New York Chambers and Partners USA

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

The Lawyers: Although based in Connecticut, Evan Flaschen [Band 4] of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP practices mainly in New York, where he represents a number of hedge funds, institutional investors, fund managers, leveraged finance agents and financial services companies. He is highly valued by clients for his focused and rapid work, and recently represented second lien lenders of TOUSA in Chapter 11 restructuring discussions.

Texas Chambers and Partners USA

Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Band 4)

The Firm: Based in Houston, with additional offices in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, this firm has a robust local bankruptcy practice and a growing presence in the national and international markets. The team is highly experienced in litigation, mainly in relation to complex Chapter 11 cases; it has also cultivated an impressive reputation for out-of-court restructurings. The firm has seen a rise in the number of energy-related cases of late, which now form a substantial part of its workload.

The Lawyers: Chapter 11 specialist Samuel Stricklin [Band 3] has more than 20 years' experience in the bankruptcy arena. Sources applaud his work on behalf of creditors, and his confident and creative courtroom manner. Marcy Kurtz [Band 4] is also praised for her litigation skills. She chiefly represents banks and other lenders, but also advises debtors on pre-bankruptcy issues and the financial implications of corporate transactions. Interviewees applaud Trey Wood's [Band 4] strategic and meticulous approach to cases; his focus is generally on debtor representation and out-of-court restructurings.

For more information about Chambers and Partners, visit their website at www.chambersandpartners.com.

Euromoney

Since 2005, Bracewell has been listed in the Guide to the World’s Leading Insolvency and Restructuring Lawyers, published by Euromoney Institutional Investor. In 2008, the firm’s Financial Restructuring group received the award for “Restructuring of the Year—Americas” from Euromoney’s International Financial Law Review for its work on the Remy International prepackage.  Also this year, Bracewell was recognized as leader in insolvency and restructuring services by the Legal Media Group’s The Best of the Best USA 2008.

For more information about Euromoney, visit their website at www.euromoney.com.

The Legal 500

Finance: Corporate Restructuring (Band 3)

PRACTICE: ‘Superior lawyers at a superior firm,’ Bracewell & Giuliani LLP provides ‘first-class, pro-active, direct, and commercial advice’ to an eclectic mix of clients, including hedge funds, institutional investors, banks and corporations. Although it still rarely occupies a position at the top table in any of the biggest national and international insolvencies, the group receives a steady flow of middle-market instructions from both creditors and debtors. The firm has ‘is on the pulse on developments in the distressed markets,’ and is instructed by second lien lenders in connection with TOUSA’s Chapter 11.

‘Respectful of the cultural differences across different jurisdictions,’ the firm has worked on cross-border mandates involving Canadian and Australian companies, including its recent representation of a noteholder group in restructuring discussions with Centro Properties, the Australian-based shopping center owner. Clients appreciate the attorneys’ ability to combine ‘sound black letter knowledge of the law, with savvy commercial focus.’

CLIENTS: Clients include Blackstone Distressed Securities Group, D E Shaw & Co, HBK Capital Management, Deutsche Bank Securities, New York Life Insurance, and JPMorgan Securities.

INDIVIDUALS: ‘One of the most impressive restructuring lawyers out there,’ New York-based partner Evan Flaschen chairs the financial restructuring group. Clients appreciate his ‘knowledge of the marketplace and practical advice.’

New York-based partner Kurt Mayr is recognized as a ‘rising star in the distressed community,’ while in Houston, Trey Wood impresses clients with his ‘excellent and assured advice’ to debtors and creditors.

For more information about The Legal 500, visit their website at www.legal500.com. 

PLC Which Lawyer? 

Bracewell's banking and finance, corporate/mergers & acquisitions, energy, environmental, restructuring and insolvency, intellectual property and tax practices were recognized for its excellence, 2006-2008.

For more information about the Practical Law Company, visit their website at http://whichlawyer.practicallaw.com.