Kirkland & Ellis LLP

James H.M. Sprayregen is the founder of Kirkland’s worldwide Restructuring Group, building the group from inception in 1990 to become the premier restructuring group in the world, and the only such group ranked Tier 1 in every major world region. He served on Kirkland’s Executive Committee for many years.

Described as “one of the United States’ most sought-after bankruptcy attorneys,” Mr. Sprayregen has led some of the most complex Chapter 11 filings. He has extensive experience representing international debtors and other stakeholders in complex restructurings. Clients include Energy Future Holdings, Caesars, Avaya, Toys “R” Us, iHeartMedia, Seadrill, General Growth, Japan Airlines, United Airlines and Reader’s Digest.

Mr. Sprayregen has received numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Turnaround Management Association’s Hall of Fame, named one of “The Decade’s Most Influential Lawyers” by the National Law Journal and recognized as “Global Insolvency Lawyer of the Year” by Who’s Who Legal Awards, receiving more votes from clients and peers than any other individual worldwide.

Kirkland & Ellis 1990-2006, 2008-present; Goldman Sachs 2006-2008.

Former President, INSOL International, the world’s leading insolvency association; National Bankruptcy Conference.

University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 1985; University of Michigan, B.A., 1982.