
Michael works in the firm’s Litigation Department, focusing his practice on complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings as well as commercial litigation, primarily in the areas of real property, retail/restaurant/hospitality, technology and distressed assets. Michael is associated with the firm’s Phoenix and Los Angeles offices but his practice extends across state and federal courts throughout the United States.
Michael assists businesses in resolving complex disputes, whether through creative, business-oriented solutions or through litigation in court. These litigation matters typically involve distressed assets, enforcement of real estate leases, enforcement of real property purchase agreements, loan default actions, enforcement of contract guarantees, fraudulent transfer actions, and judgment enforcement proceedings.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Served on the trial team in a three-week trial that obtained a judgment for a special servicer against the borrower for more than $150 million
- Counsels a Fortune 500 technology company in bankruptcy proceedings
- Assisted a large bank obtain a settlement and release and avoid liability relating to a $5 million wire sent by fraudulent means
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
American Bankruptcy Institute
Bay Area Bankruptcy Forum
California Receivers Forum
International Council of Shopping Centers
Recognition & Accomplishments
The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch," – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Real Estate Litigation (Los Angeles), 2021-2024; Construction Litigation (Los Angeles), 2022-2024
Speaking Engagements
Speaker, "Retail Apocalypse: The State of Retail Bankruptcies," State Bar of Arizona 2019 Convention, June 28, 2019
Speaker, "Nuts and Bolts of Adversary Proceedings," State Bar of Arizona 2018 Convention, June 29, 2018
Speaker, "Let's Ask the Bankruptcy Bar: Ethical Issues in Bankruptcy," State Bar of Arizona 2015 Convention, June 26, 2015
Board Memberships & Community Service
Publications
"Problems in the Code: Section 365(d)(3): More Bark or Bite?" American Bankruptcy Institute Journal, May 1st, 2019
"Problems in the Code: Landlords, Beware! When Does the § 502(b)(6) Calculation Start?," American Bankruptcy Institute Journal, August 1st 2016
Related Insights
Credentials
Education
University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law (J.D. 2012)
Articles Editor, Arizona Law Review
Occidental College (B.A. in Economics, with distinction, 2009)
Admissions
Arizona
California
Utah