Ballard Spahr LLP

Litigation

Partner

Michael works in the firm’s Litigation Department, focusing his practice on complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings as well as receiverships, workouts, and commercial litigation, primarily in the areas of distressed real estate and other distressed assets, retail/restaurant/hospitality, and technology.  Based out of San Francisco, Michael is associated with the firm’s Los Angeles and Phoenix 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 matters typically involve receiverships, workouts, or litigation related to distressed assets, enforcement of real property leases or purchase agreements, loan defaults and guaranties, fraudulent transfer actions, and judgment enforcement proceedings.

In the bankruptcy context, Michael has significant experience representing technology companies, commercial landlords, secured lenders, and other creditors in the bankruptcies of their customers, tenants, and borrowers. Michael helps clients navigate bankruptcy proceedings—including 363 asset sales, assumption and assignment of leases and executory contracts, stay relief proceedings, chapter 11 plan confirmation, and preference actions—in order to protect their rights and maximize their recoveries.

Prior to private practice, Michael served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sarah Sharer Curley at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona from 2012 to 2014. He was listed as “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers in 2021 and 2022.

Admissions

Arizona

California

Utah

Professional Activities

American Bankruptcy Institute

Bay Area Bankruptcy Forum

California Receivers Forum

International Council of Shopping Centers