Meet The Attys Acting As LIV Golf’s Ch. 11 Caddies

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LIV Golf has hired attorneys from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Cole Schotz PC to assist it as the league looks to quickly secure confirmation of a Chapter 11 plan supported by new investors that would give its golfers a majority stake in the reorganized golf tour.

The league filed for Chapter 11 protection Tuesday, with more than $500 million in debt after losing the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, saying it plans to hand control of the company to its players. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael B. Kaplan agreed to give interim approval to LIV Golf Inc.’s package of first-day motions during a hearing Wednesday, including a $49.6 million DIP financing from the PIF, the league’s initial investor.

The fund’s decision to step away from the group set off a search for a new backer and landed it in New Jersey bankruptcy court.

Here are the attorneys helping the company pursue its bankruptcy goals:

Michael D. Sirota

A member in his firm, Sirota is the co-chair of the bankruptcy department as well as an emeritus co-managing shareholder and has helped clients including WeWork and Bed Bath & Beyond in their Chapter 11s. He has also worked for David’s Bridal and Rite Aid Corp. in their bankruptcies. He graduated from Syracuse University College of Law with his law degree, his firm profile says.

Warren A. Usatine

Another member, Usatine is a co-chair in the litigation department as well as a co-managing shareholder at the firm, and he has assisted clients including Rite Aid Corp. in its bankruptcy, while also having taken part in the bankruptcies of BlockFi and WeWork. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s law school, his firm website says.

Seth Van Aalten

Also a member, Van Aalten has helped clients including Rite Aid and Bayonne Medical Center in their Chapter 11 cases. He graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree and from Boston University School of Law with his law degree, according to the firm webpage.

Anthony De Leo

Another member, De Leo has assisted clients including debtors, trustees and secured lenders. He earned his law degree at New York University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree at Bucknell University, his firm profile says.

Matteo Percontino

Also a member, Percontino brings over 14 years of bankruptcy experience to bear working with clients including debtors Sam Ash Music Corp. and Tupperware Brands Corp. He earned his law degree at New York Law School and his bachelor’s degree at Montclair State University, per the firm’s website.