Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has made a twin partner hire from Kirkland & Ellis to strengthen its newly launched capital structure solutions practice in the US.
The incoming duo are Brian Schartz and John (Jack) Luze, who will both be based in New York. The pair bring extensive experience across a range of capital structure matters, including liability management exercises, distressed acquisitions and restructurings. They advise public and private companies, sponsors, lenders and creditors on financing strategies, creditor negotiations and distressed situations, including chapter 11 cases.
David Nemecek, partner and head of the capital structure solutions practice, said: “Brian and Jack have advised on some of the most complex chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings and are proven leaders whose judgement, experience and strategic insight make them invaluable additions to our team.”
He added: “Having worked closely with both Brian and Jack, I am confident that they will play a key role in building on our strong momentum and continuing to expand our integrated client offering.”
Schartz arrives after more than 18 years at Kirkland, while Luze joins after just over a decade at the firm.
Schartz said: “With the capital structure solutions practice, Simpson Thacher is building a unique platform to advise clients on the increasingly complex challenges surrounding capital structures and distressed situations. The opportunity to join an exceptional team that brings together leading restructuring, finance and special situations capabilities in a single, integrated practice is incredibly compelling and exciting.”
The duo are the latest arrivals from Kirkland to build out the capital structure solutions practice, following the hire of Nemecek last month to lead the group. The firm also hired partners Christine Bae and Jacob Ruby from Kirkland earlier this month.
Luze added: “Simpson Thacher’s capital structure solutions practice is custom-built to address clients’ evolving needs, and I look forward to working alongside my new partners to provide the best advice to clients across the value chain.”
Earlier this week, Ashurst bolstered its finance and restructuring bench with the arrival of a quartet of partners from Bracewell in New York, including restructuring specialist Mark Dendinger.
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