Corporate Restructuring and Debtor/Creditors’ Rights
The firm maintains a more substantial bankruptcy group than many of the larger, multi-department firms in the region. At the same time, the firm is small enough to encourage a collegial atmosphere where attorneys from all departments work with each other sharing strategies on the complex legal and business issues that are frequently encountered in bankruptcy and distress situations. We believe this cooperative style has helped the firm develop an eminently practical and thorough approach to bankruptcy proceedings and related matters. As a result of the firm’s depth of experience in sophisticated insolvency issues, we have worked with clients in a broad array of industries and with companies ranging from small closely-held businesses to large publicly-owned corporations. We have counseled numerous large and small businesses needing guidance through the complex insolvency process. We also represent clients which may view the insolvency process of a competitor or other company as an opportunity to further grow or expand their own businesses through the acquisition of real estate or other business assets available from entities that are downsizing or liquidating. Our practice includes representing Chapter 11 debtors-inpossession, creditors’ committees, secured lenders, equipment lessors, finance companies, venture capital funds, asset purchasers, insurance companies, individual unsecured creditors, trustees and landlords, whether in filed cases or in out-of-court liquidations. The long history and wide scope of our practice in complex bankruptcy and insolvency cases brings a proven advantage to our clients. Our ability to quickly identify off-balance-sheet assets is one example of that advantage. Another is our proficiency in conflict resolution and financial review, which may avoid the need for a distressed company to file for bankruptcy protection. Our experience has taught us to explore all avenues of potential relief and recovery on behalf of our clients, including out-of-court common law compromises, which often serves to reduce expenses and expedites resolution of claims and maximizes the distribution of available assets. Philosophically, we view the declaration of bankruptcy as a last resort. We encourage corporate management, individuals and creditors to consult with us at the first signs of financial distress and encourage potential debtor companies to be proactive with us in defining and structuring solutions to their problems. Through early intervention and active planning, our attorneys are able to help clients explore options and achieve results which may not have been obvious to them initially.
