September 19, 2022
Rachel C. Strickland, Co-Chair of Willkie’s Business Reorganization & Restructuring Department, has been profiled by Law360 as one of its 2022 Bankruptcy MVPs.
In a Q&A profile, Rachel discussed her success a leader of Willkie’s restructuring practice, the importance of mentoring up-and-coming attorneys and the many notable cases that led Law360 to name her as one of the year’s top practitioners in the field.
The profile highlighted the wide array of high-profile matters she has successfully led over the past year, including representing noteholders in the chapter 11 restructuring of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., Global Brands Group in its chapter 11 restructuring, the official committee of talc injury claimants in Imerys Talc America’s chapter 11 case, and a lender in chapter 11 restructuring of PWM Property Management, the owner of a New York City office tower.
It also noted her recent work as a mediator in the chapter 7 bankruptcy of LeClairRyan, where she helped resolve disputes between the chapter 7 trustee and a former member of the defunct law firm.
"It was particularly great for me because my reputation in the market is as a litigator, where I'm known for battling through adverse situations,” Rachel said. “It was meaningful to be asked to be a mediator, and I was thrilled with how it turned out.”
The variety of her work is part of what makes restructuring so fulfilling, and the positive impact she has on clients, often helping them overcome crisis scenarios.
"I get personally invested in the outcome, and I navigate client issues like they are my own problems, which is motivating for me."
The profile also included her advice to associates as they look to excel in their careers. Rachel emphasized the importance of conducting a yearly "gut check" to make sure you actively enjoy the work in your current position and that you are not operating on autopilot.
Law360 selected Rachel as a 2022 MVP from a competitive pool of more than 900 nominations, naming her one of only six honorees in the Bankruptcy category.
Read her full profile here.
