People
Michael R. Handler is a partner in King & Spalding’s Financial Restructuring practice. Michael’s practice focuses on representing lenders and bondholders across the capital structure and companies in all aspects of workout, restructuring, special situation financing matters and distressed M&A transactions. Michael also has significant experience in connection with investment manager and broker-dealer liquidations and wind-downs.
Michael is at the forefront of intercreditor litigation and related issues, having led significant matters concerning the protection of minority lender rights in the Ascena Retail Group, Inc. and 24 Hour Fitness chapter 11 cases and the ongoing Boardriders, Inc. litigation in New York Supreme Court. Michael is a noted authority on such issues, having appeared on panels and/or podcasts for Debtwire and Bloomberg’s The Brink.
Michael has been recognized by Turnarounds & Workouts as a 2023 Outstanding Young Restructuring Lawyer and by Best Lawyers Ones to Watch for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Michael also devotes significant time and resources in support of New York philanthropic initiatives, including as an active fundraiser for Tina’s Wish and a member of the UJA Federation’s NextGen Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee.
Michael earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in History, summa cum laude, from Emory University and his law degree, cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law, where he served as an Executive Articles Editor of the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology.
Publications
J.D., Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, cum laude
B.A., Emory University, summa cum laude
M.A., Emory University, summa cum laude
New York
June 29, 2024
Michael Handler explains why creditor pain is coming faster in new liability transactions
June 21, 2024
Michael Handler comments on the closing arguments in the Incora adversary proceedings
Representing an ad hoc group of convertible bondholders of Spirit Airlines, Inc.
Represented BC Partners and affiliates as lead lender and arranger in connection with financing and recapitalization of Riddell.
Represented Blue Torch Finance, LLC and affiliates as sole prepetition lender, DIP lender, and stalking horse buyer in connection with the Chapter 11 cases of Troika Media Group, Inc and its affiliated debtors in the Southern District of New York.
See more
July 10, 2024
Private Credit Restructuring: Less Cost and Volatility; More Optionality
June 28, 2024
Bankruptcy & Insolvency 2024 - Distinguished Advisers
April 1, 2024
Navigating the Litigation Minefield When Exercising Proxy Rights
June 29, 2024
Michael Handler explains why creditor pain is coming faster in new liability transactions
June 21, 2024
Michael Handler comments on the closing arguments in the Incora adversary proceedings
Representing an ad hoc group of convertible bondholders of Spirit Airlines, Inc.
Represented BC Partners and affiliates as lead lender and arranger in connection with financing and recapitalization of Riddell.
Represented Blue Torch Finance, LLC and affiliates as sole prepetition lender, DIP lender, and stalking horse buyer in connection with the Chapter 11 cases of Troika Media Group, Inc and its affiliated debtors in the Southern District of New York.
See more
July 10, 2024
Private Credit Restructuring: Less Cost and Volatility; More Optionality
June 28, 2024
Bankruptcy & Insolvency 2024 - Distinguished Advisers
April 1, 2024
Navigating the Litigation Minefield When Exercising Proxy Rights
June 29, 2024
Michael Handler explains why creditor pain is coming faster in new liability transactions
June 21, 2024
Michael Handler comments on the closing arguments in the Incora adversary proceedings
J.D., Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, cum laude
B.A., Emory University, summa cum laude
M.A., Emory University, summa cum laude
New York