Overview

Edward Sassower serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee and is a partner in the Restructuring Group. He focuses on representing debtors, creditors and distressed or special situation investors in bankruptcy cases, out-of-court restructurings and acquisitions.

Distinctions

Described as a “charismatic leader and rainmaker of the restructuring group,” Edward has consistently been recognized by Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and Chambers Global, The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Most recently, clients praised him as a “superb leader” and “the maestro of the bankruptcy practice.” Sources noted that he is “a very smart business strategist” that “drives the Firm forward” and “his oversight and involvement is invaluable.” In prior editions, interviewees described Edward as “one of those rare people who comes along once in a while who has a legal mind and a business mind.” He’s also been described as a “master strategist and brilliant technician” who “demonstrates incredible creativity” with “both a brilliant and commanding understanding of the law as well as a complete and thoughtful view of business” noting that his “ability to build consensus and to coalesce the group around important issues was stunning.” Client and peer quotes have also described Edward as a “really talented and very savvy deal-maker” with “deep relationships in the bankruptcy community” and praised him for his “command of a board of directors,” “tremendous credibility in the courtroom,” and his focus on “delivering a great job for his clients.” Client and peer quotes also commend Edward on his “leadership to clients who have never experienced the complexity and intensity of bankruptcy” noting he “has the ability to see the big picture of the case at all times and can anticipate the next several steps necessary to keep the case on track.” Interviewees praised Edward for his “great understanding of the impact of decisions on business” and his ability to “facilitate communication and dialogue and provide leadership,” while having “a good relationship with other professionals that transcends the adversarial aspects of cases.”

Edward has also consistently been recognized in The Legal 500 U.S. Client and peer quotes praise Edward for being a “tireless advocate with a highly evolved understanding of what matters to financial clients,” a “true business-savvy deal lawyer who knows when to fight and when to negotiate” and “as good as it gets in the bankruptcy area.”

In 2016, Edward was selected by Law360 as an “MVP,” three years after naming him a “Rising Star” in 2013.

In 2013, Edward was selected by Turnarounds & Workouts as an “Outstanding Restructuring Lawyer,” five years after naming him an “Outstanding Young Restructuring Lawyer” in 2008.

In 2013, Edward was selected to the UJA-Federation of New York's first ever 40 Under 40 Industry Leaders list, an initiative that recognizes a prominent group of accomplished professionals spanning many industries. 

Edward is also an Adjunct Full Professor of Finance at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches the “Corporate Restructuring” course every Fall.

Edward serves on the boards of numerous charities including UJA – Federation of New York.

More

Thought Leadership

Seminars

Interviewer of Keynote Speaker, The 19th Annual Wharton Restructuring and Distressed Investing Conference, New York, NY, February 24, 2023.

Interviewer, The Wharton Restructuring and Distressed Investing Conference, "Keynote Speaker: Eric Zinterhofer, Founding Partner of Searchlight," April 9, 2021.

Interviewer of Keynote Speakers, The Wharton Restructuring and Distressed Investing Conference, February 26, 2016.

Panelist, The Wharton Restructuring and Distressed Investing Conference, “Distressed Hedge Funds,” February 27, 2015.

Panelist, The Wharton Restructuring and Turnaround Conference, "Distressed Hedge Funds," February 22, 2013.

Panelist, The Wharton Restructuring and Turnaround Conference, "Chapter 7-Eleven: The Increasing Use of Asset Sales as a Means of Effectuating a Reorganization," February 17, 2012.

Executive Planning Committee for the Turnaround Management Association’s 2012 Distressed Investing Conference.

Moderator, 18th Annual Beard Group Distressed Investing Conference, "Transportation & Shipping: Investment Tips & Traps," November 28, 2011.

Fifth Annual NYU Stern Private Equity Conference, "Strategies in an Uncertain Market," March 5, 2010 at NYU's Kimmel Center in New York. The Conference provided a forum for industry leaders to discuss various opportunities and challenges created by events that influenced current economic, regulatory, and financial market conditions.

Publications

“In Memoriam: Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland,” Law360 (February 19, 2014). Co-authored with James H.M. Sprayregen, Stephen E. Hessler and Aaron R. Slavutin.

Memberships & Affiliations

UJA - Federation of New York

Team Rubicon

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2000New York

Courts

  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York
  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York

Education

  • Duke University School of LawJ.D.1998
  • Duke UniversityB.A.1995