Cloud 9fin Jane’s LME Addiction — Debevoise star recruits discuss whether LM is just amend and pretend
Feb 26, 2026
Daniel Shamah, a restructuring practitioner blending litigation and finance; Sam Newman, a seasoned bankruptcy lawyer with national experience; and Rachel Ehrlich Albanese, a restructuring partner focused on special situations. They debate LME versus in-court fixes. They discuss rising filings, creditor behavior, macro pressures like PE exits and rates, and how litigation shapes liability management.
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Daniel Chose Culture And Depth
- Daniel cited culture and known colleagues like Erica Weisgerber as key draws when deciding to join Debevoise.
- He valued depth of team hires and the firm's approach to investing in a successful, integrated group.
Integration Replaces Siloed Legal Teams
- Practice walls between restructuring, finance, and litigation are falling as clients demand end-to-end advice.
- Debevoise's incentives and structure are intentionally set to foster true integration across those groups.
Liability Management Is Becoming Routine
- Liability management elements are becoming ubiquitous across restructuring work, requiring lawyers to anticipate and pivot.
- Rachel compared this to how distressed M&A knowledge became essential because 363 sales are now common.