Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
94 Client Reviews
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Michael Jay Berger
also known as Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
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Free Consultation
About Michael
Biography
Work Experience
43 years of experience representing debtors and creditors in all types of bankruptcy proceedings. Attorney with the 50 lawyer Beverly Hills firm Rifkind & Sterling from 1981-1983. Started his own firm in 1983. His clients include accountants, actors, advertising agencies, ambulance companies, bail bond companies, book stores, car washes, churches and synagogues, clothing companies, construction companies, construction supply companies, contractors, cosmetic companies, dentists, designers, doctors, entrepreneurs, film companies, gas stations, hospitals, hotels, insurance agencies, insurance sales people, investors, landlords and tenants, landscape companies, lawyers, lenders, magazines, manufacturing companies, musicians, nightclubs, pawn shops, physical therapists, radio stations, real estate brokers, real estate developers, real estate investors, restaurants, retail stores, schools, screenwriters, security guard companies, shopping centers, song writers, stock brokers, students, teachers, television stations, trucking companies and veterinarians.
Served as Judge Pro Tem for the Beverly Hills Municipal Court, an Arbitrator for the Beverly Hills Bar Association, and an Editor of the Beverly Hills Bar Association Journal. Active member of the Beverly Hills Bar Assocation Bankruptcy Section, The Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum, The California Bankruptcy Forum, Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys' Association, and the American Bankruptcy Institute.
Area Served
I serve the entire Southern California area with the majority of my cases being in the Central District of California downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, and Riverside branch courts.
Interests
Mr. Berger is also an accomplished runner, having completed 48 Marathons and 12 ultramarathons. Mr. Berger’s most recent marathon was the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon. His most recent ultramarathons were the Umstead 50 Mile Endurance Run on April 1, 2017, the Orange Curtain 50K on February 25, 2017 (finishing time 5:57:17, a new PR), OTHTC High Desert 50K on December 4, 2016 (finishing time 6:29:33), the Gu Run 3 TransRockies Run, a 58 mile race in Colorado, on August 9, 2016, the Javelina 100, a 100 Kilometer trail race in Arizona on November 1, 2014, and Comrades Marathon, a 56 mile road race in South Africa on June 1, 2014 (finishing time 11:28:38). Mr. Berger is an active member of Track Club Los Angeles, and was its Most Improved Runner in 2002 and its Volunteer of the Year in 2013.
For a detailed record of the more than 244 races that Mr. Berger has participated in, see his profile on Athlinks . Mr. Berger is the first person ever to receiv the USATF Gold Phidippipides Award “For Outstanding Performance and Endurance in Long Distance Running” for seventeen years in a row, from 2009 through 2025
Mr. Berger is also the lead singer for the Los Angeles based rock and roll band DTF. DTF plays all of the best clubs in Los Angeles, including the Viper Room, the Whisky a Go Go, the Troubadour, and Three Clubs Hollywood.
I am a Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law with 43 years of bankruptcy experience. Call (310) 579-2626 Now for a FREE consultation!
I have represented the debtor in more than 200 Chapter 11 cases, including many SubChapter V Chapter 11 cases.
Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who do not qualify for chapter 7. I have confirmed hundreds of Chapter 13 plans.
I have handled more than a thousand Chapter 7s from start to finish.
I am a successful trial lawyer, with big wins in bankruptcy court, state court, United States District Court and appellate courts.
I have won appeals at the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, the United States District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Courts of Appeal.
I have successfully settled hundreds of millions of dollars in debt.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
70%
44 years | 200 cases
Litigation
10%
44 years | 300 cases
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
9%
44 years | 2,000 cases
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
5%
44 years | 700 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-695 per hour
Contingency
25%-40%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Awards
2020 2015 2014
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in California for 44 years
State: California
Acquired: 1981
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016
Location
Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
(310) 271-9805
Fax
(310) 579-2626
Mobile
9454 Wilshire Blvd 6th Fl, Beverly Hills, CA, 90212
bankruptcypower.com/Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
(310) 579-2626
Mobile
515 South Flower Street, 36th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
bankruptcypower.com/Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
(310) 579-2626
Mobile
21900 Burbank Blvd., 3rd Floor, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
bankruptcypower.com/Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
(310) 579-2626
Mobile
11801 Pierce Street,Suite 200, Riverside, CA, 92505
bankruptcypower.com/Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
(310) 579-2626
Mobile
333 City Boulevard West 17th Floor, Orange, CA, 92868
bankruptcypower.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Jay Berger's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 80 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Rinat | December 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Bankruptcy Attorney and Exceptional Support Staff
I am extremely grateful for the outstanding work of my bankruptcy attorney and his secretary. From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. My case was not simple, but everything was handled with clarity, patience, and attention to detail. My attorney expl...
