Press Release

Ice Miller Establishes Delaware Presence, Adds Christopher Samis As Lateral Leader To Anchor New Office

February 4, 2026
Portrait of Christopher M. Samis

Ice Miller today announces the opening of its new Wilmington, Delaware, office, marking a significant expansion of the firm’s national footprint and its bankruptcy and restructuring capabilities. The new office will be led by Partner Christopher Samis, who joins the firm as part of a strategic lateral hire to strengthen and grow the firm’s Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice. This expansion reflects Ice Miller’s continued investment in key markets and its commitment to providing clients with sophisticated counsel in high-stakes financial matters.

Located near the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, one of the nation’s most active venues for corporate bankruptcy filings, the Wilmington office strengthens Ice Miller’s ability to serve restructuring clients with efficiency and impact. From its new home at 500 Delaware Avenue, the firm expands its East Coast presence and delivers deep restructuring experience to clients navigating complex challenges. The move reflects the firm’s long-term commitment to Wilmington’s legal and business community. As the city’s newest office tower and first built in 19 years, 500 Delaware Avenue is a premier address shared by the GSA, WSFS Bank, the oldest and largest locally managed bank and trust company headquartered in Delaware, and several leading law firms.

Samis is a highly regarded bankruptcy and restructuring attorney with more than 20 years of experience representing debtors, creditors' committees, and other stakeholders in complex Chapter 11 cases. Based in Delaware, Samis has built a reputation as "the ultimate dealmaker," known for his exceptional responsiveness, strategic counsel, and ability to deliver creative, real-world solutions to the most challenging legal disputes.

“We are experiencing tremendous momentum across the firm, and the opening of our Delaware office is a strategically essential step in where we are headed,” Joshua L. Christie, Ice Miller’s chief managing partner. “Delaware is a critical market for our clients, and Chris is a perfect addition at this stage of our growth. His bankruptcy and restructuring practice, strong relationships with leading firms nationwide, and deep ties to the private equity community align seamlessly with our platform. This expansion is a great fit for both the firm and our clients, and one that will be mutually beneficial as we continue to grow."

The Bankruptcy & Restructuring Group comprises nationally recognized attorneys who represent all stakeholders in complex reorganizations, workouts, and litigation on a national and cross-border platform. Recognized in Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers, the team includes both business lawyers who structure deals to avoid insolvency risks and litigators who aggressively advocate for clients in disputes, delivering innovative solutions to the most complicated insolvency matters nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chris during a period of tremendous momentum for Ice Miller,” said Louis T. DeLucia, chair of Ice Miller’s Bankruptcy & Restructuring Group. “As we grow thoughtfully and strategically, our bankruptcy and restructuring practice plays a key role in our future. Chris brings exactly the experience and approach that aligns with our vision.”

Samis represents clients across diverse industries, including retail, energy, health care, manufacturing, and technology, handling high-profile cases ranging from multibillion-dollar restructurings to contentious creditor disputes. Recognized as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation and listed in Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America®, he combines intimate knowledge of the Delaware bankruptcy court with a practical, client-focused approach that consistently achieves results.

“Joining the firm gives me access to a superior platform that allows me to better serve my clients across a much broader range of capabilities,” said Samis. “The firm’s leadership team is thoughtful, growth-oriented, and deeply committed to client service, which was incredibly important to me. Its strong private equity platform is an ideal match for my practice and client base, making this a fit that positions us to deliver even greater value.”

Samis received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his law degree from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.

Momentum and strategic growth remain a priority for Ice Miller as the firm continues to expand its national footprint. As part of that growth, Ice Miller is proud to have elected four new board members—Christopher Bordoni, Robert Ouellette, Nicholas Reuhs, and Kathleen Sheil Scheidt—to four-year terms to help drive firm innovation and strengthen client relationships. The firm also recently announced new practice group leadership: Thomas Pampush as Business Group chair, Matt Ehinger as Business Group vice chair, and Ryan Poor as Workplace Solutions Group chair, all effective January 1.

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About Ice Miller LLP

Ice Miller LLP is a full-service law firm dedicated to helping our clients stay ahead in a changing world. With more than 350 legal professionals across the nation, we advise clients on all aspects of the complex legal issues impacting businesses each day. We serve private equity and venture capital funds, large private and emerging growth companies, FORTUNE 500 corporations, municipal entities, family offices, and nonprofits. To learn more, visit us at icemiller.com.


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