While many recognize her surname due to her mother, television personality and former judge Jeanine Pirro, Cristine “Christi” Pirro Schwarzman has carved out a formidable reputation entirely on her own merits.
As a Restructuring Partner at the prestigious law firm Ropes & Gray, she is recognized as a leader in complex financial reorganizations.
Biographical Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Cristine “Christi” Pirro Schwarzman |
| Date of Birth | June 23, 1985 |
| Age | 39 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Rye, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Restructuring Partner / Attorney |
| Current Firm | Ropes & Gray LLP |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Zak Schwarzman (m. 2017) |
| Children | One son (Cameron “Cam”) |
| Education | J.D. (UPenn Carey Law), B.A. (UPenn) |
| Family Background | Jeanine Pirro (Mother), Albert Pirro (Father) |
| Hometown | Rye, New York |
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born in Rye, New York, on June 23, 1985, Christi Pirro was raised in an environment deeply entrenched in the legal system.
Her parents, Jeanine and Albert Pirro, were both influential figures in New York law and politics. This upbringing likely instilled an early appreciation for the complexities of the legal profession.
Academic Excellence at UPenn
Christi pursued her higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts.
She continued her studies at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School to earn her Juris Doctor.
Notably, she also earned a Certificate in Business Economics from The Wharton School, providing her with the financial acumen essential for corporate restructuring.
Professional Career: A Legal Powerhouse
Before entering private practice, Christi served as a law clerk for Chief Judge Arthur J. Gonzalez of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
This clerkship provided her with invaluable insight into the judicial decision-making process regarding bankruptcy and insolvency, a foundation that would serve her well in her future practice.
Rise to Partner
Christi spent time honing her skills at major firms, including a tenure as a partner in the restructuring division of Kirkland & Ellis.
Currently, she serves as a Restructuring Partner in Ropes & Gray’s New York office.
Her practice focuses on representing debtors, distressed borrowers, and investors in out-of-court restructurings and Chapter 11 cases.
Notable Representations and Deal Experience
Christi has represented some of the most well-known debtors in the world across various industries, from retail to life sciences.
Her portfolio includes complex, high-stakes financial dealings that require both legal expertise and strategic business negotiation.
Key Case Highlights
- Centric Brands: Represented the lifestyle brand collective in recapitalizing approximately $1.8 billion in funded indebtedness.
- 24 Hour Fitness: Advised the fitness giant in its Chapter 11 cases involving roughly $1.4 billion of funded debt.
- Provention Bio, Inc.: Advised on a sales agreement to Sanofi for $25.00 per share, representing an equity value of approximately $2.9 billion.
- Jack Cooper Ventures: Represented the stalking horse purchaser to address approximately $575 million in secured debt.
Industry Recognition and Awards
The legal community has repeatedly acknowledged Christi’s contributions to the field of bankruptcy and restructuring.
Her accolades highlight her status as a top dealmaker and a leading woman in business law.
List of Accolades
- Law360: Named one of the “Top Bankruptcy Attorneys Under 40” (2023) and a “Rising Star.”
- American Bankruptcy Institute: Honored as one of the “40 Under 40” (2020).
- Global M&A Network: Recognized as a “Top U.S.A. Dealmaker” (2023).
- Chambers USA: Ranked as “Up and Coming” (2023-2025), noted for her adept handling of Chapter 11 cases.
Personal Life and Family
In August 2017, Christi married Zak Schwarzman in a scenic ceremony at House Island in Portland Harbor, Maine.
Zak is a General Partner at MetaProp, a venture capital firm focused on the real estate technology industry, aligning with the family’s history in business and real estate.
Privacy and Motherhood
Despite her mother’s high profile, Christi maintains a relatively private personal life.
The couple has one son, Cameron “Cam” Pirro Schwarzman, born in June 2021. Christi balances her demanding career as a partner at a top-tier law firm with her family life in New York.
Expertise in “Stalking Horse” Bids
A unique aspect of her career is her deep experience with “stalking horse” purchase, a complex method of purchasing assets from a bankrupt company.
Her ability to navigate these high-pressure auctions for clients like Eliquent Life Sciences and Jack Cooper Ventures marks her as a technical specialist in the field.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
