Christopher J. Hopkins

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Christopher J. Hopkins

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, NY

CHRIS is a partner in the Restructuring Department of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York and has broad experience representing companies, ad hoc groups and individual creditors in chapter 11 cases, out-of-court restructurings, cross-border engagements, and other distressed transactions. He recently represented 23andMe in its freefall chapter 11 proceedings and sale for $305 million to a nonprofit, overcoming numerous challenges, including resolving objections from more than 30 state Attorneys General, to reach a largely consensual resolution that protected key stakeholders’ interests. His other matters include advising Xplore, a Canadian telecom, in its C$1.6 billion recapitalization and restructuring; an ad hoc group of second-lien noteholders of Rite Aid in connection with its chapter 11 case; Party City in its prearranged chapter 11 bankruptcy; and HPS Investment Partners in two matters involving the out-of-court workout of separate debt investments.

Chris’s restructuring of Rite Aid was recognized in Turnarounds & Workouts’ “Successful Restructurings of 2024” and “Largest Chapter 11 Cases of 2024” lists. He also was named a Law360 2024 Rising Star and has been listed in Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers” list. In addition, he co-authored an article for Chambers and Partners called “Debtor in Possession Financing Trends in the United States — Equity-Based Terms and Fees.” He has been recognized by The Legal 500 for his work in the restructuring space and in its “500 X – The Next Generation 2023” list.

Chris served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from July 2005-August 2011 as a Sergeant and infantry squad leader, including a tour of duty in Iraq from 2008-09, during which time he served as a fire team leader and patrol leader. He graduated first in class from the Marine Corps’ Advanced Infantry Training Battalion’s Infantry Squad Leader’s Course. Outside of the office, he did pro bono work for the families of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in the bankruptcy of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and he routinely mentors younger associates at his firm.

Education

  • J.D., CUM LAUDE , NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
  • B.S., BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE

“[Chris’s] consistent ability to navigate complex creditor dynamics and deliver value-maximizing outcomes has earned him a reputation as the go-to debtor advisor in the restructuring community.”