy Code."

Frederick Holden has a strong practice representing secured lenders, which is combined with considerable experience handling cross-border matters in Asia and the Philippines in particular. He recently acted on behalf of East West Bank as an agent for a group of banks in the Chapter 11 of Aviza Technology.

THE FIRM This respected bankruptcy practice handles a broad array of restructuring matters and is able to capitalize on the wider firm's full-service capabilities in complex assignments. While operating on both the debtor and lender sides, it has a particularly well-developed practice in the representation of secured and unsecured creditors. It also undertakes work on behalf of trustees, committees and investors. The group is currently taking a central role in the Chapter 11 of Plant Insulation as counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors. 

Sources say: "It is a well-respected and well-run firm with depth of experience that pays dividends." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Ahrens has a wealth of experience in the representation of debtors, lenders, committees, trustees and receivers. According to one source he's "the best bankruptcy strategist anyone could find; he's great in court, has great rapport with bankruptcy judges and supervises a terrific staff." He recently took the lead in the representation of the committee in the Plant Insulation case.

THE FIRM This firm has a complete bankruptcy shop with a particularly well-developed creditors' rights practice. It recently represented the unsecured creditors' committee in the Chapter 11 case of People's Choice Home Loan and is subsequently acting for the liquidating trustee created under the confirmed plan. It has also taken a role in the municipal restructuring of Vallejo, acting for National Public Finance Guarantee.  

Sources say: "The firm provides excellent service, with creative and pragmatic solutions, for reasonable fees."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eric Sagerman chairs the firm's national restructuring practice and is a "very smart and effective" bankruptcy lawyer. He has considerable expertise in the handling of creditor and committee affairs.

Randy Rogers has a bankruptcy practice covering all bases. He is particularly renowned for his work within the agricultural sector where he has represented insurers, banks, and Farm Credit system lenders. 

John Fredericks handles in and out-of-court workout and restructurings on both the debtor and creditor side, as well as distressed M&A and wider insolvency matters. Sources applaud "his excellent appreciation for the business side of these issues and his ability to give very practical advice."

THE FIRM This Sacramento-based bankruptcy boutique has established itself as a real player in the local and regional bankruptcy and restructuring market. Its strong team handles work on behalf of multiple parties including debtors, debt and equity holders, committees, and trustees. It has also made a name for itself in the law firm restructuring field having represented the unsecured creditors' committee in the Chapter 11 proceedings of Heller Ehrman. 

Sources say: "They've done good work, are good lawyers and are nice to deal with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Felderstein is a "high-quality lawyer" and managing partner of the firm. He has taken the lead on the firm's most high-profile assignments, including the representation of the official committee of unsecured creditors in the Heller Ehrman matter. 

THE FIRM The West Coast bankruptcy practice of this full-service, national firm has a particularly strong creditors' rights offering and counts some of the largest financial institutions in the US among its clients. It recently represented Bank of America as agent to a group of lenders in relation to a defaulted credit facility owed by Golden Gaming. It has also undertaken work for Wells Fargo, Bank of the West and US Bank, among others. 

Sources say: "They were very easy to work with and they explained the issues in good terms that I could understand."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Minnick has been praised for his ability to engender consensus in complex, contentious bankruptcies. According to sources "he has a way of making people feel comfortable - a unique gentlemanly quality about him." He is currently representing Bank of America as agent bank in the Heller Ehrman bankruptcy.

THE FIRM Skadden's Los Angeles-based bankruptcy and restructuring group is an integral element in the firm's renowned international practice. The group handles the full range of bankruptcy matters, and is particularly strong in the representation of public companies and financial sponsors. It recently acted on behalf of SKBHC Holdings in its acquisition of AmericanWest Bank out of bankruptcy.

Sources say: "I was impressed by their ability to get results in the Chapter 11 process and the level at which they worked with our management team." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Van Durrer leads the firm's corporate restructuring practice on the West Coast. According to sources, he is "one of the smartest and most commercially savvy lawyers in the area; he knows how to get a deal done among creditors and other constituents - he's unflappable and always levelheaded."

THE FIRM Sullivan & Cromwell's Los Angeles insolvency team continues to play a central role in a number of large, complex bankruptcy proceedings. It is able to draw on the firm's breadth and depth of experience in multiple areas of law in order to boost the efficacy of its broad-based restructuring work. The group recently represented Morgan Stanley in the pre-packaged bankruptcy of Vertis. It also handles a great deal of out-of-court, company-side restructurings.

Sources say: "They cover all bases and they're absolutely aces all the way down the line."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Sacks is a key contact.

THE FIRM This California group plays a key part in this firm's nationally renowned bankruptcy and restructuring practice, often working collaboratively with its New York and Miami counterparts. As a part of a global, full-service firm it is able to draw on the resources and expertise available in multiple offices to enhance its operational ability. It undertakes both creditor and debtor assignments, and is particularly famed for its prowess in cross-border bankruptcy matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Averch handles the full range of bankruptcy law, and conducts both transactional and litigation work. He leads the firm's Los Angeles-based restructuring group.