Leslie C. Heilman concentrates her practice on commercial restructuring and bankruptcy, representing creditor committees, debtors, commercial landlords, trade vendors and suppliers, secured and unsecured creditors, and other parties-in-interest in business reorganization and liquidation cases both in Delaware and nationally. Leslie is also experienced in bankruptcy-related litigation, including claims administration, avoidance actions, and other adversary proceedings.
In addition to her restructuring and bankruptcy practice, Leslie assists in the firm's public finance practice, serving as trustee counsel and providing Delaware opinions in connection with tender option bond financings.
Leslie was a litigation paralegal for 10 years before becoming an attorney.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Represents commercial landlords in all aspects of retail bankruptcy matters, including some of the largest retail filings in Delaware such as Linens ‘N Things, Eddie Bauer, Ritz Camera, Friedman’s Jewelers, Deb Shops, Buffets Restaurants, Hoop Holdings LLC (The Disney Stores), KB Toys, Haggen Holdings, LLC., Fresh & Easy, LLC, Friendly’s, RadioShack, Hancock Fabrics, and Sports Authority
- Serves as outside bankruptcy counsel for E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, providing advice on general credit issues, trouble credits, workouts with customers and suppliers, bankruptcy litigation, and, from time to time, representation as a potential buyer of assets from a bankruptcy estate
- Represented the cash management and letter of credit bank in the Chapter 11 case of a large ethanol manufacturer
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Active in pro bono matters, Leslie Heilman serves as an attorney guardian ad litem in matters pending before the Family Court of the State of Delaware.
Internships
Certified legal intern, Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Clinic
Professional Activities
Delaware State Bar Association, Bankruptcy Law Section
American Bankruptcy Institute
Delaware Bankruptcy American Inn of Court
Treasurer, International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), Delaware Network, 2017-2019
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA, Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Delaware), 2021-2024
Lawdragon, 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers, 2024
Lawdragon, Leading U.S Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyers, 2020
Speaking Engagements
Presenter, "The Details of Retail: Can You Reorganize Middle-Market Retailers?" The 12th Annual Mid-Atlantic Bankruptcy Workshop, Cambridge, Maryland, August 2016
Publications
"C. F. Trust, Inc. v. First Flight Limited Partnership: Will the Virginia Supreme Court Permit Outsider Reverse Veil-Piercing Against a Limited Partnership?" Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, 2003
Credentials
Education
Widener University School of Law (J.D. 2004, magna cum laude)
Staff Member, Research Editor, Delaware Journal of Corporate Law
Recipient, The Honorable Helen S. Balick Award, for excellence in the study of bankruptcy or creditors' rights, 2004-2005
Recipient, Donald E. Pease Best Student Article Award, Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, 2002-2003
Nominee, Distinguished Bankruptcy Law Student Award, American College of Bankruptcy, 2005
Cedar Crest College (B.A. 1994, magna cum laude)
Admissions
Delaware
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey