Vincent J. Roldan is a Partner in Mandelbaum Barrett PC's Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights, and Banking and Financial Services groups. He has represented parties in interest in various aspects of bankruptcy proceedings and out of court workouts across the U.S. He also represents clients in non-bankruptcy litigation in state and federal courts on various tort, contract, intellectual property and collection matters. He is a frequent speaker and published writer with respect to restructuring, commercial bankruptcy and distressed investing.

Mr. Roldan served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lewis M. Killian, Jr., United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Florida. Mr. Roldan received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Here we spotlight Vincent as a member of SFNet's Inclusiveness Committee.

Tell us a little about your background. How did you get into the industry and your current role?

I’ve been practicing law for over 24 years, focusing on bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights. My interest in this field started in law school, where I took a bankruptcy course and was drawn to the combination of deal-making and fast-paced litigation.  It was the late 90’s and the economy was strong, but I recognized its cyclical nature.  I decided to intern for a bankruptcy judge and pursue a clerkship, knowing that when the economy inevitably shifted, I would be well-positioned in a critical practice area. That strategy paid off, and I’ve been in the industry ever since.

I am currently a Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC in our Roseland, NJ office, where I represent secured lenders and financially distressed borrowers, guiding them through restructuring, insolvency, and complex litigation.

Why did you join SFNet’s Inclusiveness Committee?

Beyond my legal work, I am passionate about supporting diverse professionals in the industry. I currently serve on the board of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, where I work to expand mentorship and networking opportunities for Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys. Previously, I served on the board of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) for two years.

I joined SFNet’s Inclusiveness Committee because I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for diverse professionals to advance in the legal and financial industries. Early in my career, I knew very few APAs in restructuring, and I wasn’t aware of any APA partners in bankruptcy law. That lack of representation extended to the judiciary and leadership roles in the field.

That experience motivated me to take an active role in creating opportunities for the next generation of APA professionals. I co-founded the Corporate Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee for the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) to help provide mentorship and networking for APAs in restructuring and insolvency. I am also a founding member of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA NY).

These organizations have built lasting networks for APA attorneys, and my experience with each has been so rewarding. Through my work with the SFNet Inclusiveness Committee, I hope to continue creating pathways for diverse professionals to thrive in our industry.

What do you think the industry can do to increase inclusiveness?

The industry needs to go beyond just hiring diverse professionals—it must also ensure they have access to mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership opportunities to truly succeed. Early in my career, I lacked access to APA role models in restructuring, and I know many young attorneys today face similar challenges.

Through my work with APA bar organizations, I’ve seen how strong professional networks can transform careers—not just for one individual, but by building a pipeline for future leaders. These organizations have helped APA attorneys form connections, find mentors, and gain leadership experience, leaving a long-lasting impact on the industry.

The legal and financial industries should take a more proactive approach in creating these same opportunities within firms and institutions. Recognizing talent early and providing structured support ensures that the next generation of diverse professionals is positioned for long-term success. By doing so, we’re not just empowering individuals—we’re strengthening the industry as a whole.