The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2006: Bankruptcy
On an annual basis, Chambers Global conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling their objective list of legal talent available at the highest level of international legal practice. Their research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.
In Chambers’ 2006 review of international legal talent in the area of “Bankruptcy,” our Firm was listed among the best in the world.
Kirkland partners James Sprayregen and Rick Cieri were selected as leading individuals in this area.
Chambers Comments:
USA
Ranking: 2
The Firm: Renowned as a national debtors' practice, this "outstanding firm" employs almost 100 restructuring and bankruptcy lawyers from its Chicago headquarters. With access to further resources in its New York, Los Angeles and London offices, this "top-class" bankruptcy team is able to handle "the biggest and ugliest cases around." It won plaudits for its management of the Chapter 11 reorganization of Conseco, the third-largest filing to date. Other major recent cases include the representation of UAL (United Airlines) in its massive reorganization and advice to NRG Energy in the restructuring of more than $11 billion in debt, and advice to Collins & Aikman Corporation and its affiliated entities in Chapter 11 proceedings.
The Lawyers: The "technically and commercially sound" James Sprayregen is a great clients' lawyer, admired for his "unflustered ways." He advised on the Chapter 11 reorganization of Conseco. Clients described him as "probably the best restructuring lawyer in the world." The team has been boosted by the arrival of Rick Cieri from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. This "spectacular" lawyer is a popular figure who "has the perfect balance of good judgment, advocacy skill and business instincts." He is best known for representing debtors and is a skilled adviser in both domestic and international restructurings.
Clients/Work Highlights: UAL; Conseco; Polymer Group; Archibald Candy and National Equipment Services. The group is best known for representing debtors, such as NRG Energy, Allegiance Telecom and Cornerstone Propane. It is also active on behalf of creditors and advised the statutory committee of unsecured creditors in the AT&T Latin America Chapter 11 cases.
Reprinted with permission from Chamber's Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2006- www.chambersandpartners.com.
