Bankruptcy Attorney Phillip W. Nelson has joined Holland & Knight as a senior counsel in the firm’s Chicago office. Nelson advises clients in a wide variety of distressed debt, restructuring and insolvency matters. He previously practiced at Locke Lord in Chicago.

Nelson has represented companies in liquidations, corporate reorganization cases and out-of-court restructurings. He has experience in all aspects of Chapter 11 reorganizations and debtor-in-possession representations, including the plan of reorganization development and negotiation process, motion practice and contested hearings, and claims objections and administration. He also has extensive experience representing bankruptcy trustees.

In addition to his bankruptcy work, Nelson handles various transactional matters, including drafting and negotiating purchase and financing agreements, litigation trust agreements, and various stipulations and settlements. He also represents banks in foreclosure proceedings and advises landlords with respect to commercial lease agreements. He frequently counsels businesses in connection with the Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 proceedings of their tenants, customers and vendors.

“I have practiced with Phil for several years and can attest to his impressive skills as a bankruptcy lawyer. We are delighted that he has joined us,” said David Wirt, co-chair of Holland & Knight’s national Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Insolvency Group and executive partner of the Chicago office, who moved to the firm from Locke Lord earlier this year.

Nelson received a J.D. degree from Duke University School of Law. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers for five years in a row.

In addition to Nelson and Wirt, bankruptcy Partner David Fischer and finance Partner Loren Weil have joined Holland & Knight’s Chicago office since the beginning of the year.