Michael Klein

Michael’s practice focuses on both the transactional and litigation aspects of Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations and liquidations across a range of industries, including private equity, retail, technology, healthcare and life sciences. He frequently represents creditors’ committees and debtors, purchasers of distressed assets, landlords, individual creditors and secured lenders in Chapter 11 cases. Michael regularly advises clients regarding a variety of contested matters, including, among other things, Rule 2004 investigations, post-petition financings, Section 363 sales and plan confirmation issues.

Michael also has significant experience investigating and pursuing fraudulent conveyance and other causes of action for the benefit of bankruptcy estates, including his representation of the Trustee of the Appleseed’s Litigation Trust in his prosecution of a $310 million litigation against affiliates of Golden Gate Capital and other participants in a dividend recapitalization transaction.

Michael’s noteworthy representations include serving as:

• Counsel to women’s apparel retailer Charlotte Russe, web-based invention platform Quirky, and home entertainment and collectibles retailer Hastings Entertainment in connection with their Chapter 11 proceedings
• Counsel to creditors’ committees in the Chapter 11 cases of Claire’s, rue 21, Golfsmith, Kit Digital, Violin Memory, American Apparel, Radio Shack, Videology, Blockbuster Video, Z Gallerie and Sizmek
• Counsel to Mercato Partners, Roivant Sciences, Eschen Prosthetics and SB360 Capital Partners in connection with their acquisition of distressed assets through Section 363 sales
• Counsel to defendants in adversary proceedings arising from the Bernard L. Madoff, Fairfield Sentry, Lyondell Chemical, AgFeed Industries and Sundance Energy bankruptcy cases

In 2025, Turnaround & Workouts named Michael one of only 15 lawyers nationwide to its “Outstanding Restructuring Lawyers” list. From 2015 to 2019, he was recognized as a New York Rising Star by New York Super Lawyers magazine. Michael is a member of the Turnaround Management Association, has authored numerous articles in the TMA Journal of Corporate Renewal, and has served on the journal's editorial advisory board and education oversight committee. Michael regularly speaks to creditor groups regarding the latest developments in all aspects of in-court and out-of-court restructurings.