Global law firm K&L Gates LLP advised the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Chapter 11 case involving Ideal Properties LLC, a matter arising from an alleged Ponzi scheme, which received top honors in the “Ponzi Scheme Investigation Resolution of the Year” category at the 2026 Turnaround Atlas Awards for the “Refreshing USA” / Ideal Properties LLC reorganization. K&L Gates partner John Bender served as lead trial counsel in the successful bench trial in US Bankruptcy Court that resulted in a judgment that the company operated a US$400 million Ponzi scheme.

Presented annually by the Global M&A Network, the Turnaround Atlas Awards recognize outstanding transactions, firms, and professionals in restructuring, bankruptcy, and distressed investing. Winners are selected based on transaction complexity, restructuring results, stakeholder impact, and overall execution. The award was presented at the 18th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards ceremony held on 12 May 2026 at the Metropolitan Club of New York.

In addition to Bender, the K&L Gates team was led by Seattle partner Mike Gearin (ret.) and associates Michael Meredith, Madisyn Uekawa, and Clara Virden.