Chris Samis

Biography

Chris Samis focuses his practice on corporate bankruptcy, business restructuring and other insolvency-related matters. He represents debtors, official committees, individual creditors and other parties-in-interest in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. His clients span a wide variety of industries including retail, manufacturing, restaurant, telecommunications, publishing, pharmaceutical, biotech, energy, finance, entertainment, transportation, real estate and construction industries. He also represents assignees for the benefit of creditors in the Chancery Court of Delaware.

More broadly, as a bankruptcy counselor and advocate bringing almost twenty years of experience to bear, Chris's role frequently integrates his extensive knowledge of substantive law with strategic guidance and planning. Chris works with his clients to determine how they can achieve their ends in the easiest, most efficient way possible. For debtors, that can mean reorganizing debt structures and operations or conveying and administering assets to maximize value for all stakeholders.  For creditors and creditor committees, that can mean aggressively leveraging arguments to maximize economic returns and other outcomes against stark odds.  For any client constituency, Chris provides advice that helps them both reach their goals and minimize risk.

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Chris is known for his exceptional responsiveness and excels at keeping his clients informed. He is adept at distilling complex procedural or conceptual issues down to straightforward, actionable analysis, evaluating potential strengths and vulnerabilities of client positions. 

An invaluable part of his strategic imperative derives from Chris's intimate familiarity with the Delaware bankruptcy bench and bar. He has longstanding professional relationships with lawyers and judges marked by a high degree of mutual respect and collegiality. As a result, he is invaluable to clients in helping them frame arguments that will resonate with the judge hearing them, as well as instructing them on the procedural nuances of the court. His years of experience also enable him to estimate the chances of success with these arguments with a high degree of accuracy. In short, Chris can advise his clients on not simply which arguments might work, but how likely they are to work, culminating in faster resolutions.

Chris's clients and colleagues, speak highly of him. Market sources note that Chris "can effectively and efficiently deliver real-life solutions to the most complex legal dispute." Sources also say that he is a "well-regarded practitioner; he's extremely commercial, practical, and brings creative solutions to complex situations." Praised as "tremendous" and "an excellent lawyer," he "is focused, practical and works to get a deal done." Chris is well regarded for his representation of creditors' committees in complex Chapter 11 proceedings with commentors noting that he is "very smart, knowledgeable about Delaware practice, well regarded, well connected and extremely responsive." He distinguishes himself among interviewees, who regard him as "the ultimate dealmaker."

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Experience

Representative Matters

Debtor Representations

  • Co-counsel to the debtors, DeCurtis Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 23-10548 (JKS)
  • Co-counsel to the debtors, Packable Holdings, LLC f/k/a Entourage Commerce, LLC, et al., Case No. 22-10797 (JTD)

  • Counsel to the debtors, Alaskan Seismic Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 21-11067 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to the debtors, Blackhawk Mining LLC, et al., Case No. 19-11595 (LSS)
  • Counsel to the debtors, Conergy Holding, Inc., et al., Case No. 18-10358 (CSS)
  • Counsel to the debtors, Draw Another Circle, LLC, et al., Case No. 16-11452 (KJC) (Hastings Entertainment and MovieStop stores)
  • Special conflicts counsel to certain of the debtors, Verso Corporation, et al., Case No. 16-10163 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, Allied Systems Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 12-11564 (CSS)
  • Counsel to debtors, Evergreen Energy Inc., et al., Case No. 12-10289 (KJC)
  • Counsel to debtors, Bionol Clearfield, LLC, et al., Case No. 11-12301 (PJW)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, CB Holding Corp., et al., Case No. 10-13683 (MFW) (Charlie Brown's Steakhouses, Bugaboo Creek Steakhouses and The Office Beer Bar & Grill)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, Haights Cross Communications, Inc., et al., Case No. 10-10062 (BLS)
  • Counsel to debtor, Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Case No. 09-14429 (CSS)
  • Counsel to debtor, deCODE genetics, Inc., Case No. 09-14063 (PJW)
  • Counsel to reorganized debtors, O2Diesel Corporation and O2Diesel Fuels, Inc., Case Nos. 09-12585 (KJC) and 09-12586 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, Proliance International Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 09-12278 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, Mervyn's Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 08-11586 (KG) (Mervyn's department stores)
  • Counsel to debtors, Linens Holding Co., et al., Case No. 08-10832 (CSS) (Linens 'n Things department stores)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, New Century TRS Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-10416 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, Advanced Marketing Services, Inc., et al., Case No. 06-11480 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to debtors, Three A's Holdings, L.L.C., et al., Case No. 06-10886 (BLS) (Tower Records)

