Founded in 1993, Kasowitz Benson Torres has since grown to 10 offices in eight states. The firm is headquartered in New York City, where it also has the largest office. Additionally, it has lawyers in Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, San Francisco, the Silicon Valley and Washington DC.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is known for its work in restructuring and insolvency and real estate. In real estate, the firm represents real estate developers, investors, lenders, REITs and property owners in matters including construction financing, joint ventures, acquisitions, mortgage loans, refinancing and development. Its clients work on residential, commercial and industrial developments, especially in New York.
In restructuring and insolvency, the team represents debtors, creditors and trustees in financial restructurings, Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings among numerous industries.
Key clients
Key clients for the firm include GFI Capital, Midtown Equities, Arbor Realty Trust, iStar, Fred’s, the Renco Group, Fairfax Financial Holdings and TPG Capital.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Throughout the research period, the real estate team represented a large amount of real estate developers and investors in commercial and high-end residential acquisitions. It also participated in some mortgage loan financing.
The restructuring and insolvency team represented a large amount of debtors and lenders in chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganization cases. Most of the cases are based in New York.
The firm also saw departures from restructuring partner Kyung Lee and real estate partners Manny Fernandez and Alberto Delgado, both of whom left for Alvarez & Dias-Silveira.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Essar Steel Chapter 11 bankruptcy
EXCO Resources Chapter 11 bankruptcy
GFI Capital $425 million joint acquisition with Elliot Management for the Parker New York Hotel
iStar $170 million acquisition of Newport Office Center
Toys R Us Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Real estate
“Very responsive, knowledgeable, great value with high attentiveness. Owner’s mindset with pragmatic suggestions and solutions.”
Restructuring and insolvency
“They are a brilliant, aggressive counsel who understands the facts, situation, law and the levers to pull for their clients. Truly exceptional.”
