Lowenstein’s Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department Continues National Expansion with Addition of Partner Shanti Mulpuru Katona, Counsel Elisa Hyder, and Associates Katherine[...]

Lowenstein Sandler is pleased to announce that Shanti Mulpuru Katona, Elisa Hyder, Katherine Devanney, and Michael V. DiPietro have joined the firm in its Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department. Katona joins as partner, Hyder joins as Counsel, and Devanney and Dipietro join as associates. They will all be based in the firm's new Wilmington, Delaware office, which opened last month with the arrival of Christopher A. Ward, marking a significant step in the expansion of the firm's debtor representations and its thriving bankruptcy practice.

Katona is Ward's former Co-chair of Bankruptcy & Restructuring at the law firm Polsinelli, where she also served as Chair of Attorney Diversity. She works with debtors, creditors, purchasers, sellers, and other interested parties across the country, in all capacities and stages within complex bankruptcy and restructuring transactions. Katona has significant experience representing financial institutions and other creditors in the enforcement and workout of commercial and real estate loans, and in investigating and litigating insider causes of action, fraudulent transfers, and preferences before Bankruptcy Courts and in state and federal Courts.

Hyder, Devanney, and DiPietro also join from Polsinelli. Hyder represents both debtors and creditors in a broad range of financial restructuring, bankruptcy, and commercial transactions. She counsels distressed borrowers on strategic alternatives and preparations for potential Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 filings and out-of-court restructurings; she also advises a variety of secured and unsecured creditors in all stages of bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings in various jurisdictions.

Devanny advises on financial restructuring, bankruptcy, and commercial transactions. She is a former Deputy Attorney General for the Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit.

DiPietro advises clients on corporate restructuring, distressed asset sales and other insolvency matters, both in and out of court. He has experience in representing distressed businesses, acquirers of such businesses and primary lender constituencies in Chapter 11 cases, Article 9 foreclosure sales, "friendly" strict foreclosures and assignments for the benefit of creditors.

Jeffrey Cohen, partner and Chair of Lowenstein's Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department, says, "We are thrilled to welcome Shanti, Elisa, Katie, and Michael to our rapidly growing Bankruptcy group. Their experience in debtor-side representations is an ideal complement to our longstanding creditor-side practice, and they are a great team to help build out the firm's mid-Atlantic presence."

Katona says: "The firm's collaborative spirit and exceptional talent will enhance the ability of my colleagues and I to offer holistic counsel on the many issues that arise for companies in distressed situations and bankruptcy. I am thrilled to not only be part of a firm that is growing strategically and successfully across national markets, but to partner with lawyers who have over the years become close friends."

Jonathan C. Wishnia, Lowenstein's Managing Partner, adds: "The expansion of our national bankruptcy practice reflects the momentum we're seeing across our practices. Our strategic plan, Vision 2030, envisions Lowenstein's growth throughout key markets and in the practice areas where our clients expect sophisticated, business-focused counsel. That's why we are investing in talent like our new team in Delaware."

Lowenstein's Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department was ranked by The American Lawyer among the top five law firms in 2025 for retentions by Unsecured Creditors' Committees, with matters spanning industries including retail, manufacturing, technology, food and beverage, among others.

About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler LLP is a national law firm with over 400 lawyers based in New York, Palo Alto, Roseland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.