Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo has formed a distressed debt and claims trading practice. The group - spearheaded by Frank Earley, Dominic Picca and Paul Ricotta - will be comprised of bankruptcy and litigation attorneys from across the firm's offices.

The group will assist clients in all aspects of the acquisition and sale of distressed investments. Clients will include both the sellers and buyers of these instruments, ranging from domestic and international private equity and hedge funds to private investment funds specialising in distressed investments - as well as trade creditors seeking to liquidate their bankruptcy claims.

"As the distressed debt market continues to evolve, client demand for experienced professionals who can navigate this complex industry is at an all-time high," says Richard Mikels, chairman of Mintz Levin's bankruptcy, restructuring and commercial law section.