On October 10, 2025, AABANY’s Commercial Bankruptcy & Restructuring and Student Outreach Committees held a Careers in Restructuring panel, generously hosted by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
The program featured three restructuring attorneys: Helen Zhang (Davis Polk), Ismail Buffins (Weil), and Livy Mezei (Greenberg Traurig). The discussion was moderated by Albert Tong, Chair of the Student Outreach Committee.
The panelists shared how they became interested in restructuring and explained the differences between Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 cases, in-court versus out-of-court restructurings, and liability management exercises. They also discussed how representing debtors and creditors requires distinct strategies and priorities. Students gained practical insight into what a “day in the life” looks like for restructuring associates, the evolving skills needed to succeed, and advice for preparing to enter the field. The conversation also touched on current trends, including cross-border matters and liability-management transactions.
The event concluded with a networking reception where attendees were able to network and connect with both the panelists and other law students and attorneys in attendance. AABANY’s Commercial Bankruptcy & Restructuring and Student Outreach Committees extend their gratitude to Weil and everyone who made this event possible, and to the panelists for sharing their time and experience.
To learn more about AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee, click here. To learn more about AABANY’s Commercial Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee, click here. To find out about upcoming events like this, please visit the calendar on AABANY’s website.
written by Albert Tong, AABANY Student Outreach Committee Chair