George R. Mesires

George R. Mesires is a partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in Chicago. He focuses on corporate restructuring, bankruptcy, distressed mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate law. Mesires advises companies, boards, directors, and officers facing financial distress, governance concerns, and complex business decisions. As co-leader of the firm’s senior living and care team, he also works with for-profit and nonprofit senior housing operators on transactions, restructurings, investigations, and board matters.

Mesires earned his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1995. He also earned an M.B.A. from Syracuse University School of Management in 1995 and a B.A. from Colgate University in 1991. His combined legal and business education supports his work in restructuring, corporate transactions, governance, finance, and bankruptcy strategy. This background helps him evaluate financial risk, advise leadership teams, and guide clients through complex business and legal challenges.

Mesires’s experience includes affiliations, acquisitions, financings, governance counseling, litigation, government investigations, restructuring, and bankruptcy proceedings. Before private practice, he served as general counsel for a start-up telecommunications company, where he handled legal affairs including a distressed asset sale. He also previously served as an assistant attorney general in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, giving him additional experience with public enforcement and legal oversight.

George R. Mesires is admitted to practice in Illinois and New York and before several federal courts. He has served in leadership roles with the American Bankruptcy Institute Journal, Turnaround Management Association, and senior living organizations, including The Kendal Corporation and The Admiral at the Lake. His honors include Chambers USA recognition in healthcare and bankruptcy restructuring, Illinois Super Lawyers recognition, and transaction-related turnaround awards. His practice reflects practical judgment, financial insight, and steady guidance for clients facing high-stakes business issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
• Associate Editor, American Bankruptcy Institute Journal
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI)
• Member, Commercial Finance Association, Sponsorship Committee
• Former Co-Chair, Turnaround Management Association (TMA)
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois
• New York

Education

• Syracuse University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Syracuse University School of Management
  Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Colgate University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges