James Ktsanes

James Ktsanes is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP in Chicago, where he advises creditors and debtors in workouts and bankruptcies, as well as buyers of distressed assets. He represents secured lenders, noteholder groups, asset-purchasers and corporate debtors in all aspects of out-of-court restructurings, bankruptcies and special situations. In advising clients, he draws on his knowledge of the banking industry and experience with a wide variety of financing arrangements. Mr. Ktsanes co-developed and popularized the technique of using a strict foreclosure under the UCC to effectuate debt-for-equity exchanges out of court, a strategy that presents an opportunity to consummate a transaction over the objection of “hold-out” lenders without needing to file for bankruptcy and put the matter to a plan vote. In addition, he maintains a pro bono practice representing veterans in appeals of disability ratings assigned by the military. Mr. Ktsanes is a 2020 ABI “40 Under 40” honoree. He received his B.A. magna cum laude in 2004 from Northwestern University and his J.D. with honors in 2007 from the University of Chicago Law School.