Recognized for decades as one of the most experienced hotel bankruptcy and restructuring lawyers in the country, David protects clients’ interests in high-stakes litigation.
David Neff litigates bankruptcy cases for lenders, debtors, and unsecured creditors (including hotel franchisors and management companies) throughout the country. David has handled many high-profile cases, including arguing for the petitioner in front of the Supreme Court of the United States in RadLAX Gateway Hotel v. Amalgamated Bank and obtaining a damage claim of almost $125 million for Hilton in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in the MSR Resort bankruptcy cases after two trials.
David is also a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy. He previously served as the firmwide chair of Perkins Coie’s Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice and co-chair of the firm’s Hotel & Leisure industry group.
Chambers commented that David possesses “a knowledge of all of the nuances of the industry, not just of the law,” and listed him as one of the country’s leading hotel lawyers since 2007.
Ranked by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers
Named “Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America, 2021
Ranked by Chambers USA 18 Years in a Row
Podcast: Is My Company Going to Survive COVID-19? Perspectives from a Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyer (plus insurance!)
Professional Recognition
- Ranked nationally by Chambers USA as a "Leading Lawyer in Leisure & Hospitality," 2007-2024
- Ranked in Illinois by Chambers USA as a "Leading Bankruptcy/Restructuring Lawyer," 2011-2024
- The International Society of Hospitality Consultants Chuck Pinkowski Member Service Award, 2018
- Fellow, American College of Bankruptcy
- Nominating Committee for the 7th Circuit Council, 2015-2018
- Named by Corporate Counsel as BTI Client Service All-Stars, 2016
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Leisure and Hospitality Law, 2013-2024
- Listed as a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers Magazine, 2005-2024
*The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.
Professional Leadership
- Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Adjunct Professor, 2013-2016
- International Society of Hospitality Consultants, Chairman, 2005-2006, 2016-2017
- Certified by the Institute for Conflict Management as a mediator and an arbitrator
- American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Member
- American Bankruptcy Institute, Member
- Chicago Bar Association, Bankruptcy and Reorganization Committee, President, 1998-1999
Related Employment
- DLA Piper, Partner, 2002-2007
- Jenner & Block, Partner, 1992-2001
- Jenner & Block, Associate, 1986-1991
Clerkships
- Hon. Robert Ginsberg, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1985 - 1986