Michael R. Handler

MICHAEL is a partner in King & Spalding LLP’s Financial Restructuring and Private Credit and Special Situations practices in New York. He focuses his practice on representing borrowers, lenders and bondholders across the capital structure and companies in all aspects of workout, restructuring and special-situation financing matters and distressed M&A transactions. He also has experience in connection with investment manager and broker-dealer liquidations and wind-downs. He is at the forefront of intercreditor litigation and related issues, having led significant matters concerning the protection of minority lender rights in the American Tire, Ascena Retail Group, Inc. and 24 Hour Fitness chapter 11 cases and the Boardriders, Inc. litigation in New York Supreme Court, and he has consulted for clients on numerous other matters implicating minority lender/non-pro rata issues. In addition to intercreditor isues and liability management, his other specialty practice areas include private credit, corporate governance and structured finance.

Michael has been recognized by Financier Worldwide magazine as a 2024 “Bankruptcy & Insolvency Distinguished Advisor” and in Turnarounds & Workouts as a 2023 “Outstanding Young Restructuring Lawyer,” and he was listed in The Best Lawyers in America as one of its “Ones to Watch” for Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law from 2021-23. He is a noted authority on intercreditor issues, having appeared on panels and/or podcasts for Debtwire and Bloomberg’s “The Brink.” In addition to being featured as one of its experts for 2023, the newsletter Petition featured him as its first guest author to write about double DIP financings.

Michael grew up in a Jewish community in rural Western Maryland, where many in his community were conservative, predominately white and Christian, and economically challenged. Thus, as one of a small minority, he learned the importance of making sure people feel heard and included. Accordingly, at his firm, he has taken on a leadership role with respect to the firm’s efforts to improve diversity within its ranks and among the partnership by mentoring diverse associates. He also has spent considerable time on pro bono work, including asylum representations and representing underprivileged women seeking uncontested divorces (sponsored and coordinated by Her Justice). In addition, he devotes significant time and resources in support of New York philanthropic initiatives, including as an active fundraiser for Tina’s Wish and as a member of the UJA Federation’s NextGen Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee. He also has served as a Northwestern Law Alumni prospective student interviewer for its admissions office.