Christine A. Okike, P.C.
Overview
Christine A. Okike is a restructuring partner in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She represents debtors, creditors, equity holders, sponsors, investors, sellers, and purchasers in all stages of complex restructuring transactions, including prepackaged, prearranged and traditional Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court workouts, distressed acquisitions and cross-border proceedings. Christine has a broad range of experience across a number of industries, including cryptocurrency, automotive, sports, entertainment, retail, energy, real estate, financial services, technology, transportation, travel, health care, media and telecommunications.
Most recently, Christine was recognized in the in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, as “someone who executes plans perfectly” and “is very responsive and has a great command of the legal issues.” Sources have previously noted, “I have complete confidence that she’s on top of all the issues.” Christine was also recognized as a “Next Generation Partner” by The Legal 500 United States for Restructuring: Corporate, 2023 and named a “Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyer” by the 2023 Lawdragon 500. Bloomberg Law recognized Christine in their 2023 “They’ve Got Next” series. Law360 selected Christine as one of six “Bankruptcy MVPs” for 2022. Corporate Counsel selected Christine as an honoree in the “Collaborative Leadership” category as part of the 2022 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards. The Deal also selected Christine as one of its 2022 “Top Women in Dealmaking.” Christine was selected by Global Restructuring Review in its 2022 "40 Under 40" list of the world's top young restructuring professionals and Savoy recognized Christine as one of its “Most Influential Black Lawyers” in 2022 and 2024. The New York Law Journal also honored Christine at its New York Legal Awards in 2023 as a “Rising Star” and in 2022 for “Best Diversity Initiative.”
Christine was named as one of Crain’s New York Business’ 2021 “Notable Women in Law,” as well as an “Emerging Leader” by The M&A Advisor in 2019 and “Outstanding Young Restructuring Lawyer” by Turnarounds & Workouts in 2018. In 2017, Christine was inducted into the International Insolvency Institute NextGen Leadership Program and selected as an “Emerging Leader” in the American Bankruptcy Institute’s inaugural 40 Under 40 initiative. Christine was admitted as a new member to The International Insolvency Institute (III) in 2023.
Christine serves as co-chair of Kirkland’s Firmwide Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is a member of the New York Office Recruiting Committee.
Christine represents a number of nonprofit organizations and individuals on a pro bono basis and sits on the board of directors of Lawyers Alliance for New York and the advisory board of Legal Outreach.