Ducera Partners Interview Questions
The most common technical, behavioral, and fit questions asked in Ducera Partners investment banking interviews. Based on real interview experiences from successful candidates.
Last updated April 2026 · By the Superday AI editorial team
Practice Ducera Partners questions with AI
Get instant feedback on your answers with AI mock interviews.
Technical Questions
- A company has $500M in debt trading at 60 cents on the dollar, $100M in annual EBITDA that has declined 30% year-over-year, and a $50M liquidity shortfall in 6 months. Walk me through the restructuring options and how you would advise this client.
- Explain the differences between a Chapter 11 reorganization, a Section 363 sale, and an out-of-court restructuring. When would you recommend each and what are the key decision factors?
- Walk me through the absolute priority rule in bankruptcy. How does it affect recovery waterfall analysis for different classes of creditors, and when can it be deviated from?
- A distressed company is negotiating a debt-for-equity swap with its senior secured lenders. How do you determine the conversion ratio, and what role does the valuation of the reorganized entity play?
- How do you value a distressed company? Walk me through the differences between a going-concern DCF and a liquidation analysis, and explain when each is more appropriate.
Behavioral Questions
- Ducera was founded by former restructuring bankers from Lazard and Rothschild. What do you know about our founding team and why does their background appeal to you?
- Restructuring engagements often involve contentious stakeholder dynamics. Tell me about a time you navigated a conflict between parties with opposing interests.
- Why restructuring over M&A advisory? What specifically about distressed situations interests you intellectually?
- Describe a situation where you had to deliver an analysis with imperfect or incomplete data. How did you communicate uncertainty while still providing a useful recommendation?
- Ducera is a young firm competing against established restructuring practices. What attracts you to a platform that is still building its brand versus joining a legacy name?
Fit Questions
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
- Describe a time you failed.
- How do you handle pressure?
- What questions do you have for me?
Tips for Ducera Partners Interviews
- Ducera Partners is a restructuring-focused advisory firm founded in 2016 by former Lazard and Rothschild bankers. Understand this pedigree and be prepared to discuss why the founders left established platforms to build an independent practice.
- Restructuring technicals are fundamentally different from M&A. Prepare extensively on credit analysis, recovery waterfalls, Chapter 11 mechanics, DIP financing, and valuation of distressed assets. Standard M&A preparation is insufficient.
- The firm works on high-profile restructurings and complex liability management exercises. Research recent Ducera engagements and be prepared to discuss the strategic considerations in large-scale debt restructurings.
- Ducera values analytical intensity and intellectual independence. As a smaller firm, analysts are expected to own significant workstreams from day one. Your behavioral stories should demonstrate self-sufficiency and comfort working in unstructured environments.
- The distressed market is cyclical. Be prepared to discuss the current credit cycle, where stress is emerging in the economy, and what sectors are most likely to produce restructuring mandates in the near term.