Independent editorial overview of leading London law firms advising on insolvency, restructuring, turnaround and distressed situations. This guide highlights firms with strong experience in corporate restructuring, administrations, liquidations, schemes of arrangement, cross-border insolvency and contentious insolvency litigation. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
Firms and lawyers are identified from independent directories, public profiles and track records. Each firm includes three notable lawyers and one or two authoritative references.
Top insolvency and restructuring law firms in London
- Clifford Chance LLP LondonMagic Circle firm with a market leading restructuring and insolvency practice advising banks, funds and corporates on large cross-border matters.
Sources: 1
- Linklaters LLP LondonInternational powerhouse acting on major restructurings, distressed M&A, and insolvency litigation across industries.
Sources: 2
- Allen & Overy LLP LondonLeading restructuring team advising creditors, debtors and investors on complex UK and international insolvency proceedings.
Sources: 3
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP LondonHighly regarded Magic Circle practice handling corporate restructurings, special situations and distressed transactions.
Sources: 4
- Herbert Smith Freehills LondonStrong contentious and non-contentious insolvency practice, advising on restructurings, enforcement and litigation.
Sources: 5
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP LondonInternational restructuring specialist with a London office known for large and complex cross-border cases.
Sources: 6
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP LondonTop tier US firm advising creditors and debtors on restructurings, distressed investments and insolvency litigation.
Sources: 7
- Sullivan & Cromwell LLP LondonStrong in transatlantic restructuring and insolvency matters, particularly for financial institutions and funds.
Sources: 8
- Ashurst LLP LondonLarge practice advising corporates, creditors and funds on restructuring and insolvency, with strength in disputes.
Sources: 9
- CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP LondonInternational firm with strong UK restructuring and insolvency practice, handling contentious and advisory matters.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What is corporate restructuring
It is the process of reorganising a company’s debts, assets or structure to improve financial stability and viability. It can include refinancing, debt-for-equity swaps or schemes of arrangement.
What is insolvency
Insolvency occurs when a company cannot pay its debts as they fall due or its liabilities exceed its assets. It may lead to liquidation or administration.
What are common restructuring tools in the UK
They include administrations, company voluntary arrangements (CVAs), schemes of arrangement and restructuring plans under the Companies Act 2006.
Who can initiate insolvency proceedings
Directors, creditors, shareholders or in some cases regulators may initiate insolvency proceedings.
What is the role of an insolvency practitioner
An insolvency practitioner is a licensed professional appointed to manage insolvency processes such as administration, liquidation or voluntary arrangements.
How does cross-border insolvency work
It is governed by UK law, common law and international frameworks such as the UNCITRAL Model Law, depending on jurisdictions involved.
Can directors be personally liable in insolvency
Yes. Directors can face claims for wrongful trading, fraudulent trading or breach of duties if they continue trading when insolvent.
What funding is available for insolvency litigation
Funding may include creditor funding, third party litigation finance and insurance for adverse costs.
How do creditors recover debts
Creditors can recover through distributions in liquidation, restructuring agreements or enforcement of security.
How do I choose the right firm
Look for experience with similar restructurings, recognition in independent directories, and cross-border capability if required.
Endnotes
- Clifford Chance restructuring practice. Source: Clifford Chance.
- Linklaters restructuring overview. Source: Linklaters.
- Allen & Overy restructuring services. Source: Allen & Overy.
- Freshfields restructuring practice. Source: Freshfields.
- Herbert Smith Freehills restructuring practice. Source: HSF.
- Weil Gotshal restructuring services. Source: Weil.
- Skadden restructuring overview. Source: Skadden.
- Sullivan & Cromwell restructuring practice. Source: Sullivan & Cromwell.
- Ashurst restructuring services. Source: Ashurst.
- CMS restructuring and insolvency. Source: CMS.
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