Posted by anonymous | August 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Ch 7
Michael Berger and Karine are the real deal.. no need to look anywhere else. They handled business for me !!
Posted by anonymous | July 1, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My review
The best I've known. Karine did a good job. Assisting us for all the questions. Very patient and understanding. I strongly recommend MJB Law office. They won't fail you. More power and thank you so much.
Michael Berger
Replied last July 2, 2024Thank you! Glad to help!
Posted by Tony | January 28, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Prompt and focused advice
Mr Berger provided clear and focused advice on the issue. Very helpful and recommended!
Michael Berger
Replied last February 15, 2024Thank you, Tony!
Posted by Mukul | November 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Peace of Mind
Thank you to Michael J Berger and his assistant Karine Manvelian for guiding me through this process. I was lost and really needed answers. After getting screwed by a debt consolidation company, Alleviate Financial, this group gave me the peace of mind i greatly needed. I’m thankful for the classes t...
Michael Berger
Replied last December 4, 2023Thank you, Mukul! Debt consolidation firms usually leave their clients unhappy and worse off. I am glad that we were able to help you get a fresh start. You deserve it. All the best to you!
Michael Jay Berger's Lawyer Endorsements
"I strongly and without hesitation endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Berger is exceptionally well versed in bankruptcy law and his litigation skills are unmatched. He is brilliant and I have seen him resolve problems that other lawyers could not. I have referred many clients to him that were in serious need and all of them have thanked me."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. My experience with Michael Berger has included an opposing counsel relationship as wells as working together for common clients. Not only is he diligent, timely and attentive, it is clear that the interests of the client are paramount to him and he will go the "extra mile" even if clients' budgets do not allow for it. He has a highly personalized practice and cares deeply about the outome of all matters and not just his wallet. I have no hesitation in referring him to clients and I regulary do so."
"Mr. Berger is a frequent contributor on the Avvo website. His responses are accurate, concise and best of all, practical and useful. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael Jay Berger is a certified specialist in the area of Bankruptcy Law. He is knowledgeable in chapter 7, 13 and 11s and has extensive litigation experience."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael has been in practice for many years and is a certified specialist. He has been helping clients for a very long time. He has very dedicated associates and staff that are committed to practicing good law and making the best decisions for the firm's clients. He also has dedicated personal interests outside the practice of law that make him well rounded."
"Michael absolutely knows what he is doing. He is responsive and professional and I would not hesitate to recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael took the time to explain the process to a client I sent his way. I am glad we called him."
"Mr. Berger is an experienced attorney who is extremely knowledgeable in his fields of practice."
"mr berger is knowledgeable in the field of bankruptcy i am a real estate attorney and have referred him clients for bankruptcy protection all were very happy wiyth his knowledge, professionalism and at a fair price!"
"When it comes to creditors rights and remedies, Michael Bereger is tops. I have referred clients to him and he handled every case to their satisfaction. Besides, he is a great guy."
"Michael is knowledgeable, diligent, and caring. I've worked with him on a few bankruptcy cases (not my specialty) and picked his brain on some other issues. He generously gives his time and is the consummate professional. I highly endorse him and strongly recommend that you put him on the top of your list for any bankruptcy matters."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael is a brilliant bankruptcy lawyer. We refer cases to him and I have never had an unhappy client. I highly recommend him."
Sofya Davtyan
Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer
Nina Marino
White collar crime lawyer
Ori Blumenfeld
Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer
Glenn Stevens
Real estate lawyer
Steven Stolar
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.
