TOM CALIFANO is a partner in the New York office who represents large private and public companies in distress in and out of court; buyers of distressed companies and significant creditor constituencies. His practice has a particular emphasis on company and buy side representations, working in a variety of industries including healthcare, energy, and financial services.

Tom has been recommended by The Legal 500 US for his “excellent reputation across all aspects of in and out of court restructurings.” He has also been repeatedly recognized for his work in Bankruptcy/Restructuring by Chambers USA (2012–2023), where in 2022 he is described as “a very experienced professional. He’s super smart and very creative.” “He is a genius who will make sure the client’s interests are best protected.” He is also lauded as “an aggressive and fierce advocate for his clients” with an “expertise in advising financially troubled companies and buyers of distressed assets.” Clients are “extremely impressed at his ability to control a room and get an outcome,” while “[o]bservers admire that he is ‘constantly thinking of new ideas and ways to help clients.’” Tom is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and has been named a New York Super Lawyer. In 2010, Financial Times also commended him for his restructuring work in its US Innovative Lawyers report.

Prior to joining Sidley, Tom was the global co-chair and U.S. chair of the restructuring group at another global law firm.