Gorrissen Federspiel's insolvency practice provides ‘deep subject-matter expertise with a highly pragmatic, results-oriented approach’, advising clients from a variety of industries, including the financial, real estate, construction and food and beverage spaces. Services provided by the team include acting as court-appointed trustee for businesses, acting as administrator and advising on restructurings. John Sommer Schmidt is at the helm of the insolvency practice and has experience acting as a liquidator, restructuring administrator and trustee in high-profile and complex bankruptcies; Schmidt also works in the probate court in Aarhus. Morten Hans Jakobsen, Preben Jakobsen and Kristian Gammelgaard Møller all contribute experience in handling distressed companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Preben Jakobsen was very responsive and easy to communicate with. He made quick decisions when the situation required it. He asked very accurate and insightful questions. He perfectly combined the tough protection of the interests of the Danish company's bankruptcy estate with the practical realities set by the law in our country.’
- ‘This practice distinguishes itself by combining deep subject-matter expertise with a highly pragmatic, results-oriented approach. Where many firms emphasise process, this team emphasises outcomes — aligning every engagement with the client’s strategic and commercial objectives. The practice is deliberately structured to be agile, so it can adapt quickly to complex, cross-border, or high-stakes matters that do not fit a standard template.’
- ‘What truly differentiates this practice is not just its market position but the calibre of the individuals who drive it. Each partner and associate combines technical mastery with personal qualities that inspire confidence and trust.’
- ‘It is an experienced team with a lot of hands-on experience and a can-do mindset. The team works efficiently.’
- ‘I appreciate very much working with Kristian Gammelgaard Møller. He is knowledgeable and very pleasant and works very independently.’
Key clients
- Danske Bank
- DNB
- EIFO
- Jyske Bank
- Nordea Bank Denmark
- Nykredit
- ArthaScope Kapitalforvaltning
- SEB Denmark
- Spar Nord Bank
- Swedbank
Work highlights
Advised Nykredit and Danske Bank as financial creditors on the court restructuring of the Better Energy Group.
Advised Arthascope Special Investment ApS as lender and acted as court‑appointed bankruptcy trustee to TSG Group A/S.
Represented EIFO and Ringkjøbing Landbobank in the restructuring of Kerteminde Biogas ApS (c.DKK 75m), including regulatory processes to secure municipal and environmental approvals for a biogas facility.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
John Sommer Schmidt
Other key lawyers
Morten Hans Jakobsen; Preben Jakobsen; Kristian Gammelgaard Møller