Cooley LLP has established itself as a genuine force in restructurings and bankruptcies, particularly in the technology, healthcare and life sciences sectors. The firm is best known for its representation of debtors, including distressed emerging companies or businesses that have been through a de-SPAC process, though it also frequently acts for creditors’ committees in large-scale matters. It has continued to act for clients in a series of major Chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings, and is further recognised for distressed M&A. Cullen Drescher Speckhart is chair of the business restructuring practice. Chicago partner Eric Walker is also recognised for restructurings and bankruptcies in the healthcare sector. Michael Klein is a key figure in New York, while Olya Antle impresses at senior associate level. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cooley is highly commercial in the negotiation of a deal, but fully prepared and ready to litigate when it needs to act in the best interests of its client.’
‘Olya Antle is someone you want on your deal. She is brilliant and highly effective. Olya is calm under pressure, has strong writing skills and is an excellent advocate in court.’
‘They have made a name for themselves in representing tort claimants in mass tort bankruptcies. They also benefit from having a lot of emerging growth clients which need workout/restructuring advice. They are a leader in de-SPAC bankruptcies, for example.’
‘Cullen Speckhart is a powerhouse lawyer and a great person. I am so impressed with how she has grown the stature of the group. Olya Antle is an up-and-coming global restructuring lawyer. Lauren Reichart is a well-respected up-and-coming restructuring lawyer in NYC.’
‘Cullen Speckhart is a hard working, smart, commercial attorney with a great demeanor. She leads a talented team. They have broad skillsets, from company side to creditor committee, to boards.’
‘Cullen Speckhart is so valuable in the industry. She can go toe-to-toe with any adversary.’
Key clients
- PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals
- DeCurtis Holdings
- Endo International – Counsel to Official Committee of Opioid Creditors
- Whittaker Clark & Daniels – Counsel to Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors
- Quanergy Systems
- Gamida Cell
- Lucira Health
- LTL Management – Counsel to Official Committee of Mesothelioma Claimants
- Enjoy Technology
- Fisker Owners Association (FOA)
Work highlights
- Advised Gamida Cell and its wholly owned subsidiary, Gamida Cell, on the company’s global restructuring, which ensured Gamida’s life-saving therapeutic, Omisirge, could stay in production.
- Advised PhaseBio in its Chapter 11 proceedings.
- Represented the Opioid claimants of Endo International Official Committee in the Endo International bankruptcy proceedings.
Lawyers
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
Cullen Drescher Speckhart
Other key lawyers
Eric Walker; Michael Klein; Olya Antle; Lauren Reichart