Private reproval, public disclosure issued in CA, 2016
updated on 10/05/2016Private reproval, public disclosure means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar warns the lawyer in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 1997
updated on 01/20/2016This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Honors
2019
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Phidippides Award, USATF
2017
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Phidippides Award, USATF
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Phidippides Award, USATF
2014
Phidippides Award, USATF
2014
Superb Rated Attorney 10 out of 10, AVVO
2013
Volunteer of the Year, Track Club LA
2013
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Superb Rated Attorney 10 out of 10, AVVO
2013
Phidippides Award, USATF
2013
Phidippides Award, USATF
2012
Phidippides Award, USATF
2012
Superb Rated Attorney 10 out of 10, Avvo
2012
Best California Attorneys, Best Lawyers
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2011
Phidippides Award, USATF
2011
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2011
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2010
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Phidippides Award, USATF
2010
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2009
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2009
Phidippides Award, USATF
2008
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2008
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2007
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Certified Specialist - Bankruptcy Law, State Bar of California
2006
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyer
2005
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
Most Improved Runner, Track Club LA
2002
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1997
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1995
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1981
Thurston Honor Society, Hastings College of the Law
1981
Order of the Coif, Order of the Coif
1978
National DSR-TKA Scholar, Delta Sigma Rho Tau Kappa Alpha
Work Experience
1983 - Present
Owner, Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
1991 - 1996
Associate Editor, Beverly Hills Bar Journal
1981 - 1983
Associate Attorney, Rifkind & Sterling
Associations
2010 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysOfficer
2005 - Present
California Bankruptcy ForumMember
2005 - Present
Los Angeles Bankruptcy ForumMember
2005 - Present
American Bankruptcy InstituteOfficer
2005 - Present
Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Track Club LAMember, Most Improved Runner, Volunteer of the Year
1981 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Bankruptcy SectionOfficer
1981 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1991 - 1996
Beverly Hills Bar JournalOfficer
1988 - 1992
Beverly Hills Bar AssociationOfficer
1988 - 1992
Beverly Hills Municipal CourtJudge Pro Tem
1976 - 1978
Duke Debate TeamCaptain
1976 - 1978
North Carolina Public Interest Research GroupChairman, Duke University Branch
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Maqsoudi
I recovered 100% of my creditor client's claim in a Chapter 7 + legal fees
In re Gregory Stephen Jones, Jr. and Eteva Desiree Laufasa, Case No.: 2:11-bk-22829-PC.
A Final Decree was entered on October 3, 2012.
In re Richard G. Miller and Shannon Miller, Case No # 6:10-bk-31105-MJ
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
In re Leonor C Zimerman, Case No.: 1:11-bk-14045-GM
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
In re Name Withheld, Case No # 1:10-bk-23818-GM.
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
In re Vahigh and Penah Dadayan, Case No.: 2-11-bk-14452-RK
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
In re Hamid Doe and Farideh Doe, Case No.: 1-11-bk-17414-AA
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 case.
In re 7 West, LLC, Case # 2:10-bk-36804-ER
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case
In re Moshe Segev and Michelle M. Cohen, Case # 1:09-bk-23222-GM
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
In re Ludo Gust Mensch and Lorraine Patricia Mensch, Case No.: 1:10-bk-22102-MT.
Confirmed a Plan of Reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case
In re Rahim Zabihi, Case No. 8-10-bk-11504-TA
An Order Confirming Debtor's Plan of Reorganization was entered in that case on July 18, 2011.
Edward Akselrod v Hamid Reisi
We won. The Adversary Proceeding filed against our client was dismissed by the Court
In re Ronald Edward Younker, Sr. and Katherine Marie Younker
My firm and I confirmed a Chapter 13 plan for the debtors that provides for payment of 26% of allowed claims for general unsecured creditors.
In re Jock R. Ellis and Michelle D. Chamberlain Elis, Debtors
My firm and I obtained an Order Confirming Chapter 13 Plan. The percentage to the allowed unsecured creditors at the time of confirmation of the plan is 14.00%
Robin Kirstie Nichols v Nasima Naim Sharifi
We won. Based on our Motion, the Court Dismissed Plaintiff's Adversary Proceeding for Failure to State a Claim Upon Which Relief Can Be Granted.
Managed Care Medical Group, Inc.
Plan confirmed, successful reorganization for a medical practice
Education
1981
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
Duke University
Undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2013
Money 101 With Bob McCormick
Discharging Taxes In Bankruptcy
2013
Money 101 with Bob McCormick
Bankruptcy and Student Loans
2013
Money 101 with Bob McCormack
Five Ways To Make Sure Your Bills Don't Drive You Into Bankruptcy
2010
Long Beach Town Hall Meeting For Former Students of Silver State Helicopters
The Proposed Settlement of a Class Action Lawsuit Against Student Loan Xpress
Publications
2019
Bankruptcy Today
Certified Specialist + Free Consultation = A Great Idea!
2016
Bankruptcy Today
KeyBank Give Up
2013
Bankruptcy Today
Defending Preference Claims in Bankruptcy
2007
Track Club LA
Boston Marathon, Monday, April 16, 2007
Languages
English
Spanish
Russian
Armenian
Cambodian
Hebrew
Farsi
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Why does my boyfriend, who lives with me, have to list my assets when he is the one filing bankruptcy?
31 Mar 2020
Q&A
Can a case be appealed before paying a memorandum of cost?
04 Apr 2020
Q&A
Will a business owner be bale to apply for the payroll disaster relief loan while involved personally in a chapter 13 bankruptcy
05 Apr 2020