Top national law firm Akerman today announced Michael Goldberg, a partner in the Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice Group, has been named to Forbes’ inaugural Top 200 U.S. Lawyers list. According to the publication, the ranking recognizes the “top lawyers involved in the most consequential cases, deals, or legal trends in recent years.”
For more than three decades, Goldberg’s practice has focused on the recovery aspects of complex bankruptcies and fraud, making a substantial and positive impact in the lives of thousands of people. He is well known for serving in this capacity as court-appointed receiver for the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association, Inc., following the horrific collapse of the building in Surfside, Florida, in June 2021. Working at the center of one of the largest building failures in U.S. history, Goldberg helped shepherd the $120 million sale of the oceanfront land and guided compensation of the victims and homeowners of Champlain Towers South, based on a $1.1 billion class action settlement.
Goldberg, also named Bankruptcy MVP by Law360 and Attorney of the Year by the Daily Business Review in 2023, is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy. He is a trusted advisor to multinational companies involved in bankruptcies. In 2023, he led the Akerman team representing Monster Energy in the bankruptcy, and ultimately the acquisition, of a competitor. He also was chosen to serve as Plan Administrator for the Chapter 11 plan of Bed Bath & Beyond.
Some of Michael's significant fraud cases include the Jay Peak Resort matter, the largest fraud case in Vermont's history. The former owners fraudulently raised approximately $500 million from more than 800 investors from at least 74 countries through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program for projects at the ski resort. He also serves as liquidating trustee of The Woodbridge Group of Companies, which is accused of defrauding 8,400 investors out of $1.2 billion through the sale of bogus notes, which the victims were told were secured by real estate. The scheme targeted retirees, many of whom lost much of their life savings.
More recently, Michael was appointed litigation trustee of the GWG Holdings, Inc., litigation trust, which is pursuing litigation arising out of the $1.3 billion alleged GWG Ponzi scheme. He also was appointed receiver in the bankruptcy of an alleged cryptocurrency fraud, which the SEC claims raised $100 million from investors through “Ponzi-like conduct.”
"Being among the first 200 lawyers ever to be recognized by Forbes is a remarkable and well-deserved accomplishment.," said Akerman Chairman and CEO Scott Meyers. Mike is an extraordinary advocate, using his exceptional legal skills to serve our clients at the highest levels of professional excellence, while also maintaining genuine compassion and concern for his colleagues and his community. He is not only a great lawyer, but also a great person. Mike wins and he cares, which are the hallmarks of an Akerman partner."
The prestigious Forbes list is based on a rigorous, multi-stage process of editorial research and evaluation of an array of attorneys from a variety of backgrounds, specializations, and geographic regions.
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