Keith Shapiro

Keith J. Shapiro has over 40 years of experience representing key participants in complex corporate restructurings and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Keith is the Co-Founder of GT’s Chicago Office, which he led as Co-Managing Shareholder and Chairman for over 20 years.

A global leader in the restructuring community, Keith previously served as Chairman of the Board and President of the American Bankruptcy Institute, a member of the International Board of Directors of the Turnaround Management Association, a member of the International Board of Directors of INSOL International, and Chair of the Chicago Bar Association's Bankruptcy and Reorganization Committee. He is a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy.

Concentrations

•Real estate
•Hedge funds
•Health care
•Cross-border insolvencies
•Capital markets and syndicated transactions
•Food products and restaurant industry
•Technology
•Airlines
•Retail

Judicial Clerkships

•Hon. Richard N. DeGunther, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1983-1984

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Recipient, Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors, “Emanuel M. Katten Award,” 2025
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2001-2021
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2005-2022
•“Eminent Practitioners,” 2017-2022
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers, 2005-2026
•Listed, Lawdragon, '500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers,' 2020 and 2024-2026
•Listed, Lawdragon, '500 Leading U.S. Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers,' 2022
•Listed, Leading Lawyers Network, 2005-2022 and 2024-2026
•Listed, “Among the Top 10 Transactional Lawyers in Illinois,” 2018
•Listed, “Among the Top 10 Commercial Bankruptcy Lawyers in Illinois,” 2014, 2018
•Listed, “Among the Top 100 Business Lawyers in Illinois,” 2012, 2018
•Listed, “Among the Top 250 Business Lawyers in Illinois,” 2014
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2011-2019
•Recipient, Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal's “Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement,” 2017
•Recipient, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership’s Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award, 2016
•Listed, Crain's Chicago Business, “Who's Who in Chicago Business,” 2005-2016
•Recipient, “Industry Turnaround Leadership Award of the Year,” Global M&A Network’s Turnaround Atlas Awards, 2014
•Recipient, American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, 2013
•Listed, “Top 100 Global Restructuring and Turnaround Professionals,” Global M&A Network, 2013
•Member, Winning Team, Global M&A Network’s Turnaround Atlas Award, “Insolvency Deal of the Year - Middle Markets,” for the Chapter 11 restructuring of ShengdaTech, Inc., 2013
•Member, Winning Team, U.S. News - Best Lawyers “Law Firm of the Year” in Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2013
•Named, “Restructuring Lawyer of the Year - Middle Markets,” Global M&A Network’s Turnaround Atlas Awards, 2012
•Member, Winning Team, Global M&A Network’s 2012 Turnaround Atlas Award for “Private Equity Turnaround of the Year” for the Chapter 11 reorganization and acquisition of American Laser Skincare LLC
•fellow, American College of Bankruptcy
•Recommended, PLC Which Lawyer Guide, Restructuring and Insolvency, 2008-2009
•Listed, Who's Who Legal USA - Insolvency & Restructuring
•Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0