Best Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyers in Copenhagen

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Ret&Råd Advokater København
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1995
20 people in their team
English
Ret&Råd Advokater Copenhagen is a collective office within the Ret&Råd network offering specialist legal advice across a range of private and commercial matters. The Copenhagen office assembles experienced attorneys who focus on discrete areas such as compensation and insurance law, family and...
Eskil Nielsen Advokatfirma
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1989
1 person in their team
English
Eskil Nielsen Advokatfirma operates as a niche law firm with an established network of collaboration with other law firms in Denmark and abroad. The firm is housed in the historic Burmeister and Wains building dating from 1799 and concentrates on litigation and advisory work related to the...
RESOLVA
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2020
10 people in their team
Danish
English
RESOLVA's mission is to increase the value of legal services for large and medium-sized companies by making them more integrated, commercially focused and operational , while creating an optimal development platform for lawyers - both professionally and personally. Michael FalkenbergFounder...
Gorrissen Federspiel
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1869
50 people in their team
Danish
English
In 1989, the law firms N.J. Gorrissen and Per Federspiel merged. This was the first in a number of mergers among the largest business law firms in Denmark. The new firm was named Gorrissen & Federspiel and moved into Dagmarhus in Copenhagen. In the years that followed, Kierkegaard & Malby,...
Hasløv Stæhr Lawyers
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2010
10 people in their team
English
Hasløv Stæhr Advokater is a Danish law firm specializing in construction related law, real estate, and corporate matters. The firm provides high level legal counsel on contractual negotiations, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance for clients in the building and development sector,...
Németh & Sigetty
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1974
6 people in their team
English
Németh Sigetty is a Danish law firm established in 1974 by Karoly Németh and Ole Sigetty, focused on advising businesses and handling legal proceedings. The firm is recognized for its litigation strength and its ability to tackle complex cases in Danish courts at all levels, including the Supreme...

Founded in 1853
English
Mazanti-Andersen Advokatpartnerselskab is a Denmark based, long standing law firm with a history dating back to 1853. The firm is highly specialised and market oriented, serving Danish and international clients with deep expertise across corporate and commercial matters, insolvency, dispute...

Founded in 1976
11 people in their team
English
Advokatfirmaet Thorninger is a Danish law firm with its headquarters in Ringkøbing and an office in Hvide Sande. The firm provides rapid, professional and result-oriented counsel to small- and mid-sized businesses, private clients and public authorities within a range of legal practice areas,...
ØENS Rådgivningshus A/S
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2001
English
ØENS Rådgivningshus A/S, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, offers comprehensive services in legal counsel, business administration, and property management. With over 20 years of experience, the firm specializes in the administration, operation, and development of investment properties, cooperative...
Kielberg Advokater A/S
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1992
English
Kielberg Advokater A/S is a prominent Danish law firm offering comprehensive legal services to both businesses and individuals. With offices in Odense, Copenhagen, Kerteminde, Nyborg, and Vejle, the firm provides expertise in areas such as corporate law, real estate transactions, estate planning,...
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About Restructuring & Insolvency Law in Copenhagen, Denmark

Restructuring and insolvency law in Copenhagen addresses the legal processes involved when a business or individual faces financial difficulties and cannot meet financial obligations. These laws set out procedures for restructuring debts, liquidating assets, and facilitating recovery or orderly exit from the market. The aim is to protect the interests of creditors while offering viable paths for debtors to restructure or wind down operations. Denmark is known for its structured approach, clear legal framework, and transparent judicial process for insolvency matters.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal issues in restructuring and insolvency can be complex and time sensitive, making the guidance of a specialist lawyer crucial. Common situations where legal help is needed include:

  • Negotiating with creditors to prevent bankruptcy or liquidation
  • Assisting with formal restructuring procedures to enable the business to continue trading
  • Advising on the best insolvency procedure, whether restructuring, bankruptcy, or compulsory liquidation
  • Representing creditors seeking to recover debts from insolvent parties
  • Protecting the rights of employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders
  • Navigating cross-border insolvency issues involving Danish entities

Professional legal support can help navigate the intricate requirements, minimize risk, and maximize outcomes during financially challenging times.

