Jenner & Block announced that Robert D. Gordon, a leading bankruptcy and restructuring lawyer, will join the firm as a partner in its New York office. He will be a member of the firm's Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice.
Gordon provides creditors, debtors and other parties-in-interest with strategic counseling through bankruptcy and restructuring processes in litigation and out-of-court workouts. He handles complex and high-profile corporate and municipal matters, including having served as special restructuring counsel to the Detroit Retirement Systems in the City of Detroit Chapter 9 bankruptcy case.
"Bob's experience representing large public and private entities in complex matters is an asset to the firm," said Terrence J. Truax, managing partner of Jenner & Block. "His addition further strengthens our bankruptcy and restructuring practice and the deep experience we can make available to our clients."
In addition to his key role in the Detroit bankruptcy proceedings, Gordon has worked on cases and restructurings arising out of several industries, including automotive, real estate, gaming, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, aviation and telecommunications, among others. He represents companies, creditors' committees, pension systems, secured and unsecured creditors, distressed asset purchasers, lessors, trustees and liquidating agents. Mr. Gordon also represents clients in various other transactional and litigation matters involving bankruptcy and related commercial issues.
"Bob provides insight and informed guidance to parties experiencing insolvency issues and distressed situations," said Joseph P. Gromacki, chair of Jenner & Block's firmwide Corporate Department. "He has extensive knowledge of bankruptcy law and how it can affect corporations and municipalities, which is extremely valuable to clients seeking restructuring counsel."
Gordon has also served as a federal court-appointed receiver in a Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement action involving an international Ponzi scheme.
Richard Levin, co-chair of the firm's Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice, said, "Bob has proven himself in numerous distress and restructuring situations, especially in one of his most challenging assignments-securing the pensions of Detroit's retirees through the Grand Bargain in the City of Detroit municipal bankruptcy case."
"His experience and his creative, hands-on approach to protecting his clients and crafting solutions will enhance our strong municipal and general commercial restructuring practice and our ability to serve our clients in complex distress matters," added Catherine L. Steege, co-chair of the practice.
Gordon is a frequent speaker on issues relating to municipal bankruptcies-and their effect on pension systems in particular-among other topics. Since 2010, he has been recognized every year by The Best Lawyers in America in the bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights law categories. The American Board of Certification has certified Mr. Gordon as a specialist in business bankruptcy. He joins the firm from Clark Hill PLC.
"Joining Jenner & Block's team of highly regarded lawyers is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to helping expand the firm's strong bankruptcy and restructuring capabilities," said Mr. Gordon. "I've worked alongside the firm's lawyers before and look forward to working with them again to achieve the best possible results for our clients."
Gordon is licensed to practice in Michigan, Illinois and New York. He earned both his J.D. and his B.A. at the University of Michigan.