Committee Representations

  • Co-counsel to the to the official committee of unsecured creditors, ViewRay, Inc., et al., Case No. 23-10935 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to the to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Sherman/Grayson Hospital, LLC,  Case No. 23-10810 (JKS)
  • Co-counsel to the to the official committee of unsecured creditors, SiO2 Medical Products, Inc., et al., Case No. 23-10366 (JTD)
  • Co-counsel to the to the official committee of unsecured creditors, CBC Restaurant Corp., Case No. 23-10245 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Independent Pet Partners Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 23-10153 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Clovis Oncology, Inc., et al., Case No. 22-11292 (JKS)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Fast Radius, Inc., et al., Case No. 22-11051 (JKS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Olympia Sports Acquisitions, LLC, et al., Case No. 22-10853 (MFW)
  • Counsel to the official committee of customers- Lear Capital, Inc., et al. Case No. 22-10165-(BLS)

  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, BHCosmetics Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 22-10050 (CSS)

  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, The Collected Group, LLC, et al., Case No. 21-10663 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Medley LLC, Case No. 21-10526 (KBO)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Stream TV Networks, Inc., Case No. 21-10433 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Knotel, Inc., et al., Case No. 21-10146 (MFW)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, In-Shape Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 20-13130 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Furniture Factory Ultimate Holding, L.P., et al., Case No. 20-12816 (JTD)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc., et al., Case No. 20-12688 (MFW)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, smarTours, LLC, et al., Case No. 20-12625 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Exide Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 20-11157 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Techniplas, LLC, et al., Case No. 20-11049 (LSS)

  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, True Religion Apparel, Inc., et al., Case No. 20-10941 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, SFP Franchise Corporation, et al., Case No. 20-10134 (JTD)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Vector Launch Inc., et al., Case No. 19-12670 (JTD)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, High Ridge Brands Co., et al., Case No. 19-12689 (BLS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Celadon Group, Inc., et al., Case No. 19-12606 (KBO)
  • Counsel to the ad hoc committee of service providers, MTE Holdings LLC, et al., Case No. 19-12269 (KBO)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Fleetwood Acquisition Corp., et al., Case No. 19-12330 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Yueting Jia, Case No. 19-12220 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Case No. 19-12051 (MFW)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Avenue Stores, LLC, et al., Case No. 19-11842 (LSS)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Cedar Haven Acquisition, LLC, Case No. 19-11736 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of the unsecured creditors, Emerge Energy Services LP, et al., Case No. 19-11563 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Charming Charlie Holdings Inc., et al., Case No. 19-11534 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Z Gallerie, LLC, et al., Case No. 19-10488 (LSS)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Charlotte Russe Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 19-10210 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Samuels Jewelers, Inc., Case No. 18-11818 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Heritage Home Group LLC, et al., Case No. 18-11736 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, The Rockport Company, LLC, et al., Case No. 18-11145 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Videology, Inc., et al., Case No. 18-11120 (BLS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, VER Technologies Holdco LLC, et al., Case No. 18-10834 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to the ad hoc committee of noteholders, EV Energy Partners L.P., et al., Case No. 18-10814 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Hobbico, Inc., et al., Case No. 18-10055 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Rentech WP U.S., Inc., et al., Case No. 17-12958 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Velocity Holding Company, Inc., et al., Case No. 17-12442 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, GST AutoLeather, Inc., et al., Case No. 17-12100 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Vitamin World, Inc., et al., Case No. 17-11933 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Peekay Acquisitions, LLC, et al., Case No. 17-11722 (BLS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, TK Holdings Inc., et al., Case No. 17-11375 (BLS)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Tidewater, Inc., et al., Case No. 17-11132 (BLS)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Rupari Holding Corp., et al., Case No. 17-10793 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Prestige Industries LLC, Case No. 17-10186 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Optima Specialty Steel, Inc., et al., Case No. 16-12789 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Constellation Enterprises LLC, et al., Case No. 16-11213 (CSS)
  • Counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Emerald Oil Inc., et al., Case No. 16-10704 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to the official committee of unsecured creditors, Northshore Mainland Services, Inc., et al., Case No. 15-11402 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to official committee of unsecured creditors, RadioShack Corporation, et al., Case No. 15-10197 (BLS)
  • Co-counsel to official committee of unsecured creditors, Quantum Foods LLC, et al., Case No. 14-10318 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to official committee of unsecured creditors, EWGS Intermediary, LLC, et al., Case No. 13-12876 (MFW) (Edwin Watts Golf Shops)
  • Co-counsel to official committee of unsecured creditors, TPO Hess Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 13-11327 (KJC)
  • Co-counsel to official committee of unsecured creditors, Ritz Camera & Image, L.L.C., et al., Case No. 12-11868 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to official committee of unsecured creditors, Nortel Networks Inc., et al., Case No. 09-10138 (KG)

