Veteran restructuring lawyer to lead and expand Willkie’s premier restructuring platform
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (“Willkie”) today announced that Ryan Blaine Bennett, one of the nation’s most respected restructuring lawyers, will join Willkie as Chair of the Restructuring Group. As Chair, Bennett will lead Willkie’s growing restructuring platform, which advises debtors, creditors, investors, and sponsors on complex restructurings, hybrid capital solutions, and distressed acquisitions.
“Ryan has long been recognized as one of the foremost restructuring practitioners in the country,” remarked Matthew Feldman, Chairman of Willkie. “His ability to lead complex restructurings and inspire teams of professionals to deliver exceptional results will be invaluable as we grow Willkie’s platform to meet client demand across industries.”
Bennett’s arrival marks a significant milestone in Willkie’s continued strategic growth across key transactional, advisory, and litigation practices. In recent years, Willkie has added market-leading partners across its corporate, private equity, M&A, litigation, and restructuring practices across the platform, further strengthening its global offerings.
“Ryan is a dynamic leader and a trusted advisor to clients navigating their most critical challenges,” said Jeffrey Poss, Co-Chair of the Private Equity Practice Group, and joint Chairman of Willkie as of January 1, 2027. “His strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and deep experience representing both company and creditor constituencies makes him an outstanding fit for Willkie as we continue to expand our premier restructuring, hybrid capital, and special situations capabilities.”
Ryan will be supported by U.S. Co-Chairs of the Restructuring Group, Brett Miller and Debra Sinclair. Bennett, a long-time Chicagoan, will be instrumental in Willkie’s continued growth as it recruits top talent across the country.
“Ryan represents the best of what Willkie stands for – strategic insight, excellence, teamwork, and a client-centric approach,” said Craig C. Martin, Chairman of the Americas. “His arrival elevates our restructuring capabilities and our ability to deliver seamless service across practices and geographies. Ryan also will continue to build on our energy, growth, and market prominence in Chicago.”
Bennett joins Willkie from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he was a longtime partner in the firm’s preeminent restructuring practice and a hiring partner for the Chicago office. Bennett has led and advised on many of the most complex and high-profile restructurings and distressed transactions over the past two decades. His clients have included public and private companies, private equity sponsors, investors, and major creditors across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, automotive, hospitality, retail, and financial services. He is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and Turnarounds & Workouts as one of the country’s leading restructuring lawyers.
“I’m beyond excited to join Willkie, a firm that has achieved remarkable growth and strategic momentum over the past several years,” remarked Bennett. “Willkie’s restructuring brand is iconic, and I look forward to collaborating with Debbie, Brett, and Willkie’s exceptional restructuring team as we continue to shape the future of the practice together. As I start this next chapter of my career, I will always be grateful to my friends and colleagues at Kirkland & Ellis for their partnership and support.”
About Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provides leading-edge legal solutions on complex, business critical issues spanning markets and industries. Our approximately 1,300 attorneys across 16 offices worldwide deliver innovative, pragmatic, and sophisticated counsel across approximately 45 practice areas. Learn more at www.willkie.com.
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