2008-11-11 19:39:04 -
- Robbin L. Itkin, a partner at Steptoe & Johnson (www.steptoe.com), has been overseeing loan workouts for 20 years and specializes in restructuring debt for businesses of all sizes in all industries as well as CEOs and high-profile individuals. She is available to talk about both the technical details of the business and the role empathy plays in getting a
deal done.
As Itkin told The New York Times in the article "Required: Empathy and Kleenex" which appeared on Sunday, November 9, empathy is an extremely important part of the job.
"Sometimes you are dealing with family businesses that have been successful for generations and are just now falling on hard times. The new generation feels like it has failed when in fact it is simply caught in a confluence of global events not of its own doing," Itkin said in expanding upon her remarks in the Times article. "Bankruptcy is about survival for both individuals at all levels and companies. It's important to be realistic with your clients but have a heart and understand that your role is to deal with enormous psychological consequences as well as the law."
Even before the global financial meltdown and federal government bailout, changes in the bankruptcy code had tightened deadlines, added administrative expenses and made reorganizations more costly at a time when credit is both more expensive and difficult to obtain.
To arrange an interview with Robbin Itkin: Contact Trent Freeman at 310.479.7055 or email him at
tfreeman@olmsteadwilliams.com.
About Steptoe & Johnson LLP
With over 500 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields. In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London, and Brussels. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
Olmstead Williams Communications
Trent Freeman, 310-479-7055
tfreeman@olmsteadwilliams.com
www.olmsteadwilliams.com
