Schiff Hardin’s National Finance and Restructuring Group Expands With Two New Partners in Chicago & New York

Schiff Hardin LLP today announced the addition of two new partners in the firm’s finance and restructuring practices. Steven Wilamowsky, who has represented nearly every constituency in complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, has joined the firm’s restructuring group in New York City. Susan Welsh, who regularly advises clients on sophisticated financial transactions, has joined the leveraged finance group in Chicago.

“As the Finance Group continues to grow, we are thrilled to have seasoned practitioners like Steve and Susan join our dynamic team,” said Andrew Kling, leader of the firm’s Finance Practice Group. “Our clients will benefit from their deep experience in bankruptcy, complex restructurings, and leveraged finance transactions. Susan is a natural fit for us and deepens our bench strength particularly in the middle market with nearly 20 years of stellar experience. Steve’s breadth of knowledge and experience is exceptional, and we are excited about our synergies and how his arrival can truly be a ‘1+1=3’ proposition.”

Wilamowsky brings more than 25 years of experience in complex restructurings and bankruptcy litigation. His clients have included large corporate debtors, bankruptcy trustees, landlords, investors, creditors, and lenders. He also works closely with private equity firms, hedge funds, and other buyers interested in investing in or acquiring assets from Chapter 11 proceedings. He has counseled clients inside and outside of bankruptcy courts in connection with the automotive, consumer products, energy, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors. In addition, Wilamowsky has advised on the restructuring of distressed development projects in both domestic and cross-border proceedings.

An active author, presenter, and media commentator on bankruptcy issues, Wilamowsky earned his J.D. from the New York University School of Law and his B.A. from Brooklyn College. He is admitted in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. Supreme Court, where he has worked on a number of bankruptcy appellate matters. He was previously a partner at Chapman and Cutler.

“Schiff Hardin is highly regarded for its focus on clients, and the breadth and sophistication of its expertise in a variety of practice areas, particularly within the middle market,” Wilamowsky said. “I am looking forward to contributing to the firm’s growth and expanding its bankruptcy and restructuring capabilities.”

Welsh has advised lenders and borrowers on various financial transactions ranging from $1 million to $3 billion with a focus on middle market transactions in an array of industry segments, including energy, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, media, and food services. Her work includes secured, unsecured, senior and mezzanine debt transactions, leveraged acquisition financings, working capital facilities, and loan restructurings. She also represents private equity funds in senior and mezzanine financings in connection with acquisitions of privately held companies and refinancing of portfolio company debt.

“I am excited to join Schiff Hardin’s expanding Finance team, where I can apply my experience to drive bigger picture success for clients,” said Welsh. “When handling complex transactions, my approach is to thoroughly understand the company and ask the right questions to help clients meet their goals.”

Welsh comes to Schiff Hardin from Honigman LLP, where she was a corporate partner. She earned her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law, magna cum laude, and her A.B., with Distinction, from the University of Michigan. Welsh serves on the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and on the Chicago Women’s Network of the Association for Corporate Growth.