Local Laws Overview

Denmark’s restructuring and insolvency framework is governed primarily by the Danish Bankruptcy Act (Konkursloven). Key local law aspects include:

  • Initiation of Proceedings: Both voluntary and involuntary insolvency proceedings are permitted. Debtors and creditors may file for restructuring or bankruptcy through the Copenhagen City Court.
  • Restructuring Procedures: Danish law allows for restructuring processes aimed at enabling a financially distressed company to continue operating, often involving debt settlements or business transfers.
  • Bankruptcy: When restructuring is not possible, bankruptcy proceedings begin, typically resulting in the liquidation of assets to satisfy creditors.
  • Role of Trustees: Appointed by the court, trustees or administrators oversee the restructuring or liquidation process, ensuring legal compliance and creditor rights.
  • Employee Protections: Employees are afforded certain protections with wage guarantee schemes overseen by Danish public authorities.
  • Creditor Ranking: Danish law sets a specific order for creditor claims, prioritizing secured creditors, preferential creditors (such as employees), and then unsecured creditors.
  • Cross-Border Insolvency: Denmark is subject to certain EU insolvency regulations, although it has opted out of some. Cross-border elements require special legal consideration.

Strict procedural rules and court supervision ensure a fair and orderly process for all parties in Copenhagen and throughout Denmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between restructuring and bankruptcy in Denmark?

Restructuring is a legal procedure designed to help a business in financial distress continue operating by reorganizing debts and operations. Bankruptcy, on the other hand, involves liquidating the company's assets to pay off creditors when recovery is no longer viable.

Who can initiate insolvency proceedings in Copenhagen?

Both the debtor (the business or individual in financial trouble) and creditors (those owed money) can apply to initiate restructuring or bankruptcy proceedings before the local court.

Are directors personally liable for a company’s debts in insolvency?

Directors are generally not personally liable unless they have committed fraud, gross negligence, or acted contrary to their fiduciary duties, such as trading while insolvent.

How are employees affected during insolvency?

Employees are protected by the Danish wage guarantee fund, which covers unpaid wages, holiday pay, and certain benefits in the event of insolvency or restructuring.

How are creditors paid in a Danish insolvency?

Creditors are paid based on a legal ranking: secured creditors first, then preferential creditors (such as employees), followed by unsecured creditors. Lower ranking creditors may not always recover their full claim.

Can a company continue operating during restructuring?

Yes, the aim of restructuring is often to allow a company to continue trading while a plan is negotiated and approved, subject to court oversight and the involvement of an administrator.

Is it possible to reverse a bankruptcy decision?

Bankruptcy decisions can be appealed within a specific timeframe if there are legal grounds, such as procedural errors or new evidence, but reversals are rare.

What is the role of the trustee in Danish insolvency?

The trustee (or administrator) is appointed by the court to manage the debtor's assets, oversee the insolvency or restructuring process, represent creditor interests, and ensure compliance with the law.

How long does insolvency or restructuring typically take in Copenhagen?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case but restructuring may last several months, while bankruptcy proceedings can range from months to a few years, especially if many assets need to be liquidated.

Do foreign creditors have rights in Danish insolvency cases?

Yes, foreign creditors can file claims and participate in Danish insolvency cases, but must follow the same procedures and deadlines as Danish creditors. Legal advice is recommended for cross-border matters.

Additional Resources

If you need more information or support, consider the following key resources in Copenhagen:

  • Danish Maritime and Commercial Court (for complex company cases)
  • Danish courts - especially the Copenhagen City Court for local insolvency cases
  • Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen) for company and restructuring information
  • Danish Bar and Law Society (Advokatsamfundet) for finding qualified lawyers
  • Danish Employees' Guarantee Fund (Lønmodtagernes Garantifond) for wage protection details
  • Danish Association of Insolvency Lawyers

Next Steps

If you are facing financial difficulties or require legal advice on restructuring or insolvency in Copenhagen, the following steps are recommended:

  • Gather all relevant financial documentation, including balance sheets, creditor lists, and contracts
  • Assess your current situation and identify key concerns or goals
  • Contact a qualified lawyer specializing in restructuring and insolvency in Denmark for a confidential evaluation
  • Seek initial legal advice on available options, timelines, and potential consequences
  • Work closely with your lawyer to determine the best legal strategy and ensure all legal obligations are met

Taking early and informed action can provide greater opportunities for recovery and protect your interests throughout the restructuring or insolvency process.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Copenhagen through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Restructuring & Insolvency, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.