Michael Reynolds' practice is concentrated in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, corporate reorganizations, debtor, creditor, creditor committee and trustee representations, creditors' rights and remedies. His practice also includes judicial foreclosures and receiverships and representation of non-profit public benefit corporations. Michael has significant experience in international litigation and judgment collection against foreign and domestic individuals, companies and government entities. He practices at the trial and appellate court level, in both state and federal court.
Representative Matters
· Represented and successfully reorganized retail flooring company including confirmation of Chapter 11 plan by cramdown on dissenting creditors and interest holders.
· Represented Receiver for a gourmet grocer and successfully obtained orders excusing turnover of estate. Served as mediator, successfully settling state court lawsuits, appeals, and voluntary and involuntary Chapter 11 petitions.
· Represented and successfully reorganized four residential real estate development companies, resulting in the confirmation of a Chapter 11 plan by cramdown on dissenting creditors, with a substantial return to equity interest holders.
· Represented and successfully reorganized $100+ million producer and distributor of baby and toddler-related gear and products including confirmation of Chapter 11 plan by cramdown on dissenting creditors.
· Represented and successfully confirmed Chapter 11 plan for residential real estate developer.
· Represented and successfully reorganized large commercial bakery. Essential to the efforts was negotiating a largely consensual Chapter 11 plan.
· Represented and successfully reorganized a multi-million dollar e-business solutions firm. Essential to the reorganization effort was a success in cramming down a Chapter 11 plan on dissenting creditors.
· Represented and successfully reorganized a multi-million dollar trucking company. Essential to the reorganization effort was a success in cramming down a Chapter 11 plan on dissenting creditors.
· Successfully defended non-profit charity against eight-count lawsuit by the State Attorney General, culminating in complete exoneration of defendants following lengthy trial.
· Represented a foreign labor union in a complex commercial dispute and defended efforts to enforce a judgment. Ultimately succeeded in overturning a $270 million judgment against the union and in releasing nearly $50 million in assets that had been improperly seized by creditors.
· Represented a private U.S. company in complex litigation in several different forums against the government of Chiapas, Mexico. The litigation ultimately resulted in the award and partial recovery of an approximately $46 million judgment against the government of Chiapas, Mexico.
Professional Memberships & Activities
· Orange County Bar Association, Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section, Chairman
· Orange County Bankruptcy Forum, President (2010); Board of Directors (2003-2011)
· State Bar of California
· American Bankruptcy Institute
· California Receivers' Forum
Representative Presentations & Publications
· Will Your Charitable Service Go Unpunished?, Author, Orange County Business Journal (November 22-28, 2010)
· Our Orange County Winter of Discontent, Co-Author, Orange County Business Journal (November 24-30, 2008)
· Enforcement of Judgments in California, Lecturer, Continuing Education of the Bar
Professional Recognition & Awards
· Southern California Super Lawyers®, Bankruptcy, Corporate Reorganization, Creditors' Rights and Remedies - Rising Stars Edition (2003-2007)
· Young Gun (top 20 in Southern California under 40 years old), Daily Journal (March 2005)
Other Professional Experience
· U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Judicial Extern to Hon. Robert W. Alberts
· U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, Judicial Extern to Hon. Oliver W. Wanger
· Western State University School of Law, Adjunct Professor, Bankruptcy (2004-2008)
News & Events
02/16/2012, Michael Reynolds Presents on Bankruptcy Preference Law: How To Avoid Liability
02/24/2011, Snell & Wilmer Prevails Against California's Attorney General in Defense of Charitable Organization
Publications
03/07/2012, Financial Services Litigation Bulletin - March 2012
The Arizona Court of Appeals Expands Anti-Deficiency Protection for Borrowers
12/06/2011, Financial Services Litigation Bulletin - December 2011
Lenders Not Required to Record Trust Deed Assignments, says the Arizona Supreme Court
10/03/2011, Financial Services Litigation Bulletin - October 2011
Foreclosing Lenders Beware