Foley & Lardner LLP: Geoffrey S. Goodman

For businesses, financial institutions, and creditors across Illinois grappling with the severe challenges of financial distress, corporate restructuring, or complex insolvency proceedings, securing adept legal counsel is not just beneficial—it's absolutely essential. The intricate world of bankruptcy law demands attorneys who possess not only a deep understanding of the statutes but also strategic acumen and a proven ability to navigate high-stakes situations. In the heart of Chicago, Geoffrey S. Goodman, a distinguished partner and Chair of the Bankruptcy & Business Reorganizations Practice at Foley & Lardner LLP, stands as a preeminent authority in this specialized field, offering unparalleled expertise to clients throughout Illinois and nationally.

Geoffrey S. Goodman's practice is singularly focused on the complexities of bankruptcy and insolvency law. He understands that every financial crisis presents unique challenges and opportunities, whether it involves a Chapter 11 reorganization, a liquidation, or an out-of-court workout. His approach is marked by a meticulous attention to detail, a strategic mindset, and a relentless commitment to maximizing value and achieving favorable outcomes for his clients, often in the most challenging economic environments.

As a key leader within Foley & Lardner LLP, a nationally recognized and highly regarded law firm, Geoffrey S. Goodman leverages extensive resources and a collaborative network of experts. Together, they form a powerful legal team capable of addressing the most sophisticated financial challenges faced by businesses and individuals. If you're an Illinois entity involved in a bankruptcy, restructuring, or related financial dispute, understanding the profound experience and dedicated advocacy that Geoffrey S. Goodman brings to the table is critical for protecting your interests and navigating toward a successful resolution.

Geoffrey S. Goodman practices from Foley & Lardner LLP’s prominent office in Chicago, a location that offers excellent accessibility for clients throughout Illinois. The office is conveniently situated at:

321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

This prestigious address in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood provides ease of access via multiple public transportation options, including various CTA train and bus lines, making it straightforward for individuals and business representatives traveling from different parts of the city and surrounding Illinois suburbs. For those driving, the location is well-connected to major expressways, with numerous parking garages in the vicinity. While Geoffrey S. Goodman's practice has a significant national scope, his strong presence in Chicago reinforces Foley & Lardner LLP's commitment to serving the Illinois business community with high-level financial legal expertise. This centralized location facilitates effective communication and in-person meetings for clients who prefer to visit their office.

As the Chair of Foley & Lardner LLP's Bankruptcy & Business Reorganizations Practice, Geoffrey S. Goodman focuses his extensive expertise on a broad spectrum of bankruptcy and insolvency law matters. His key areas of representation include:

• Commodities and Securities Bankruptcies: Specializing in highly complex cases involving failed futures commission merchants (FCMs) and investment firms. This includes representing consortia of customers, special commodities counsel to trustees, and large creditors in major bankruptcy cases like MF Global and Refco, Inc.

• Healthcare Bankruptcies: Providing counsel to debtors and large secured and unsecured creditors in significant healthcare-related bankruptcy cases, navigating the unique regulatory and financial challenges of this sector.

• Energy Bankruptcies: Representing creditors' committees in large Chapter 11 cases involving energy companies, including coal companies, addressing the distinct legal and economic issues prevalent in the energy sector.

• Chapter 11 Debtors Representation: Guiding companies through Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, working to develop and confirm plans that allow businesses to successfully restructure their debts and operations.

• Official Creditors' Committees and Ad Hoc Committees: Representing the interests of various creditor groups, including official committees and specialized ad hoc committees, in Chapter 11 cases to ensure their claims are addressed equitably.

• Trustee, Secured Lender, and Unsecured Creditor Representation: Advocating for the diverse interests of trustees, secured lenders, purchasers of assets, and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, liquidations, and workouts.

• Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights Litigation: Handling complex litigation arising from bankruptcy and insolvency matters in both federal and state courts, including disputes over asset recovery, preferential transfers, and fraudulent conveyances.

• Workouts and Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors: Counseling clients on out-of-court restructurings and alternative insolvency proceedings, providing strategic advice to avoid formal bankruptcy when possible.

Geoffrey S. Goodman's standing as a premier legal professional in the bankruptcy and restructuring arena is underscored by several notable features and accolades:

• Leading Practice Group Chair: As the Chair of Foley & Lardner LLP's Bankruptcy & Business Reorganizations Practice, he leads a significant national practice group, demonstrating his leadership and expertise in the field.

• Highly Acclaimed Expertise: Geoffrey S. Goodman has been selected by his peers for inclusion in

  The Best Lawyers in America®

  in the field of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law for 2023-2024. He was also recognized by

  The Legal 500

  for his work in finance – corporate restructuring, including bankruptcy (2014 and 2015).

• "Super Lawyers" Recognition: He has been consistently selected to the

  Illinois Super Lawyers®

  lists from 2014 to 2025, and previously recognized as a

  Rising Star®

  in 2009. This consistent recognition by Super Lawyers, a peer-reviewed designation, highlights his sustained excellence and high regard within the legal community.

• Extensive Experience in High-Profile Cases: His experience includes representation in some of the largest Chapter 11 cases in the country, such as MF Global, Peregrine Financial Group, Inc., Refco, Inc., and Sentinel Management Group, Inc., showcasing his ability to handle matters of significant scale and complexity.

• Appellate Practice Member: He is also a member of the firm's Appellate Practice, indicating his capability to handle appeals related to bankruptcy and insolvency matters.

• Judicial Clerkship Background: Prior to joining Foley & Lardner, Geoffrey clerked for Judge Francis D. Murnaghan, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, providing him with invaluable insights into the judicial decision-making process.

Given the highly specialized nature of Geoffrey S. Goodman's practice, which primarily serves businesses, financial institutions, and large creditors in complex bankruptcy and restructuring scenarios, traditional consumer-oriented promotions are not typically offered. However, for entities in Illinois and beyond that are facing significant financial distress or complex insolvency challenges, it is customary for attorneys of his caliber to provide initial consultations. This allows for a thorough assessment of the situation and a preliminary discussion of potential legal strategies without an immediate financial commitment. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact his office directly to inquire about scheduling a consultation to discuss their specific needs and explore how his extensive expertise can be leveraged for their benefit.

If your business or financial institution in Illinois is navigating complex bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, or insolvency matters, you can contact Geoffrey S. Goodman at Foley & Lardner LLP using the following details:

Address: 321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 832-4514

Mobile Phone: +1 312-832-4514

For businesses, financial institutions, and creditors across Illinois facing the daunting landscape of bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, Geoffrey S. Goodman at Foley & Lardner LLP is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner. His leadership as the Chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy & Business Reorganizations Practice, coupled with his deep specialization in areas like commodities, securities, healthcare, and energy bankruptcies, directly addresses the sophisticated and often high-stakes needs of the Illinois business community. His convenient location in downtown Chicago provides easy access, while his consistent recognition as a

Super Lawyer

and in

The Best Lawyers in America®

underscores his proven expertise and high regard within the legal profession.

Geoffrey S. Goodman’s extensive experience in some of the largest Chapter 11 cases in the country means that Illinois clients, regardless of the scale of their financial challenges, have access to a seasoned strategist and formidable advocate. For any entity in Illinois navigating the complexities of financial distress, whether seeking to reorganize, liquidate, or protect their interests as a creditor, Geoffrey S. Goodman provides the sophisticated legal guidance, strategic foresight, and relentless dedication necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes right here in our state.