Jenner & Block Bolsters Bankruptcy Practice with Mayer Brown Partners Doug Spelfogel and Derek Wright.
Jenner & Block, a leading law firm based in Chicago, has bolstered its bankruptcy and restructuring practice with the addition of two prominent partners from Mayer Brown: Doug Spelfogel and Derek Wright. Doug Spelfogel, who previously co-led Mayer Brown's restructuring practice in New York, will now serve as co-chair of Jenner & Block's bankruptcy and restructuring group, bringing decades of expertise in high-profile cases to the firm.
Doug Spelfogel’s Extensive Experience in Bankruptcy Litigation
Doug Spelfogel has a distinguished career that spans both bankruptcy-related transactions and litigation. Over time, his focus has shifted primarily toward bankruptcy litigation, a field in which he has represented major clients in complex, high-stakes cases. His notable experience includes his involvement in the bankruptcy proceedings of JCPenney and American Airlines. Additionally, Spelfogel served for two years as legal counsel to Irving Picard, the trustee managing the aftermath of Bernie Madoff’s infamous $65 billion Ponzi scheme. He also played a pivotal role in representing the Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund (PAX) in its claims against Chinese businessman Guo Wengui, recently convicted of fraud.
A Strategic Move for Jenner & Block
Spelfogel and his fellow partner Derek Wright both made the move to Jenner & Block from Mayer Brown, where Spelfogel led the restructuring group in New York. Prior to their tenure at Mayer Brown, both partners were part of Foley & Lardner's bankruptcy team, further solidifying their reputations in the field. Their decision to join Jenner & Block is seen as a significant gain for the firm, strengthening its capabilities in handling complex bankruptcy litigation and restructuring matters.
In a statement, Spelfogel expressed enthusiasm for the move, noting that his practice has evolved over the years and that Jenner & Block provides an ideal platform for his continued focus on bankruptcy litigation. A spokesperson for Mayer Brown extended best wishes to both Spelfogel and Wright, recognizing their contributions to the firm and wishing them success in their new roles.
Looking Ahead
The legal community is closely watching this development, as Doug Spelfogel and Derek Wright’s transition to Jenner & Block marks an exciting new chapter for the firm’s bankruptcy and restructuring practice. With their wealth of experience and high-profile case history, the duo is expected to further enhance Jenner & Block's reputation for delivering top-tier legal services to clients facing complex financial challenges.
As both firms move forward, the addition of Spelfogel and Wright is anticipated to have a lasting impact on Jenner & Block’s ability to navigate and resolve large-scale bankruptcy cases.
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