James Donnell has joined McGuireWoods’ Restructuring & Insolvency Department as a partner in New York and Houston, bringing more than three decades of experience representing clients in corporate restructurings and bankruptcies across industries, with a particular focus on oil and gas, power, banking, air freight, and chemicals. Donnell comes to McGuireWoods from Baker McKenzie in New York.

Donnell represents private investment funds, commercial banks and companies reorganizing under Chapter 11. He assists clients in distressed mergers and acquisitions, out of court restructurings, acquisition of distressed debt, insider and fiduciary litigation, and litigation of financing contracts.

His energy sector work includes advising hedge funds, commercial banks and creditor committees in oil and gas company bankruptcies and restructurings, and representing secured creditors and purchasers of utilities and power generation assets.

“Jim is highly respected for his track record guiding clients through complex bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings and he is a terrific addition to our team,” said Scott Vaughn, chair of the firm’s Restructuring & Insolvency Department.

 His previous experience includes 23 years at an Am Law 100 firm in Houston.

“Jim’s vast experience in New York and Texas and his relationships in the banking and energy sectors will be tremendous assets for us and our clients,” said Dion Hayes, McGuireWoods’ deputy managing partner for litigation.

“Jim strengthens our restructuring and insolvency capabilities in a highly competitive market at a critical time, and we’re delighted to welcome him,” said Noreen Kelly, managing partner of the New York office.

“Jim has a stellar reputation in the Houston market and will be an important contributor as we continue our growth in Texas,” added Yasser Madriz, managing partner of the Houston office.

Donnell joins a McGuireWoods practice with experience in some of the most significant restructurings and Chapter 11 cases in recent years. The firm earned Tier 1 national practice rankings for insolvency and reorganization law and bankruptcy litigation in the 2020 edition of U.S. News-Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms.”

“McGuireWoods’ restructuring and insolvency team excels in handling international, national and regional matters across industries,” Donnell said. “The firm is a perfect fit for my practice. I look forward to putting my experience to work for our clients.”