LARK launches Restructuring & Special Situations practice with team from Kirkland

LARK is significantly expanding its advisory offering with the launch of a dedicated Restructuring & Special Situations practice. As of April 2026, restructuring and financing expert Fabrice Hipp (PICTURED CENTER) will join LARK as Partner, together with Dr. Michael Berger (PICTURED LEFT) as Counsel. Kirstin Kemper (RIGHT) will follow as Associate in July. The team most recently worked closely together at Kirkland & Ellis.

With these additions, LARK further strengthens its transaction-driven advisory platform and responds to the increasing demand for high-end legal advice in restructuring, distressed and special situations. The new practice will advise on the full spectrum of special financings, financial restructurings and restructuring-related transactions, including distressed M&A, and will closely complement LARK’s existing Corporate/M&A and Banking & Finance practices.

Fabrice Hipp began his career at Kirkland & Ellis in 2015 and was appointed Partner in 2023. His practice focuses on financings, international restructurings and complex stress and distressed situations. He has advised on numerous national and cross-border transactions, including funds managed by Fasanara Capital on the recapitalisation of the Grover Group under a StaRUG proceeding, Strategic Value Partners and Blantyre Capital on the acquisition and restructuring of OQ Chemicals (now OXEA), and Farallon Capital on the financing of the acquisition and subsequent redevelopment of a property in Munich city centre.

Dr. Michael Berger advises investors, creditors and debtors on cross-border restructurings, corporate acquisitions and insolvencies. His experience includes advising alongside Fabrice Hipp on the Grover StaRUG restructuring, assisting Actera Group with the financial restructuring of Standard Profil by way of a UK scheme of arrangement, and advising the joint representative of all bondholders of Wirecard AG.

Kirstin Kemper began her career in 2023. She was part of the team advising on the acquisition and restructuring of OQ Chemicals (now OXEA) and assisted Farallon Capital on the financing of the acquisition and redevelopment of a property in Munich.

“Restructuring advice cannot be separated from strong Corporate/M&A and financing expertise. LARK is already excellently positioned in these areas. Our clients will benefit from clear synergies and an even more comprehensive advisory offering,” says Fabrice Hipp.

Dr. Anselm Lenhard, co-founding partner of LARK and head of the Banking & Finance practice, adds: “With Fabrice Hipp and his team, we gain proven restructuring and financing expertise that is particularly in demand in the current market environment. This expansion is an excellent fit with our transaction-focused advisory approach.”