Liquidating Fiduciary Representations

  • Co-counsel to the liquidating trustee, SiO2 Medical Products, Inc., et al., Case No. 23-10366 (JTD)
  • Co-counsel to the liquidating trustee, Olympia Sports Acquisitions, LLC, Case No. 22-10853 (MFW)
  • Co-counsel to the liquidating trustee, The Collected Group, LLC, et al., Case No. 21-10663 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the liquidating trustee, Medley, LLC, et al., Case No. 21-10526 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to liquidating trustee, Knotel, Inc., et al., Case No. 21-10146 (MFW)
  • Co-counsel to the liquidating trustee, Furniture Factory Ultimate Holding, L.P., et al, Case. No. 20-12816 (JKS)
  • Co-counsel to the GUC trustee, Exide Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No 20-1157(CSS)
  • Counsel to liquidating trustee, TP RemainCo, LLC, Case No. 20-11049 (LSS) (Techniplas, LLC, et al.)
  • Co-counsel to liquidating trustee, SFP Franchise Corporation, et al., Case No. 20-10134 (JTD)
  • Co-counsel to liquidating trustee, The Relay Shoe Company, LLC, et al., Case No. 18-11145 (LSS) (The Rockport Company, LLC, et al.)
  • Co-counsel to the liquidating trustee, VG Liquidation, Inc., et al., Case No. 18-11120 (JTD) (Videology, Inc., et al.)
  • Co-counsel to the plan administrator, Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc., et al., Case No. 18-10518 (JTD)
  • Co-counsel to liquidating trustee, Rentech WP U.S., Inc., et al., Case No. 17-12958 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to liquidating trustee, GAL Liquidating Corp., et al., Case No. 17-12100 (LSS) (GST AutoLeather, Inc., et al.)
  • Co-counsel to liquidating trustee, RS Legacy Corporation, et al., Case No. 15-10197 (BLS) (RadioShack Corporation, et al.)
  • Co-counsel to liquidating trustee, EBHI Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 09-12099 (MFW) (Eddie Bauer Holdings, Inc., et al.)
  • Counsel to liquidating trustee, Midway Games Inc., et al., Case No. 09-10465 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to the plan administrator, Mervyn's Holdings, LLC, et al., Case No. 08-11586 (KG) Mervyn's department stores)
  • Counsel to liquidating trustee, CanFibre of Riverside, Inc., Case No. 00-04019 (KJC)

Asset Purchaser Representations

  • Co-counsel to significant asset purchaser, In re Akorn Holding Company, LLC, Case No. 23-10253 (KBO)
  • Co-counsel to significant asset purchaser, In re MD Helicopters, Inc., et al., Case No. 22-10263 (KBO)

  • Co-counsel to significant asset purchaser, In re Brooks Brothers Group, Inc., et al., Case No. 20-11785 (CSS)

  • Co-counsel to significant asset purchaser, Lucky Dungarees LLC, et al., Case No. 20-11768 (CSS)

  • Co-counsel to significant asset purchaser, DB Holdings Liquidation, Inc. (f/k/a Directbuy Holdings, Inc.), et al., Case No. 16-12435 (CSS)

  • Co-counsel to significant asset purchaser, Cal Dive International, Inc., et al., Case No. 15-10458 (CSS)
  • Counsel to significant asset purchaser, Allen Family Foods, Inc., et al., Case No. 11-11764 (KJC)
  • Counsel to significant asset purchaser, Townsends Inc., et al., Case No. 10-14092 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to significant asset purchaser, TallyGenicom, LP, et al., Case No. 09-10266 (CSS)
  • Counsel to significant asset purchaser, Jancor Companies, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-12556 (MFW)

