Eli J. Vonnegut
Represents multiple types of clients in restructuring and finance transactions. Advises numerous financial institutions on Dodd-Frank resolution planning.
Eli represents creditors, debtors, agent banks, hedge funds, lenders, bondholders and other strategic parties in a range of corporate restructurings, financing transactions, bankruptcy litigation, asset sales and acquisitions. He also advises clients on matters relating to investments in complex distressed businesses.
His practice includes a focus on financial institutions’ resolution planning under the Dodd-Frank Act. He advises numerous financial institutions – including all eight of the U.S.’s global systemically important banking groups (G-SIBs) – and trade groups in connection with resolution planning.
Eli’s work has been recognized by publications including Chambers USA, IFLR1000 and Turnarounds & Workouts. A client quoted by Chambers says of Eli: “He's really thoughtful, very responsive and his customer service is great.”
Experience highlights
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, collateral agent, joint lead arranger and bookrunner in connection with a $2.3 billion ABL/FILO debtor-in-possession financing facility for Toys “R” Us-Delaware, Inc. and certain of its affiliates
- Ad hoc group of GenOn Energy Inc. noteholders in connection with GenOn’s chapter 11 restructuring and M&A process
- Citibank, N.A. as administrative agent in connection with the $450 million debtor-in-possession financing facility for iHeartMedia, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries
- The joint lead arrangers, joint bookrunners and the joint co-managers with respect to a $2.925 billion senior secured first-lien term loan facility provided to Avaya Inc. and a $300 million secured asset-based facility provided to Avaya and certain of its foreign subsidiaries in connection with its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- Pernix Therapeutics in its successful comprehensive out-of-court restructuring
- All eight of the U.S.’s global systemically important banking groups (G-SIBs) in their resolution plans and numerous other major financial institutions in connection with Dodd-Frank Resolution Planning
- The agent for the senior term lenders in the successful prepackaged bankruptcy of Key Energy Services
- The ad hoc group of second-lien noteholders in connection with SandRidge Energy’s successful pre-arranged chapter 11 case
- The secured creditors of JW Aluminum in a comprehensive out-of-court restructuring, in which the exchanging creditors received new term loans of approximately $136.5 million along with new preferred stock with an initial liquidation preference of approximately $138 million, convertible into 95% of reorganized JW Aluminum’s common stock, and 60% of the pre-conversion common stock of the reorganized company
- The lead arrangers of a $1.5 billion bankruptcy exit facility for LightSquared Inc. and its affiliates
- Lenders in connection with a portion of a $415 million new financing for Key Energy Services, which replaced an existing $400 million senior credit facility
Insights
Credentials
Recognition
Chambers USA – Bankruptcy/Restructuring, New York, Up and Coming
Turnarounds & Workouts – "Outstanding Young Restructuring Lawyer,” 2017, 2018, 2019
American Bankruptcy Institute – “40 Under 40,” 2018
IFLR1000 – Restructuring and Insolvency, United States, Highly Regarded
Law360 – “Rising Star: Bankruptcy,” 2017
Education
- cum laude
- with honors
Professional history
- Partner, 2015-present
- Davis Polk since 2007
Qualifications and admissions
- State of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court, S.D. New York