Jenner & Block has made a bold move, luring two top-tier bankruptcy partners from rival firm Mayer Brown. Doug Spelfogel, the co-leader of Mayer Brown’s New York restructuring arm, will now co-chair Jenner’s bankruptcy and restructuring practice. Spelfogel’s long-time colleague Derek Wright also jumps ship, joining Jenner’s Chicago office.
Spelfogel’s shift signals a significant realignment in the competitive legal market, with his practice shifting in recent years toward pure bankruptcy litigation. Known for his involvement in high-profile bankruptcies like JCPenney and American Airlines, Spelfogel’s expertise spans everything from corporate meltdowns to financial fraud recovery. He even played a pivotal role in the fallout of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, working with court-appointed trustee Irving Picard to untangle billions in stolen funds.
His portfolio also includes representing the Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, a major creditor in the case against Guo Wengui, the disgraced businessman found guilty of defrauding supporters out of hundreds of millions. Spelfogel’s move to Jenner, along with Wright, builds on a partnership dating back to their previous tenure at Foley & Lardner before joining Mayer Brown in 2021.
Mayer Brown has yet to respond to the high-profile departures, underscoring the delicate dance of talent poaching in elite legal circles. With these new hires, Jenner & Block is doubling down on its ambition to expand influence in the bankruptcy litigation space, hinting at fierce battles ahead.
