Malhar S. Pagay, Bankruptcy Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Entertainment · 4.6/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
AttorneyatPachulski Stang Ziehl And Jones Llp
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Los Angeles since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 14 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Malhar S. Pagay?
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Quick answer
Malhar S. Pagay is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Entertainment. Malhar has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pachulski Stang Ziehl And Jones Llp. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Entertainment
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Entertainment matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Malhar S. Pagay: Malhar S. Pagay is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Entertainment. Malhar has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pachulski Stang Ziehl And Jones Llp. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Malhar S. Pagay
Malhar concentrates on bankruptcy, business, entertainment, general, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Malhar handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Entertainment
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General
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Health Care
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International
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Los Angeles, California
Malhar takes bankruptcy matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Malhar agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Los Angeles, California
Malhar takes business matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Malhar agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Los Angeles, California
Malhar takes entertainment matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Malhar agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Malhar takes general matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Malhar agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Los Angeles, California
Malhar takes health care matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Malhar agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Malhar S. Pagay — Over 29 years of California bankruptcy experience
Malhar S. Pagay is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Entertainment. Malhar has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pachulski Stang Ziehl And Jones Llp. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Malhar Pagay is a business lawyer, resident in the firm’s Los Angeles office, whose practice focuses on the development and implementation of strategic alternatives for and against distressed businesses. He has substantial experience representing chapter 11 debtors, trustees, unsecured creditors, creditors’ committees, and other parties in the contexts of bankruptcy cases, adversary proceedings, commercial litigation, mediations, domestic and international business transactions, business reorganizations, and out-of-court corporate restructurings of debt. He has broad industry experience, including healthcare and life sciences, real estate, technology, retail, manufacturing, transportation, sports, and entertainment.
Malhar’s recent representations include reorganizing the Ruby Tuesday casual-dining chain with over 200 restaurants through a debt-for-equity transaction with its secured lenders, implemented through a chapter 11 plan confirmed after only four months in bankruptcy; counseling technology entrepreneur Yueting “YT” Jia, the founder of mobility ecosystem company Faraday Future, in the successful restructuring of over $3 billion in debt held almost entirely by creditors located in the People’s Republic of China (recognized at Global M&A Network’s 13th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards as “Cross-Border Turnaround of the Year”); advising the creditors’ committee in connection with successful reorganization of Pacifica Hospital of the Valley; and completing the sale through section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code of a $100 million Class A commercial office property over the objections of co-owners in the contentious Namvar/Namco bankruptcy cases. Malhar has served as principal counsel to China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) and its Chinese policyholders and clients in complex United States insolvency matters.
Malhar has lectured both in the United States and internationally regarding a variety of legal issues, including artificial intelligence, mass-tort bankruptcy cases, and crossborder transactions and insolvencies. He has been named a “Super Lawyer” in the field of Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights every year since 2009 in a peer survey conducted by Law & Politics and the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine, an honor bestowed on only 5% of Southern California attorneys, holds an AV Preeminent Peer Rating (Martindale-Hubbell‘s highest recognition for ethical standards and legal ability), has been listed among The Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy, and was named to the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of the Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers. Malhar is a graduate of Yale University and received his J.D. from the University of Southern California.
