Well regarded for its work in private credit markets, Corrs Chambers Westgarth frequently advises on restructuring distressed debt, debt acquisitions and complex restructuring transactions. Cameron Cheetham leads the practice and advises investors, creditors and other stakeholders on restructuring transactions and distressed lending situations. Michael Catchpoole focuses on contentious restructurings and corporate reorganisations, often involving high-value disputes. With a focus on security enforcement and insolvent estates, Michelle Gordon has significant experience in insolvency litigation, including cases involving fraud and deceptive conduct. The team balances transactional and contentious capabilities across the restructuring and insolvency landscape.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The Corrs Chambers Westgarth Restructuring and Insolvency practice are best in class, thanks particularly to the exceptional talent of the team led by Michael Catchpoole and Michelle Gordon.'
- 'Michael Catchpoole is an exceptional strategist and legal thinker. His deep understanding of insolvency law, together with his crystal-clear focus on a matter's commercial drivers, sees Michael find creative solutions and achieve outstanding results even in the most challenging insolvency and restructuring scenarios.'
- 'Michelle Gordon is an outstanding legal operator and a safe pair of hands in navigating difficult insolvency situations. Michelle's deep experience, clear strategic thinking, unwavering commitment and unflappable professionalism are instrumental in achieving exceptional outcomes. Michelle is a tremendous asset to have in your corner.'
- 'Sharp. Understand what needs to be done and will always think through the problem, no matter how complicated.'
- 'Large team capable of dealing with complex matters.'
- 'Corrs has probably the strongest R&I practice group in Sydney.'
- 'Michelle Gordon and Michael Catchpoole are exceptional practitioners who demonstrate a deep understanding of clients needs and requirements on the journey of a restructuring engagement.'
- 'A large, high-calibre partnership who work well together.'
- 'The team is very responsive and gets to the crux of issues very quickly.'
- 'A large, high-calibre partnership who work well together, and with their non-R&I partners where necessary.'
Key clients
- China Huaneng Group
- City Built Pty Ltd
- Brookfield Asset Management
- Tritium DCFC
- Deutsche Bank
- Deloitte
- Qenos Holdings
- McGrath Nicol
- Matheson Property Group
- Grant Thornton
- White Oak
Work highlights
Advised a lending syndicate led by Deutsche Bank on the acquisition and restructuring of a senior debt facility over a portfolio of operating hotels and development projects owned and operated by Public Hospitality Group.
Advised Brookfield on the management of its loan exposure to Panthera Finance, including the appointment of administrators and two successful sale transactions for substantially all of Panthera’s business and assets.
Advised Qenos, the largest polyethylene manufacturer, in exploring either the sale of its business as a going concern, or a liquidation and shutdown of its operations and realisation of its land assets following remediation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Michael Catchpoole
Michelle Gordon
Practice head
Cameron Cheetham
Other key lawyers
Michelle Gordon; Michael Catchpoole