PRO
also known as Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
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.
7
Practice Areas
44 years | 200 cases
44 years | 300 cases
44 years | 2,000 cases
44 years | 700 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
$ 200-695 per hour
25%-40%
Sometimes
State: California
Acquired: 1981
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016
Fax
Mobile
9454 Wilshire Blvd 6th Fl, Beverly Hills, CA, 90212
bankruptcypower.com/Mobile
515 South Flower Street, 36th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
bankruptcypower.com/Mobile
21900 Burbank Blvd., 3rd Floor, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
bankruptcypower.com/Mobile
11801 Pierce Street,Suite 200, Riverside, CA, 92505
bankruptcypower.com/Mobile
333 City Boulevard West 17th Floor, Orange, CA, 92868
bankruptcypower.com/
Other places you can find Michael online.
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Foreclosure
Posted by Nakia | September 01, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Foreclosure
thorough and compassionate
Michael and his senior attorney Sofya are amazing! They really go above and beyond to support and fight for their clients. Michael is a compassionate, thoughtful and loyal lawyer. He's smart and clever. Michael Berger worked vigorously through all the ups and downs fighting to save our home. It wa...
Posted by Sharon | August 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Foreclosure
Chapter-7 converted into Chapter-13
There are not enough words to explain the mental stress I endured for 6 months after filing a Chapter-7 BK by a nonprofessional petitioner. My nightmare started after i received Court documents from the BK Trustees threatening to sale my home in lieu of me filing a Chp-7 erroneously by my petitioner...
Posted by Patricia | September 16, 2010 | Foreclosure
Highly Recommend/ A lawyer who cares for his clients
When I was in need of help financially I knew I was going to have to file for bankrupt and it does worry you especially if you own a home. Well Michael Berger helped me save my home. I'm now free of stress because of Michael I was able to start a fresh new start. I know I could always count on him ...
Posted by Brian | September 03, 2010 | Foreclosure
Certified Genius - and then some.
In life, we don't know what is around the corner. With all good intentions, and best efforts, we all fall short sometimes through some set of circumstances that we have no control over. Some people call this fate, but I like to think of it as simply the nature of living. We can not avoid calamity, or...
"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."
Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer
White collar crime lawyer
Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer
Real estate lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
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.
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
1983 - Present
Owner, Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
1991 - 1996
Associate Editor, Beverly Hills Bar Journal
1981 - 1983
Associate Attorney, Rifkind & Sterling
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
I recovered 100% of my creditor client's claim in a Chapter 7 + legal fees
A Final Decree was entered on October 3, 2012.
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 case.
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case
I confirmed a plan of reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case.
Confirmed a Plan of Reorganization in a Chapter 11 Case
An Order Confirming Debtor's Plan of Reorganization was entered in that case on July 18, 2011.
We won. The Adversary Proceeding filed against our client was dismissed by the Court
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.
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%
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.
Plan confirmed, successful reorganization for a medical practice
1981
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
Undergraduate
2013
Discharging Taxes In Bankruptcy
2013
Bankruptcy and Student Loans
2013
Five Ways To Make Sure Your Bills Don't Drive You Into Bankruptcy
2010
The Proposed Settlement of a Class Action Lawsuit Against Student Loan Xpress
2019
2016
2013
2007
English
Spanish
Russian
Armenian
Cambodian
Hebrew
Farsi
Legal Answers
Why does my boyfriend, who lives with me, have to list my assets when he is the one filing bankruptcy?
31 Mar 2020
Can a case be appealed before paying a memorandum of cost?
04 Apr 2020
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