About
Provided by Akerman LLP
Akerman serves as bankruptcy counsel or receiver in complex insolvency cases, helping parties maximize recoveries nationwide. With a leading banking and finance practice, the group regularly represents global financial institutions, mortgage holders, and other secured creditors as well as court appointed committees, trustees, creditors, purchasers, and other stakeholders in workouts, receiverships, and Chapter 11 reorganizations.
Service Offerings
- Bankruptcy Trustees
- Buyers of Bankruptcy Assets (363 Sales)
- Chapter 11 Debtors
- Commercial Landlord-Tenant Bankruptcy
- Creditors Committees
- Debtor-in-Possession Financing
- Executory Contracts
- Mortgage Warehouse Financing Workouts
- Preference & Fraudulent Transfers Litigation Defense
- SEC Receiverships
- Secured Creditors
- State Court Liquidations (ABCs)
- Tax Credit Projects in Bankruptcy
- Workouts & Restructuring
Chambers Review
Highly regarded for its experience in foreclosures, workouts and receiverships. Focuses primarily on the representation of creditors and trustees, including major national and international financial clients, alongside work for commercial landlords, suppliers, vendors and purchasers of distressed companies and assets. Strong base across Florida and also able to draw on wider nationwide bankruptcy capabilities in key hubs such as New York and Dallas.
Work Highlights
- Akerman LLP represented VCHP Entities in contested Chapter 11 cases involving three Red Roof Inn motels.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They meet and exceed our expectations. They offer timely, knowledgeable responses and are cooperative and responsive."
"The bankruptcy team has a diverse set of experiences and can handle almost any kind of matter."
"They're team-oriented and are committed to doing a good job."
"They meet and exceed our expectations. They offer timely, knowledgeable responses and are cooperative and responsive."
"The bankruptcy team has a diverse set of experiences and can handle almost any kind of matter."
"They're team-oriented and are committed to doing a good job."
Notable Practitioners

Jules Cohen is a popular choice for clients seeking advice on Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. He offers notable experience handling matters in the retail and real estate sectors.
"He is a dean of the bankruptcy Bar who is recognized by judges, who listen closely to what he has to say." "He's very experienced, knowledgeable and even-keeled. He's a strong, confident advocate who advocates for his clients without being overly litigious."

Highly regarded individual Michael Goldberg is considered to be an expert in bankruptcy-related asset recovery matters.
"He is good at looking at the big picture instead of focusing too much on a discrete issue. He's a brilliant legal mind who can take a case, dissect it and look at the most important issues to get done to get clients to a result." "He's very smart, hard-working, and always steady and focused."

Head of department Andrea Hartley is known for her participation in Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 bankruptcies. She represents a wide range of clients including trustees and corporations.
"She can unpack complex issues in cases and get to the heart of them." "A practical attorney who tries to get results for her client in the most efficient way possible."

Eyal Berger is a talented bankruptcy practitioner, with a growing creditor-side practice. He offers notable expertise in Chapter 11 proceedings.
"He has the power of persuasion backed with a good legal mind. He is very focused and is good at spotting issues. His broad knowledge base and practical experience assist him in working with his clients." "An effective, strategic attorney who thinks about putting himself in the position of having the most leverage."

John Macdonald is a well-respected bankruptcy practitioner. His experience includes advising on debt restructurings.
"He works collaboratively to get the best overall result for the benefit of his client." "He's effective, well respected and helps to drive settlements."

Brett Marks has built a diverse practice in the bankruptcy sector and is noted for his debtor, creditor and trustee representation.
"He's willing to come to the table and negotiate the best result for his client. He has a good understanding of the bankruptcy process." "He meets client needs and is timely, responsive, bright, energetic and strategic."

Esther McKean is noted for her work on Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. Clients including trustees and corporations benefit from her knowledge of bankruptcy proceedings.
"She's able to unpick the layers of complicated cases and work out deals with parties to move forward." "She's very responsive, knowledgeable, and does good work."

Steven Wirth enjoys market recognition for his burgeoning practice. He regularly counsels distressed companies on their finances.
"He's good in court and tries to find solutions if possible." "A very personable individual with a lot of experience in complex matters."
Ranked Lawyers at
Akerman LLP
Florida: North & Central




Florida: South




Members
Provided by Akerman LLP
D Brett Marks
David E Otero
Clients
Provided by Akerman LLP
Buffets LLC
Clawback Defendants (Bernie Madoff)
Jay Peak Vermont Resort - Receiver
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, P.A. - Liquidating Trustee
Samsung Electronics of America
Worldwide Entertainment - Receiver
Industries
Provided by Akerman LLP
Banks
Chemicals
Commercial & Professional Services
Energy
Financial Services
Health Care
Private Clients / Individuals
Real Estate
Real Estate Finance
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Sports
Technology, Hardware & Electronics
Transportation
Travel & Leisure