Rankings & Recognitions
K&L Gates Recognized at 2026 Turnaround Atlas Awards
Global law firm K&L Gates LLP advised the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Chapter 11 case involving Ideal Properties LLC, a matter arising from an alleged Ponzi scheme, which received top honors in the “Ponzi Scheme Investigation Resolution of the Year” category at the 2026 Turnaround Atlas Awards for the “Refreshing USA” / Ideal Properties LLC reorganization. K&L Gates partner John Bender served as lead trial counsel in the successful bench trial in US Bankruptcy Court that resulted in a judgment that the company operated a US$400 million Ponzi scheme.
Presented annually by the Global M&A Network, the Turnaround Atlas Awards recognize outstanding transactions, firms, and professionals in restructuring, bankruptcy, and distressed investing. Winners are selected based on transaction complexity, restructuring results, stakeholder impact, and overall execution. The award was presented at the 18th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards ceremony held on 12 May 2026 at the Metropolitan Club of New York.
In addition to Bender, the K&L Gates team was led by Seattle partner Mike Gearin (ret.) and associates Michael Meredith, Madisyn Uekawa, and Clara Virden.
K&L Gates is a globally integrated law firm trusted by sophisticated clients to deliver market leading legal counsel across jurisdictions and industries. Operating as one firm worldwide, K&L Gates combines deep local insight with seamless global coordination to address clients’ most complex legal and business challenges. Guided by a relentless focus on client service, the firm delivers practical, high impact solutions with consistency, efficiency, and a clear emphasis on results.
