Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP today announced that Brian Schartz and John (Jack) Luze will join the Firm as Partners in the Capital Structure Solutions Practice.
Brian and Jack bring extensive experience advising public and private companies, sponsors, lenders and creditors on complex liability management exercises, distressed acquisitions and sophisticated restructurings. They are recognized as two of the nation’s leading restructuring lawyers, providing strategic guidance on financing strategies, creditor negotiations and turnaround and workout solutions in financially distressed situations, including chapter 11 cases.
Together with the recent arrival of Partners Christine Bae and Jacob Ruby, the addition of Brian and Jack reflects the robust growth of Simpson Thacher’s Capital Structure Solutions Practice, created in February 2026. The Firm has strategically developed an integrated, modern capital structure platform, underscoring its commitment to investing in top talent and delivering unconflicted, commercially focused advice across the full range of modern sponsor, creditor and company-side challenges.
“Brian and Jack have advised on some of the most complex chapter 11 cases and out-of-court restructurings and are proven leaders whose judgment, experience and strategic insight make them invaluable additions to our team,” said David Nemecek, Partner and Head of the Capital Structure Solutions Practice. “Our Capital Structure Solutions Practice is resonating strongly with clients and making an immediate impact in the market. Having worked closely with both Brian and Jack, I am confident that they will play a key role in building on our strong momentum and continuing to expand our integrated client offering.”
“With the Capital Structure Solutions Practice, Simpson Thacher is building a unique platform to advise clients on the increasingly complex challenges surrounding capital structures and distressed situations,” said Brian Schartz. “The opportunity to join an exceptional team that brings together leading restructuring, finance and special situations capabilities in a single, integrated practice is incredibly compelling and exciting.”
“Clients today need sophisticated, commercially focused advice that spans the full capital structure,” said Jack Luze. “Simpson Thacher’s Capital Structure Solutions Practice is custom-built to address clients’ evolving needs, and I look forward to working alongside my new partners to provide the best advice to clients across the value chain.”
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