Theodore B. Sylwestrzak

Theodore B. Sylwestrzak is a member of Dickinson Wright PLLC’s Detroit office and serves as chair of the firm’s Banking and Finance Practice Group. With more than thirty-five years of experience, he is known for guiding lenders through all areas of lending and complex restructuring. His practical business judgment and creative solutions help clients close deals smoothly, even when challenges arise. Theodore works closely with lenders on secured loans, workouts, syndications, and cross-border lending, earning a strong reputation for his proactive approach.

Theodore earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Wayne State University Law School in 1987, where he was also an Associate Survey Editor for the Wayne Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. He holds a B.S., summa cum laude, from Northern Michigan University, which he completed in 1984.

Throughout his career, Theodore has helped lenders handle complex lending relationships and navigate difficult financial circumstances. He has extensive experience structuring and documenting asset-based and secured loans and representing clients in syndicated credit facilities and leveraged lending. He frequently advises on restructuring, workouts, and bankruptcies, especially in the automotive industry. His work includes negotiating accommodation agreements, access and security agreements, post-petition financing, and cross-border deals. Theodore has served as lead counsel to agents in multibank syndicated credit facilities and numerous workout and bankruptcy matters, ensuring that lenders protect their interests at every stage.

Theodore B. Sylwestrzak is actively involved in the professional community, serving as a board member of the Detroit Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association and co-chairing its Programming Committee. He is also a member of the Association for Corporate Growth, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Committee on Debtor and Creditor Rights, and the American Bar Association.

Recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, Michigan Super Lawyers, and DBusiness Magazine, Theodore continues to help lenders achieve successful outcomes in complex financial transactions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Dickinson Wright PLLC
• Former Partner, Honigman LLP
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Committee on Debtor / Creditor Rights
• Board Member, Turnaround Management Association

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Wayne State University Law School
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Northern Michigan University
  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Awards & Badges