After over 17 years at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, restructuring partner Samuel Newman has left to join Sidley Austin's Los Angeles office.

Newman moved over to Sidley Monday as a partner in its global restructuring practice, which has about 60 lawyers across the firm's 20 offices.

“Sidley's global restructuring practice is a market leader in all layers of restructuring engagements, but is particularly focused on developing company-side work and debt engagements,” Newman said. “Those engagements, the market for that service, is increasingly concentrating out of few major firms, and Sidley is one of the firms that is investing heavily in being able to execute the largest matters.”

Newman's practice focuses on representing debtors, creditors' committees, and creditors in Chapter 11 cases. Newman said he was drawn to Sidley's resources for large clients in capital restructuring matters, especially Chapter 11 cases.

“I have had the opportunity to develop experience and work with clients in the major industries that are prevalent in California, including media companies, telecommunication companies, high-tech biopharma businesses, and concerns relating to real estate,” said Newman of his practice. “The businesses out in California are concentrating in those areas, and all of those industries [face] significant headwinds that may result in restructuring needs in the immediate future.”

Newman has been practicing in Los Angeles since he joined Gibson Dunn in 2001. Gibson Dunn did not respond to a request for comment on Newman's departure.

“While he lives in Los Angeles, he is a world-class bankruptcy and restructuring partner,” said James Conlan, who leads Sidley's global restructuring group. Conlan said Newman will work with California-headquartered companies on their largest matters and will be involved in the firm's biggest national and cross-border matters.

Sidley Austin has also recently expanded its private equity practice by adding a three-partner group from Cooley in Los Angeles, along with several other lawyers.

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