Christopher Fong

What do you focus on?

My practice focuses on the representation of debtors, creditors, lenders, unsecured creditors, indenture trustees and official committees in complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases and out-of-court workouts. I have represented clients across a variety of industries including energy, retail, health care, telecommunications and manufacturing. I also represent clients in bankruptcy litigation, both as plaintiffs and defendants, across a wide variety of matters including preference and fraudulent transfer actions.

Debtors

I have represented a diverse variety of debtors in various aspects of corporate restructurings. Most recently, I have represented Boston Restaurant Associates; GT Advanced Technologies, Inc.; Furniture Brands International, Inc.; and FairPoint Communications, Inc. as debtors in possession in their Chapter 11 cases.

Official Creditors’ Committee

I have previously represented official committees of unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 cases of Cosi, Inc.; NewPage Corporation; and AbitibiBowater Inc. Recently I also represented the official victims’ committee appointed in the Chapter 11 case of Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway.

Unsecured Creditors and Indenture Trustees

I also frequently represent unsecured creditors, including vendors, employees and landlords in a variety of restructurings, both in court and out of court. In addition, my practice also includes the representation of indenture trustees, including, most recently, in the Chapter 11 case of Energy Future Holdings Corp.

What do you see on the horizon?

As the cost of filing for insolvency increases (both domestically and abroad), creditors and debtors alike must have an exit strategy in place as early as possible. The costs of a “free-fall” bankruptcy case can quickly reduce the recoveries for all parties in interest. Whether the solution is a prepackaged plan, Section 363 sale or a debt-for-equity swap, my objective is to maximize value for clients while minimizing costs.