NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP (PSZJ) today announced the election of Bradford J. Sandler as Chair of the firm, effective October 1, 2026. Brad is the first to hold the title of Chair at the firm, and as Chair, he will continue his active, national bankruptcy practice centered on complex restructuring matters. Co-founder Richard Pachulski, who has guided the firm for more than 40 years, intends to enhance both his and PSZJ’s complex restructuring practice while remaining as an active member of the Management Committee, supporting Brad’s transition into this new leadership position.
The firm’s name partners, Jim Stang, Dean Ziehl, and Laura Jones, will also maintain their active practices and roles in the firm’s leadership structure.
“I am honored by the trust and confidence my colleagues have placed in me to lead us into the next chapter of the firm’s story,” said Sandler. “It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of Rich, Jim, Dean, and Laura. Under their leadership, the firm grew into the nation’s largest, preeminent, independent, full-service restructuring firm, defined by excellence, judgment, and an unwavering commitment to client service in complex insolvency-related matters.”
“Rich and I have been working closely to ensure a smooth transition, and I am grateful for his ongoing counsel in the months and years to come,” Sandler added. “I look forward to partnering with the broader Management Committee to uphold the standards of excellence we all expect across the firm.”
Brad is a distinguished national figure in bankruptcy law and complex reorganizations, known for his extensive experience and innovative approach to developing value-maximizing solutions for financially distressed entities. With more than 25 years of experience, he is a trusted adviser to a wide range of clients, including debtors, equity holders, creditors’ committees, acquirers, and fiduciaries, including directors, receivers, and trustees.
A partner at PSZJ since 2010, Brad has served in numerous firmwide leadership roles, including as Managing Partner of the New York office, a member of the Management Committee and the Long-Term Planning Committee, and Co-Chair of the firm’s renowned Committee Practice Group.
Brad was also instrumental in developing the firm’s AI+Human initiatives and integrating technology across the firm, drawing on talent from all levels, departments, and practices. He helped develop the firm’s AI policy and establish a cross-functional AI and Technology Committee to identify and evaluate the firm’s needs, promote adoption of new tools, and improve collaboration.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to see our firm grow from a founder-led boutique into a celebrated national restructuring platform,” said Richard Pachulski. “Brad is the absolute right person at the right time to lead PSZJ into the new generation of both the practice of law and the business of law. His election as Chair reflects our confidence in him, and I look forward to supporting him as we work together to ensure a seamless transition and continue serving our clients at the highest level.”
“Brad is an exceptional leader whose contributions have been critical to the firm’s role as a trusted and innovative partner to clients in financially distressed situations. His leadership experience and vision for the firm’s future will enable PSZJ to remain at the forefront of innovation, deepen its market leadership, and invest in the next generation of extraordinary restructuring talent,” said Jim Stang, Dean Ziehl, and Laura Jones.
PSZJ is the largest law firm in the country devoted primarily to corporate restructurings, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Wilmington, Houston, and San Francisco. This year, it welcomed its largest associate class to date, underscoring the firm’s continued growth.
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SOURCE Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones
