Odd Ducks and the Future of Restructuring with Ameneh Bordi

This week’s episode of Industry Insights: Exclusive Interviews brings together host Julie Miecamp and reporter Dia Gill for an in-depth conversation with Ameneh Bordi, Senior Managing Associate at Sidley Austin. The discussion explores Ameneh’s unconventional career path, her expertise in “odd duck” restructuring cases, and her candid reflections on navigating motherhood while building a successful big law practice.

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An Unconventional Path to Restructuring Excellence

The episode begins with Ameneh reflecting on her unique journey into restructuring law. Unlike most, her path wasn’t linear—she started with aspirations in theater and music production, even working at the New York Philharmonic. After graduating from law school, her career took shape at Kirkland & Ellis, where she developed a creative approach to solving complex restructuring problems.

The conversation transitions to her time outside law during the pandemic, where she joined Amazon’s cloud expansion unit. This detour profoundly impacted her perspective, and upon returning to Sidley Austin, she channeled her newfound insights into tackling restructuring cases with fresh energy and vision.

Tackling “Odd Duck” Cases

Ameneh’s specialty lies in unconventional restructuring—or what she calls “odd duck” cases. These include tackling distressed hedge fund loan portfolios, international Chapter 15 cases, and insurance insolvency. The discussion explores how these cases often involve intricate capital structures or cross-border legal challenges, requiring both creativity and precision.

The conversation transitions to a fascinating example—Plenty, a vertical farming company that used Chapter 11 to resolve trade creditor disputes. Ameneh shares how the company emerged stronger in just two and a half months, a testament to strategic execution and stakeholder collaboration.

Balancing Authenticity and Success

The focus then shifts to Ameneh’s personal journey of staying authentic in a demanding profession. She shares a defining moment early in her career when she responded firmly to a senior associate who told her to “calm down,” saying, “I am calm, this is me calm.” This moment shaped her belief that passionate advocacy and preparation matter far more than conforming to expectations.

Ameneh also discusses how motherhood has influenced her professional life. She reflects on learning to set boundaries and prioritize while still delivering excellent results. Her candid insights provide valuable advice for anyone balancing a high-pressure career with personal responsibilities.

International Restructuring and Evolving Trends

The discussion then transitions to the challenges of international restructuring. Ameneh highlights the complexities of jurisdictional issues and how courts have become more flexible with corporate domiciles, allowing companies to pursue favorable venues.

She also examines the evolution of pre-packaged bankruptcies into more nuanced pre-arranged cases. These cases strike a balance between speed and stakeholder collaboration, ensuring better outcomes for all parties involved. Looking ahead, Ameneh anticipates continued restructuring activity across industries, even as economic uncertainty looms.

Looking Ahead

The podcast wraps up with Ameneh’s thoughts on the current restructuring market. She notes that while it remains competitive, distress is increasingly spread across multiple sectors. Potential tariff changes and sector-specific challenges could lead to heightened restructuring needs and even government intervention.

Ameneh’s advice for young lawyers is straightforward: focus on honing practical skills and building resilience. She recalls valuable lessons from her first major case, Avaya, which taught her the importance of perseverance and mastering the fundamentals of law.

Listen & Subscribe

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced and edited by two-time Emmy Award-winning producer Tanya Hubbard.