Q: What were some of your most satisfying successes of the past year, and why? I’m energized by what our group has achieved this year. We are one of the most acclaimed and quickly growing restructuring practices in the world and have played central and highly successful roles in large, high-profile matters including, FTX, WeWork, Core Scientific, Cano Health, PREIT, LTL Management, Diamond Sports, Travelport, Barnes & Noble Education and CWT. But the real success is our creation of this powerhouse team. We started 2023 with 78 restructuring lawyers and soon expect to have almost 110. We work seamlessly across our restructuring, finance, distressed M&A and litigation disciplines. Kris Hansen and I foster a culture where young lawyers thrive as professionals. We have a large family bond, and that comradery resonates with our clients.
Q: What qualities make a great dealmaker? A great dealmaker has “big picture vision.” One must craft a transaction strategy that benefits everyone at the table. You need to understand the motivations of all players and get everyone on the same page, even when they have different and competing goals. You need to master strategy and communication, using words and tactics to achieve a result that works for everyone. You must also be patient and flexible because circumstances can change quickly. But a dealmaker is only as good as the people they lead. That’s why I have focused on building a team of brilliant specialists who enjoy working with each other and are motivated to grow and win.
