BCLP Strengthens Bankruptcy and Restructuring Capabilities with Chicago Partner Hire

International law firm BCLP announced today the addition of Partner Justin Winerman to the firm’s Financial Restructuring & Insolvency Practice. He joins the firm’s Chicago office. 

Having practiced 17 years at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Justin brings a wealth of experience, advising on all aspects of complex corporate restructurings.  Justin has counseled parties across a wide range of industries, including health care, financial services, airlines, energy and media. His experience includes successful in-court Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 cases, as well as out-of-court restructurings.  

“Justin’s arrival to the firm is instrumental in our ongoing effort to bring aboard talent to meet the needs of our broad global client base. His experience, particularly with respect to company-side work and cross-border transactions, across a wide spectrum of restructuring deals, including in-court bankruptcy cases, distressed transactions and corporate workouts with companies across the globe, makes him an invaluable addition to the team,” said Joel Lander, Regional Leader – Corporate & Finance Transactions. 

In addition to counseling companies, creditors, lenders, equity sponsors and other parties in restructuring matters, Justin maintains an active pro bono practice and has been recognized by the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights with the 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Works Volunteer award in recognition of his transactional pro bono work helping first-time homebuyers, small business owners and nonprofits with various corporate needs.  

“Justin brings a combination of deep technical skills and the ability to build meaningful client relationships. His background in high‑stakes restructuring work positions us to capture opportunities and we are thrilled to welcome him as a cornerstone of our continued growth,” said Karen Fries, Global Leader – Finance Transactions. 

Justin has been named to The Best Lawyers in America for his work in bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization law, and is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and Turnaround Management Association. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining BCLP and to contribute to the expansion of the firm’s cross‑border restructuring practice,” he said. “I look forward to working with the team and collaborating across practices and regions to deliver practical, globally focused strategies for clients as distress‑driven opportunities continue to rise.” 

Justin is the second Chicago-based lateral to join the firm this month, following the arrival of Katie Hausfeld to the Litigation & Investigations Practice. They are the latest in a group of strategic lateral partner hires who have joined the firm over the past 20 months. In 2025, BCLP added 25 lateral partners globally across all three of its departments.