Samuel E. Lovett
Paul, Weiss Associate, Bankruptcy
Northwestern University School of Law, 2006
"Variety is the virtue of my bankruptcy practice. The discipline itself is diverse – I am able to work in both a litigation and corporate context.
There is a real mix of the two, and working on the whole deal, I get a feel for the entire case and get to know all the players. The Bankruptcy Department doesn't focus on one narrow aspect to the exclusion of others. Associates get to see the whole field of bankruptcy, instead of being pigeonholed into representing one type of client. This generalist approach is different from bankruptcy practices at most firms. Simply put, we represent diverse clients, from creditors to debtors to purchasers of distressed companies and associates are able to work on a variety of such matters.
Our work is important. We represent companies that have thousands, possibly tens of thousands of employees. It's really crucial to, if possible, help keep these companies operating. Since our department is small – 3-4 people assigned to a large case – I work in close concert with our clients and other parties in the case. As a second-year associate I've worked closely with chief executives, financial officers, and opposing counsel trying hard to reach a consensus when we can.
In addition to the experience, it's the people who make Paul, Weiss special. When I began looking at different law firms, I had specific criteria in mind. I wanted to work at a prestigious and important firm, but I also wanted to belong to a place that lets you be your own person, and mold your own career. That's why I chose Paul, Weiss. It's not a factory. It's filled with unique people, people who are interesting, people with different backgrounds. We really do get high-quality, interesting work, but the key to it all is having good people to work for and to work with."
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Bankruptcy & Corporate Reorganization
Are you interested in a unique work experience that requires the application of corporate and litigation skills in a business context? Do you want to work on matters that combine complex legal concepts and high-stakes negotiations with real-life consequences? Bankruptcy work matters in the real world. A successful bankruptcy case often results in the restructuring and rehabilitation of a major company that is in distress, securing jobs for its management and its employees, and helping to stabilize its industry.
Our Bankruptcy and Corporate Reorganization Department offers lawyers a dynamic and diverse experience. We represent a broad spectrum of clients in major domestic and cross-border restructurings and bankruptcy cases — debtors, creditors' committees, strategic creditors, stockholders, and acquirers of and investors in distressed companies. And as a lawyer in our Bankruptcy Department, you’ll have an opportunity to represent the broadest range of players in high-stakes insolvency matters around the globe.
Our colleagues also turn to us for our distinguished depth and breadth of experience. Bankruptcy law demands a skill set that combines the fundamental aptitudes of both transactional and litigation practices. In the face of complex market and regulatory transformations, our bankruptcy lawyers work seamlessly within teams from many different practice areas. As a Paul, Weiss bankruptcy associate, you’ll be encouraged to develop a variety of skills as you create comprehensive and well-coordinated solutions for businesses and investors worldwide.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Low Associate-to-Partner Ratio: The size of our Bankruptcy Department gives associates many opportunities to work one-on-one with partners and senior lawyers who are very familiar with our associates’ interests.
Diverse Clients: We represent a broad range of clients in domestic and cross-border restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings — debtors, creditors’ committees, strategic creditors, shareholders, and acquirers of and investors in distressed companies.
Sophisticated Multidisciplinary Work: Our bankruptcy practice represents a mix of both corporate and litigation work, allowing lawyers to develop a range of skills across practice areas. Moreover, the sophistication and complexity of our matters requires that we draw upon the full resources of the firm, including litigation, tax, real estate and corporate capabilities. We work closely and collaboratively with these other groups, providing associates with opportunities for an even broader range of experience and the resources to help them find solutions to our clients’ most complex problems.
Headline Cases
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Representing key players in the WorldCom, Inc. and Enron Corp. chapter 11 cases.
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Advising Time Warner Inc. in its $17.6-billion joint acquisition with Comcast Corporation of the assets of bankrupt cable operator Adelphia Communications Corporation.
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Representing California Public Utilities Commission in the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. chapter 11 case.
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Representing Foamex International Inc., the largest manufacturer of flexible polyurethane and advanced foam products, and various of its subsidiaries in its chapter 11 filings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
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Representing the Unofficial Committee of Second-Lien Debtholders in the chapter 11 case of Calpine Corporation, an electric power producer. The second-lien debtholders negotiated protections for their position in connection with the $2 billion of debtor-in-possession financing sought by Calpine.
Industry Recognition
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Dealmaker of the Year, 2004, The American Lawyer
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Many of our partners have been recognized as leading bankruptcy practitioners in New York City and the United States in Chambers USA and other peer review publications.
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