Atty. Keith Shapiro
Keith J. Shapiro has over 40 years of experience representing key participants in complex corporate restructurings and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.
Restructuring & Special Situations Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL · 43+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Keith Shapiro at a Glance
Keith Shapiro is a Shareholder; National Chairman of Strategic Recruitment; Chicago Co-Chairman; Co-Chair, Restructurin based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Admitted to practice in Illinois (1983). Educated at Emory University School of Law (J.D., 1983) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (B.S. Finance, 1980). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of John’s University School of Law Bankruptcy L, L, and M. Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from Keith Shapiro in Chicago
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About Keith Shapiro
- Keith J. Shapiro has over 40 years of experience representing key participants in complex corporate restructurings and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases
- Keith is the Co-Founder of GT’s Chicago Office, which he led as Co-Managing Shareholder and Chairman for over 20 years
- A global leader in the restructuring community, Keith previously served as Chairman of the Board and President of the American Bankruptcy Institute, a member of the International Board of Directors of the Turnaround Management Association, a member of the International Board of Directors of INSOL International, and Chair of the Chicago Bar Association's Bankruptcy and Reorganization Committee
- He is a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy
- Concentrations •Real estate •Hedge funds •Health care •Cross-border insolvencies •Capital markets and syndicated transactions •Food products and restaurant industry •Technology •Airlines •Retail Judicial Clerkships •Hon
- Richard N. DeGunther, U.S
- Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1983-1984 Recognition & Leadership Awards & Accolades •Recipient, Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors, “Emanuel M. Katten Award,” 2025 •Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2001-2021 •Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2005-2022 •“Eminent Practitioners,” 2017-2022 •Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers, 2005-2026 •Listed, Lawdragon, '500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers,' 2020 and 2024-2026 •Listed, Lawdragon, '500 Leading U.S
- Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers,' 2022 •Listed, Leading Lawyers Network, 2005-2022 and 2024-2026 •Listed, “Among the Top 10 Transactional Lawyers in Illinois,” 2018 •Listed, “Among the Top 10 Commercial Bankruptcy Lawyers in Illinois,” 2014, 2018 •Listed, “Among the Top 100 Business Lawyers in Illinois,” 2012, 2018 •Listed, “Among the Top 250 Business Lawyers in Illinois,” 2014 •Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2011-2019 •Recipient, Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal's “Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement,” 2017 •Recipient, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership’s Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award, 2016 •Listed, Crain's Chicago Business, “Who's Who in Chicago Business,” 2005-2016 •Recipient, “Industry Turnaround Leadership Award of the Year,” Global M&A Network’s Turnaround Atlas Awards, 2014 •Recipient, American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, 2013 •Listed, “Top 100 Global Restructuring and Turnaround Professionals,” Global M&A Network, 2013 •Member, Winning Team, Global M&A Network’s Turnaround Atlas Award, “Insolvency Deal of the Year - Middle Markets,” for the Chapter 11 restructuring of ShengdaTech, Inc., 2013 •Member, Winning Team, U.S
- News - Best Lawyers “Law Firm of the Year” in Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2013 •Named, “Restructuring Lawyer of the Year - Middle Markets,” Global M&A Network’s Turnaround Atlas Awards, 2012 •Member, Winning Team, Global M&A Network’s 2012 Turnaround Atlas Award for “Private Equity Turnaround of the Year” for the Chapter 11 reorganization and acquisition of American Laser Skincare LLC •fellow, American College of Bankruptcy •Recommended, PLC Which Lawyer Guide, Restructuring and Insolvency, 2008-2009 •Listed, Who's Who Legal USA - Insolvency & Restructuring •Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Keith Shapiro
Where is Keith Shapiro's law office located?
How long has Keith Shapiro practiced law?
Where did Keith Shapiro go to law school?
How can I contact Keith Shapiro for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Keith Shapiro received?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Keith Shapiro
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Keith Shapiro's practice.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Keith Shapiro brings 43+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Keith Shapiro attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Search Reference
How People Find Keith Shapiro Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Chicago commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Keith Shapiro.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Keith Shapiro directly.
Keith Shapiro's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
Client Reviews & Ratings — Keith Shapiro
No reviews yet.