Clerkships
•Law clerk, Judge Erithe A. Smith (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 1994-96)
Programs & Lectures
“Practical Applications of AI,” ABI Winter Leadership Conference (2025);“The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Restructuring Practice,” International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, IWIRC on the Vine (2024); “Emerging Bankruptcy Issues-How to Apply Old Rules to New Technology (Artificial Intelligence),” ABI Rocky Mountain Bankruptcy Conference (2024); “Mass Tort Bankruptcy Update: From Asbestos to Abuse,” Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (2023); “Fold and Live to Fold Again: Perspectives on Mass Torts,” 35th Annual California Bankruptcy Forum Insolvency Conference (2023); “Crossfire Panel on Divisive Mergers (the ‘Texas Two-Step’),” ABI Bankruptcy Battleground West (2023); “The Wrath of Stern,” ABI Southwest Bankruptcy Conference (2022); “Cross-Border Case Law Update,” ABI Cross-Border Insolvency Program (2021); “Current Trends and Issues in Chapter 11 Cases,” Conference of Chief Bankruptcy Judges of the Ninth Circuit (2019); “Restructuring Healthcare Entities in Bankruptcy: Unique Challenges and Benefits of Chapter 11,” Navigating Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, Overpayment Liability and More (Strafford 2017); “Cross-Border Update,” American Bankruptcy Institute Cross-Border Insolvency Program (2017); “A General Overview of Legal and Security Issues Arising From Employee Telecommuting,” National Golf Hardware Credit Exchange Conference (2017); “Restructuring the Healthcare Provider: Successfully Navigating the Reorganization Process,” ABA Health Law Section Washington Summit (2016); “Cross-Border Insolvency Proceedings,” Canadian Bar Association National Insolvency Conference (2016); “China’s New Normal: How Far, How Deep, and What Type of Impact?” AIRA Restructuring & Plan of Reorganization Conference (2015); “Outbound Activity: Chinese Participation in Western Restructurings and Insolvencies,” ABI/NYU School of Law (2015); “U.S. Bankruptcies-Risks for Chinese Exporters,” China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation and Sun Yat-sen University School of Business International Transactions Risk Forum (2015); “Help! My Producer (or Software Licensee or Actor) Just Went Bankrupt-Now What?” Beverly Hills Bar Association, Bankruptcy Law, Intellectual Property, Internet and New Media Sections (2012); “Setoff and Recoupment in Bankruptcy” and “Nuts and Bolts-Current Litigation Issues,” Bankruptcy and Collections From a Government Perspective Seminar, National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), National Attorney General’s Training Institute (NAGTRI), States’ Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys (SABA) (2011); “Impact of Corporate Restructurings and Financial Distress on International Trade,” International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) International Trade & Transport Symposium (2011); “PRC Insolvency Law: The New PRC Bankruptcy Law, NPLS and Out-of-Court Workouts,” American Bankruptcy Institute Third Annual Hawaii Bankruptcy Workshop (2010); “2010 - A Year of Economic Transition in China and the United States: Risks and Opportunities for Chinese Companies,” Asian Legal Business In-House Summit (Beijing, China) (2009); “Recent Developments in Cross-Border Transactions,” INSOL International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Professionals North American Regional Seminar (2008); “Dealing With a Failed International Construction Project: A Case Study,” Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) 18th Annual Conference (2008); “Economic Overview and Outlook - Downturn in the US to Burst the Bubble in China” (2008); “China as Top Creditor - The Evolving Opportunities for Chinese Companies to Invest Abroad” (2007), Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors (AIRA) Restructuring and Investing Conference (Shanghai, China); “Bankruptcy/Insolvency - The Effects on Entertainment Industry Contracts,” Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) 27th Annual Conference (Cancun, Mexico) (2007); “Issues 2006: America’s Best Lawyers” American Airlines/Forbes.com and SkyRadioNetwork.com (discussing impact of Bankruptcy Code amendments on business) (2006); Professor, Beijing Foreign Studies University School of Law (2012-2013)
Publications
•Sunbeam Products Inc. v. Chicago American Manufacturing LLC: New Hope for Licensees of Intellectual Property?
