Overview
Michael is a seasoned professional with a robust background in commercial finance and real estate, boasting expertise in lending, alternative financing, bankruptcy/creditor’s rights, and distressed debt restructuring.
His proficiency in structuring, documenting, and negotiating loans and other transactions has made him a highly sought-after resource for clients across the nation. Michael has successfully overseen, from term sheet through closing, commercial transactions ranging from $2 million to over $100+ million in value.
In addition, Michael boasts a remarkable track record in handling a diverse array of litigation matters, spanning fraudulent transfers, lien disputes, non-dischargeability cases, and other intricate commercial and UCC-related claims. Renowned for his expertise, particularly in the revenue-based financing industry, he serves as a trusted advocate for esteemed stakeholders such as bankruptcy trustees, receivers, and creditors.
As a member of the CLA Business Law Section’s Executive Committee, Michael’s commitment extends beyond his legal practice. He places a significant emphasis on community service and pro bono work, actively contributing to organizations like Public Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles, Ronald McDonald House, and others, highlighting his dedication to having a positive social impact.
Originally from Miami, Florida, and of Cuban descent, Michael finds his greatest pride in his family—his wife and two daughters—with and to whom he devotes all his free time.
United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, “Honor Roll” (2022-Present)
Super Lawyers, “Rising Star” (2016-2024), “Up-and-Coming 100” (2018-2024)
Best Lawyers in America, “Best Lawyer,” Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation – Bankruptcy (2018-Present)
Public Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, William J. Lasarow Award (2017)
Business Law Section of the California Lawyer’s Association, Executive Committee Member
Insolvency Law Committee of the California Lawyers Association’s Business Law Section, Co-Vice Chair
Alternative Finance Bar Association, Member
Hispanic National Bar Association, Member
Cuban American Bar Association, Member
Remedies Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Executive Committee Member
California Receivers Forum, Los Angeles/Orange County, Young Professionals Council, Co-Chair
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Fellow, 2023
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles, Bankruptcy Self-Help Desk, Volunteer (2015-present)
Panelist, “Litigation in Bankruptcy: Case Law and Strategies,” 2024 Alternative Finance Bar Association Conference (June 3, 2024)
Moderator, “Stalking Horse Real Property Sales in Bankruptcy: To Stalk or Not To Stalk,” California Lawyers Association CLE (October 2023)
Panelist, “Bankruptcy: The aftermath of Chicago v. Fulton, In re: Shoot the Moon and Other Pivotal Bankruptcy Cases that Shape Industry Practices,” AFBA Conference (June 15-16, 2022)
Speaker, California Association of Realtors (February 2019)
Experience
Representing revenue-based funder as litigation oversight counsel in over 60 concurrent lawsuits and arbitration matters throughout the United States.
Represented Fortune 500 secured lender in revising and updating various loan agreements and ancillary documents.
Representing captive finance companies in the automobile industry with respect to the documentation and diligence of various asset-backed loans (including floorplan and inventory loans).
Represented secured lender in closing over $150 million in real estate loans in a 1-week period.
Represented lenders in multiple multi-million dollar work-out situations resulting in full recoveries.
Credentials
USC School of Law, J.D.
University of Florida, B.S., Business Administration & Finance
Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber LLP, 2011-2020
Admitted in California
Federal Courts:
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Central, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California
U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Central, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of California
