Michael Salanick

Michael Salanick is a highly regarded California attorney, licensed by the State Bar of California since 2002. His experience includes more than 23 years in law practice focusing on business enterprise activities and disputes, administrative claims, a wide range of bankruptcy law matters, secured and unsecured creditor claims, and high‑stakes litigation. Michael Salanick's practice also includes serving as legal counsel to nonprofit housing entities in connection with state sponsored housing‑projects and lender–borrower agreements, as well as to individuals, businesses, healthcare organizations (including skilled nursing facilities and hospice providers), and other nonprofit agencies across California.

Admitted to Practice:

California State Bar (2002–present)

U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, including: 

• Central District of California Federal DIstrict Court and Bankruptcy Court
• Southern District of California Federal DIstrict Court and Bankruptcy Court
• Eastern District of California Federal DIstrict Court and Bankruptcy Court
• Northern District of California Federal DIstrict Court and Bankruptcy Court

Statewide Legal Representation

Without exception, Michael Salanick represents debtor and creditor clients in each of California's Federal Bankruptcy Court Districts—including the Central District, Southern District, Eastern District, and Northern District.  He is known for developing cost-effective, personalized strategies in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and complex creditor-side matters. He regularly appears in courts across the state and provides​ tailored representation informed by each district’s unique local rules, practices, and trustee panels.

Throughout his career, Michael has successfully prosecuted adversary cases under 11 U.S.C. § 523 and 11 U.S.C. § 727, securing denial of discharge based on fraud and enforcing creditor claims across a broad spectrum of debtor entities. He is skilled in managing contested bankruptcy proceedings, including resolving objections to discharge, exemptions, plan confirmations, and claim objections from both secured and unsecured creditors, including the IRS, loan servicers, and major lenders.

Michael has a strong track record in securing favorable settlements for clients, significantly reducing secured and unsecured claims and preventing foreclosure actions. His negotiation skills extend to obtaining advantageous loan modifications, deed in lieu agreements, and principal reductions, achieving favorable outcomes in complex financial disputes.

Practice Philosophy

Michael approaches each case with meticulous legal analysis, clear communication, and a focus on practical, effective solutions. His client-centered style emphasizes transparency, strategic problem-solving, and a dedication to resolving legal and financial distress with precision. Whether working on behalf of a distressed homeowner or representing a creditor in a complex business bankruptcy, Michael prioritizes legal efficiency, sustainable outcomes, and cost-sensitive representation that preserves client options and resources.

Michael focuses his bankruptcy law practice on:

• Chapter 13 reorganization for individuals and homeowners
• Creditor-side litigation in adversary proceedings
• Foreclosure defense and lien resolution
• Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 strategy consulting and representation
• Chapter 13 Restructuring for Individuals and Homeowners

​Michael has extensive experience guiding individuals and families through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, using the process to prevent foreclosure, cure mortgage arrears, and eliminate unsecured debt. His representation in Chapter 13 matters includes:

• Halting foreclosure sales and preventing trustee auctions
• Curing mortgage defaults over a five-year repayment plan
• Avoiding wholly unsecured junior liens, and
• Discharging credit card, medical, and personal loan debt

Chapter 13 allows homeowners and wage earners to reorganize debt while retaining their property, and Michael works closely with each client to structure a feasible repayment plan tailored to household needs. He is especially skilled at resolving disputes with mortgage servicers, addressing tax claims, and contesting improper valuation or lien positions to maximize client benefit.

Business Debt Strategy, Ownership Guarantees and Collateralized Obligations, and Chapter 11 Consulting

For closely held businesses and corporate debtors, Michael provides targeted bankruptcy strategy and representation under Chapter 11. He advises on pre-petition planning, lease obligations, and dispute resolution, and has worked with clients navigating:

• Subchapter V reorganization options for small businesses
• Out-of-court restructuring and settlement, and
• Creditor plan objections and claims resolution

Michael also represents creditors and stakeholders in contested Chapter 11 matters, including plan voting, nondischargeability litigation, and stay relief motions. His approach is always calibrated to client goals—whether business continuity or efficient wind-down.

Creditor Representation and Bankruptcy Claims

Michael represents creditors ranging from individual lenders to financial institutions in enforcing their rights in bankruptcy cases. His experience includes:

• Filing and litigating proofs of claim and secured claims
• Objecting to discharge or dischargeability under §§ 523 and 727
• Pursuing nondischargeable judgment enforcement, and
• Litigating preference and fraudulent transfer actions

He represents lienholders in contested matters involving collateral recovery, asset valuation, and stay relief motions, and has represented creditor clients in both high-asset individual cases and business bankruptcies involving litigation recoveries or successor liability concerns.

Commercial Lease Workouts and Pre-Bankruptcy Strategy

Michael also advises corporate clients on lease liability strategy, particularly when dealing with real estate and commercial tenancy disputes in distressed scenarios. He has handled numerous matters involving:

• Lease assumption and rejection under 11 U.S.C. § 365
• Pre-bankruptcy lease termination negotiations
• Landlord-creditor enforcement in tenant bankruptcies, and
• Evaluating long-term occupancy liabilities in liquidation contexts

In pre-bankruptcy scenarios, Michael helps clients weigh strategic options for resolving disputes without formal court intervention—through forbearance, settlements, and negotiated lien releases—maximizing recoveries while minimizing risk exposure.

Industries and Clientele

• Health care providers and hospice organizations
• Closely held family-run businesses and partnerships
• Nonprofit and tax-exempt entities
• Real estate investors and property-owning individuals
• Consumer and business debtors with complex secured and unsecured debt
• Creditors and lienholders seeking to recover assets or enforce rights

Education and Admissions

Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of Michigan Law School

• Michigan Journal of Race & Law - Associate Editor

Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.), Gerald R. Ford School, University of Michigan

• Graduate School Liason, Office of Policy Development & Education

B.A., with honors, Political Science and Public Administration

Admitted to Practice:

California State Bar (2002–present)

U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court

• Central District of California Bankruptcy Court
• Southern District of California Bankruptcy Court
• Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court
• Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court