Jackson Walker L.L.P. has significantly expanded its Bankruptcy practice with the addition of partners Michael S. Held from Hunton & Williams L.L.P. and Monica S. Blacker from Andrews Kurth LLP. Mr. Held and Ms. Blacker bring significant experience and expertise to the firm, adding strength to a practice group distinguished by its sophisticated, solution–oriented approach to serving clients in all types of bankruptcy and workout matters.
“We are delighted to have Mike and Monica as part of our team,” said Jackson Walker partner Bruce Ruzinsky, who heads the firm’s Bankruptcy practice. “They are not only two excellent lawyers, but lawyers who have seen their bankruptcy and workout practice grow and thrive during good times and bad.”
For over 22 years, Michael S. Held has represented a wide range of parties in out–of–court workouts and in–court restructurings, liquidations and contested matters. He has substantial experience representing creditors (both secured and unsecured), creditors’ committees, debtor–in–possession lenders, acquisition entities, Chapter 11 debtors, and both plaintiffs and defendants in contested matters. Mr. Held has also worked extensively with landlords and REITs in real estate– and retail–related bankruptcy matters.
Because many of Mr. Held’s clients are either regional or national clients with Texas legal issues, Jackson Walker was a particularly good fit for his practice.
“Jackson Walker is known for having quality lawyers and a great Texas presence,” said Mr. Held. “This firm gives me a platform that allows me to pursue my practice in a Texas way and at Texas rates.”
Ms. Blacker represents debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, and creditors’ committees in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and lenders in out–of–court restructurings. One of Ms. Blacker’s most recent deals was named a “Chapter 11 Real Estate Reorganization of the Year” winner by The M&A Advisor. In that transaction, she led a team at Andrews Kurth that represented the special servicer in a Chapter 11 proceeding involving a $475 million secured note. In recent years, Ms. Blacker has gained particular expertise in representing servicers and special servicers on behalf of trustees in commercial mortgage–backed securities (CMBS) transactions.
Ms. Blacker said she was drawn to Jackson Walker’s collegial culture and looks forward to working as part of the team. “Jackson Walker has a great reputation in Texas,” she said. “I felt like this was a great opportunity for business development, especially working with Mike, since our practices are very complementary.”
Both attorneys will practice in the firm’s Dallas office.
