DLA Piper adds Robert Klyman as Co-Chair of the Firm’s Restructuring Practice

DLA Piper is pleased to welcome Robert Klyman as Global Co-Chair and US Co-Chair of the firm’s Restructuring practice, alongside Craig Martin and Rachel Albanese, respectively. He will be based in the firm’s Los Angeles office.

Within his international practice, Klyman advises companies, lenders, acquirers and boards of directors in all phases of restructurings and workouts. His practice includes advising companies and key stakeholders in complicated workouts, including traditional, prepackaged and ‘pre-negotiated’ bankruptcies; structuring cutting-edge distressed mergers and acquisitions; negotiating rescue and bankruptcy financings; and litigating complex bankruptcy and commercial matters related to bankruptcy and corporate financial distress, both at trial and on appeal. 

His notable company side experience includes representing Stimwave Technologies, a cutting-edge pain relief medical technology company, in its chapter 11 bankruptcy case; The Sports Authority, a leading sporting goods retailer, in its high-profile bankruptcy case; a major Atlantic City hotel and casino company as debtor in its bankruptcy case that restructured approximately US$1.5 billion in debt; and Freedom Communications, the owner of more than 70 newspapers and television stations, as debtor in its bankruptcy case restructuring approximately US$1.1 billion in debt.

Klyman has also led numerous bankruptcy and distressed sales, including in the retail, finance, shipping, telecom, life sciences and real estate sectors. Klyman is also an experienced bankruptcy litigator who has successfully represented numerous private equity firms, boards of directors of portfolio companies and lenders in claims related to breaches of fiduciary, fraud and equitable subordination.

“We’re excited to have Robert join us and know his experience on the company and buy-side, as well as litigating matters that arise from bankruptcy and financial distress, will be an asset to our clients as they look to us for innovative and tailored solutions to complex situations,” said Rick Chesley, co-US managing partner. 

“Robert is a highly regarded bankruptcy and restructuring attorney, and his extensive experience and knowledge synergizes with our M&A and Private Equity practices both in Los Angeles and across the firm,” said Angela Agrusa, Los Angeles office managing partner.

DLA Piper advises on all aspects of financing, across borders, sectors and financial products. The firm’s lawyers advise issuers, underwriters, selling shareholders, sponsors, arrangers, lead managers, originators, dealers, trustees and depositaries on a broad range of capital markets offerings, including equity, equity-linked and debt securities, structured and project financings and securitizations. In 2023, DLA Piper received the USA Distressed M&A Deal of the Year Award from Global M&A Network.