12 Feb 2026
Debevoise & Plimpton Strengthens Restructuring Practice with Partner Hires and Leadership Appointments
"Debevoise & Plimpton hires Rachel Ehrlich Albanese, Sam Newman and Daniel Shamah as partners in its Restructuring Group; Albanese will be Co-Chair. New leadership also named for Liability Management, Special Situations and Bankruptcy Litigation."
Rachel Ehrlich Albanese brings more than 20 years of restructuring experience advising debtors, creditors, equity holders and other stakeholders in complex restructurings, including chapter 11 cases, out-of-court workouts and cross-border insolvency proceedings. She will join Debevoise as a partner and be named Co-Chair of the Restructuring Group.
Sam Newman represents companies, owners and investors in restructurings, including out-of-court restructurings and chapter 11 cases, as well as distressed asset transactions. He has recent, particular experience representing biotech and life sciences companies. He will join Debevoise as a partner in the Restructuring Group.
Daniel Shamah combines deep restructuring experience with significant liability management transaction experience and a strong litigation background involving complex commercial and financial instruments. He will join Debevoise as a partner in the Restructuring Group.
In addition to these partner hires, the firm will name Ben Pedersen, Scott Selinger and Erica Weisgerber as Co-Chairs of Liability Management and Special Situations, and Erica Weisgerber as Chair of Bankruptcy Litigation. The appointment of Ms. Albanese as Co-Chair forms part of the firm’s succession planning: Natasha Labovitz, current Co-Chair of the Restructuring Group, will retire at the end of 2026 and will work with Ms. Albanese and Co-Chair Sid Levinson, who has served as Co-Chair since 2019, to ensure a smooth transition.