Other Significant Representations

  • Co-counsel to the Ad Hoc Crossover Group, In re Lannett Company, Inc., Case No. 23-10559 (JKS)
  • Co-counsel to DIP lender, In re Allegiance Coal USA Limited, et al., Case No. 23-10234 (CTG)
  • Co-counsel to Voyager Digital, Ltd., In re FTX Trading, Ltd., Case No. 22-10943 (MEW-SDNY)
  • Co-counsel to equity holder, In re Phoenix Services Topco, LLC, Case No. 22-10906 (MFW)
  • Co-counsel to former director/officer, In re NAI Liquidation Trust v. Frederick W. Cooper, Case No. 22-10819 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the Ad Hoc Bondholder / Unsecured Bank Group, In re Credito Real, S.A.B. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R., Case No. 22-10696 (TMH)
  • Co-counsel to a major international contract counterparty litigating jurisdictional and other issues, In re Alto Maipo Delaware LLC, et al., Case No., 21-11507 (KBO)

  • Counsel to several personal injury litigations successfully opposing the plan, In re Gulf Coast Health Care, LLC, et al., Case No. 21-11336 (KBO)

  • Co-counsel to a significant noteholder constituency supporting the plan, In re Mallinckrodt plc, et al., Case No. 20-12522 (JTD)

  • Co-counsel to the successful key plan proponent/acquirer, In re Tonopah Solar Energy, LLC, 20-11884 (KBO)

  • Co-counsel to a significant international contract counterparty/vendor in successfully negotiating a complicated cross-border dispute, In re The Hertz Corporation, et al., Case No. 20-11218 (MFW)

  • Co-counsel to the DIP lender and stalking horse purchaser, Candi Controls, Inc., Case No. 18-10679 (CSS)
  • Co-counsel to significant secured parties protecting their rights in certain collateral, The Weinstein Company Holdings LLC, et al., Case No. 18-10601 (MFW)
  • Co-counsel to the certain prepetition and postpetition lenders, Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc., et al., Case No. 18-10518 (KG)
  • Co-counsel to the Defendants in contentious removal litigation, Skye Mineral Investors, LLC, et al. v. DXS Capital (U.S.) Limited, et al., Adv. Pro. No. 18-00101 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to significant secured party protecting its collateral in complex, cross-border bankruptcy proceedings, Exelco North America, Inc., Case No. 17-12029 (KG)
  • Counsel to the DIP lender and plan sponsor, iON Worldwide, Inc. et al., Case No. 16-11543 (LSS)
  • Co-counsel to the non-consenting lenders, Millennium Lab Holdings II, LLC, et al., Case No. 15-12284 (LSS)
  • Counsel to state government property lessor, Big Island Carbon, LLC, Case No. 12-13023 (BLS)
  • Counsel to indenture trustee for municipal development bonds, Sky Bridge Resorts Community, L.L.C., Case No. 10-10345 (KG)
  • Counsel to the assignee for the benefit of creditors, WeedHire International, Inc., Case No. 11866-CB

Professional Activities & Recognition

Honors & Recognitions

  • Recognized in Benchmark Litigation as a Future Star, 2016-present; Listed in “40 & Under Hot List” by Benchmark Litigation, 2016-present
  • Recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, published by Chambers and Partners, 2016-present
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, 2019-present
  • Listed in Super Lawyers, 2013-present
  • Named a 2016 “Delaware Lawyer on the Fast Track” by Delaware Law Weekly
  • AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Professional

  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
  • Member, Federal Bar Association
  • Program Mentor, Federal Bar Association Delaware Chapter Bankruptcy Trial Practice Seminar
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Chair, ABA Bankruptcy Litigation Subcommittee, Business and Corporate Litigation Committee
  • Member, American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Member, Turnaround Management Association
  • Member, Delaware State Bar Association
  • Barrister, Delaware Bankruptcy American Inn of Court
  • Lecturer, Delaware Law Day
  • Fundraiser, Delaware Combined Campaign for Justice

Education

Villanova University School of Law, J.D., 2005

University of Delaware, B.A., 2002

Bar & Court Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Delaware
  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court, District of Delaware
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Newsroom

Firm News

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaking Engagement
    ABI/DSBA Delaware Views from the Bench, 2017 (“Mid-Level Track: Career Development Paths”)
  • Speaking Engagement
    Delaware American Bankruptcy Inn of Court, 2016 (“Pitch Perfect”)
  • Speaking Engagement
    Delaware American Bankruptcy Inn of Court, 2015 (“Structured Dismissal: Permissible Case Resolution or a Scourge on the Code?”)
  • Speaking Engagement
    ABA Business Law Section Fall Meeting, 2014 (“Bankruptcy for Breakfast”)
  • Speaking Engagement
    Delaware American Bankruptcy Inn of Court, 2013 (“Best Practices for Handling Pro Se Litigants”)
  • Speaking Engagement
    Delaware American Bankruptcy Inn of Court, 2010 (“Committee ― You’re On!”)

Christopher in the News

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