Willkie Farr & Gallagher has added restructuring partner Jeffrey Michalik to its Chicago office, continuing the firm’s recent buildout of its debtor-side bankruptcy and broader restructuring capabilities.
Michalik joins from Kirkland & Ellis, where he was a partner. His practice centers on representing debtors in Chapter 11 cases, complex out-of-court restructurings, and cross-border insolvency matters, including matters involving nationally recognized companies across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, retail, food, manufacturing, healthcare, and oil and gas.
The hire follows two recent additions to Willkie’s restructuring group. Ryan Blaine Bennett joined the firm and became chair of the Restructuring Group in November 2025, and partner Allyson B. Smith joined in December. Firm leaders said Michalik’s arrival adds further depth to the group’s debtor-side bench and expands the Chicago office’s role in the practice.
Willkie also pointed to continued growth in Chicago since opening the office in March 2020 with six partners. The office now has more than 120 lawyers, and leadership said the firm is intentionally building a core Chicago presence for its national bankruptcy practice.
Across the firm, Willkie’s Restructuring Department operates as an integrated U.S. and European platform handling business and financial restructurings and insolvency matters, including multilateral cross-border matters in and out of court, with work spanning the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, and other European jurisdictions.
KEY QUOTES
“Jeff brings exceptional skill, diverse industry experience and a proven ability to guide clients through their most complex and high-stakes situations,” said Ryan. “Having worked closely with Jeff before, I am confident that he will be an outstanding addition to our expanding restructuring practice. We are thrilled to welcome him to Willkie.”
Ryan Blaine Bennett, Chair, Restructuring Group, Willkie Farr & Gallagher
“Willkie has a sophisticated and market-leading global restructuring platform, and it’s exciting to be a part of this team’s strategic growth story,” said Jeff. “I’m thrilled to be joining Willkie Chicago and to work with colleagues who I’ve long respected to deliver impressive results for our clients.”
Jeffrey Michalik, Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (Chicago)
“We welcome Jeff to Willkie Chicago. He represents further diversification of our practice mix and we are intentionally building a core presence in Chicago of our national bankruptcy practice first with national Restructuring leader Ryan and now with Jeff,” said Craig C. Martin, Chairman Americas and partner in Willkie Chicago.
Craig C. Martin, Chairman Americas and Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (Chicago)
