Building Off the Messes of Others; James Sprayregen, United Airlines Lead Bankruptcy Attorney Has Created a Thriving Practice at Chicago Law Firm Kirkland & Ellis

"From his perch at Chicago law firm Kirkland & Ellis, Sprayregen has been drawing on those experiences to build a global bankruptcy and restructuring practice that competes with its bigger competitors clustered in New York City.

Under his leadership, Kirkland & Ellis' bankruptcy practice has grown from a handful of attorneys to more than 100 and has emerged as a force in knotty restructurings--the kind that need "people who are comfortable with a big mess," Sprayregen said.

Known as 'Jamie' to family and friends, Sprayregen said his goal is to have Kirkland & Ellis recognized internationally as the firm of choice for complex bankruptcies by developing a reputation for finding creative solutions in the law."

This article appeared in its entirety in the February 26, 2006 edition of the Chicago Tribune