🔥 Rising Star on the Move
At age 40, Kessler has earned numerous accolades, including being named a “Rising Legal Star” by Latinvex in 2025 and a “40 Under 40” honoree by the American Bankruptcy Institute in 2024. His latest recognition adds to a growing portfolio of honors, underscoring both his expertise and potential for continued impact.
🎯 A Powerhouse in Bankruptcy & Restructuring
Specializing in high-stakes restructuring and bankruptcy matters, Kessler’s portfolio includes a range of high-profile, multi-billion-dollar cases. Highlights of his practice include:
- Leading U.S. counsel in Chapter 15 cross-border restructurings (e.g. LATAM Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Unigel, Zeus)—including DIP financing arrangements and plan litigation
- Securing a major settlement and confirmation in the Chapter 11 case of Genesis Global Capital—over $5 billion in liabilities involved
- Structuring debtor-in-possession financing and asset-sale strategy for Azul S.A.’s $1.6 billion restructuring.
From aviation to airlines, shipping, commodities, and digital assets, Kessler tackles complex global matters, often crafting creative legal solutions across jurisdictions .
📢 Peer-Driven Recognition
Beyond industry awards, clients and peers alike have noted his pragmatic, solution-focused leadership. His work in contested adversary proceedings, landmark bankruptcies, and cross-border insolvencies has made him a trusted advisor for debtors, trustees, creditors, and committees.
A diversified thinker, Kessler not only drives case strategy—he also publishes on bankruptcy trends and Supreme Court decisions, and contributes in professional forums such as Columbia Law’s moot court program and the International Insolvency Institute.
🎤 Award Gala on the Horizon
Award recipients will be celebrated at the New York Legal Awards gala dinner, scheduled for September 4, 2025, in New York City. The ceremony will bring together leading figures across practice areas—from mergers and litigation to real estate, IP, and bankruptcy.
This network-rich evening spotlights emerging legal stars like Kessler, providing visibility among peers, judges, clients, and the profession’s elite.
🌟 What It All Means
Kessler’s Rising Star honor is a powerful endorsement of both his past achievements and his trajectory. It reflects:
- Exceptional legal acumen in complex debt-restructuring work
- Cross-border capability—involving international clients and jurisdictional coordination
- Leadership and influence, acknowledged by clients, colleagues, and award bodies
- Broad recognition, including awards from Latinvex, ABI, and Turnarounds & Workouts
As restructuring and distressed-debt work continue to reshape the legal landscape, Kessler is well positioned to lead Cleary Gottlieb through major global challenges—and this Rising Star nod is just the latest marker of his emerging prominence.