2012 INSOL International News Update (Oct. No. 10)
•Author, “Section 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code,” 2007 Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law 473 (West 2007); 2006 Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law 415 (West 2006); 2005 Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law 689 (West 2005)
•Author, “Improving The Odds of Repayment In Bankruptcy,” 51 Practical Lawyer 45 (August 2005)
•Author, “Section 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code in 2002-2003 - Two Years of Continued Development,” 2004 Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law 645 (West 2004)
News
Eighteen PSZJ Attorneys Named to the Lawdragon '500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers' Guide for 2025
Lawdragon June 27, 2025
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
August 15, 2024
Eighteen PSZJ Attorneys Named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers for 2024
Lawdragon June 14, 2024
Nineteen PSZJ Attorneys Named to 2024 Southern California “Super Lawyers” List
January 10, 2024
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2024 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 17, 2023
Eighteen PSZJ Attorneys Named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers for 2023
Lawdragon June 16, 2023
Eighteen PSZJ Attorneys Named to 2023 Southern California’s “Super Lawyers” List
January 1, 2023
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2023 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 18, 2022
Seventeen PSZJ Attorneys Named to 2022 Southern California’s “Super Lawyers” List
January 20, 2022
Malhar Pagay Named Among Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2021 Leaders in Law Finalists for Bankruptcy Law
Los Angeles Business JournalNovember 1, 2021
Malhar Pagay Nominated for Los Angeles Business Journal’s Leaders in Law Awards
Los Angeles Business JournalOctober 1, 2021
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 19, 2021
Nineteen PSZJ Attorneys Named 2021 Southern California “Super Lawyers”
January 1, 2021
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2021 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 20, 2020
Twenty-One PSZJ Attorneys Named 2020 Southern California “Super Lawyers”
January 15, 2020
PSZJ Attorneys Named in Best Lawyers in America
August 15, 2019
Twenty-One PSZJ Attorneys Named 2019 Southern California “Super Lawyers”
January 30, 2019
PSZJ Attorneys Named in Best Lawyers in America
August 15, 2018
Twenty PSZJ Attorneys Named 2018 Southern California “Super Lawyers”
January 31, 2018
Thirty-Five PSZJ Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America
August 15, 2017
Eighteen PSZJ Attorneys Named 2017 Southern California “Super Lawyers”
January 25, 2017
More Bad News for Suppliers to Companies That End Up in Bankruptcy
May 1, 2015
Gordian Medical Confirms Chapter 11 Plan
May 1, 2015
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Bullard v. Blue Hills Bank: “It ain’t over till it’s over”
May 6, 2015
Thirteen PSZJ Attorneys Selected as Southern California Super Lawyers
Los Angeles magazineFebruary 1, 2015
Ten Southern California Super Lawyers at Pachulski Stang
Los Angeles magazineFebruary 1, 2014
Eight Southern California Super Lawyers at Pachulski Stang
Los Angeles magazineJanuary 1, 2013
Events
Practical Applications of AI
ABI Winter Leadership Conference Tucson, AZ
November 14, 2025
Emerging Bankruptcy Issues
American Bankruptcy Institute Rocky Mountain Bankruptcy Conference Vail CO
June 13, 2024
Fold and Live to Fold Again: Perspectives on Mass Torts
Thirty-Fifth Annual California Bankruptcy Forum Insolvency Conference La Quinta CA
May 19, 2023
Mass Tort Bankruptcies Update: From Asbestos to Abuse
Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Zoom Webinar
April 18, 2023
Crossfire Panel on Divisive Mergers (the 'Texas Two-Step')
Bankruptcy Battleground West Beverly Hills CA
March 27, 2023
The Wrath of Stern
American Bankruptcy Institute Southwest Bankruptcy Conference Las Vegas
September 9, 2022
Cross-Border Case Law Update
ABI Cross-Border Insolvency Program Virtual
November 18, 2021
Current Trends and Issues in Chapter 11 Cases
Conference of Chief Bankruptcy Judges of the Ninth Circuit Portland OR
March 18, 2019
Restructuring Healthcare Entities in Bankruptcy: Unique Challenges and Benefits of Chapter 11
Navigating Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, Overpayment Liability and More Webinar
November 15, 2017
Cross-Border Update
American Bankruptcy Institute Cross-Border Insolvency Program New York
November 7, 2017
A General Overview of Legal and Security Issues Arising From Employee Telecommuting
National Golf Hardware Credit Exchange Conference Reno NV
June 22, 2017
Restructuring the Healthcare Provider: Successfully Navigating the Reorganization Process
14th Annual American Bar Association Health Law Section Washington Summit Washington DC
December 13, 2016
Cross-Border Insolvency Proceedings
Canadian Bar Association 12th Annual National Insolvency Conference Chicago
September 30, 2016
China's New Normal: How Far, How Deep, and What Type of Impact?
Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors’ 14th Annual Advanced Restructuring & Plan of Reorganization Conference New York
November 2, 2015
Outbound Activity: Chinese Participation in Western Restructurings and Insolvencies
American Bankruptcy Institute / New York University School of Law Beijing, China
October 20, 2015
U.S. Bankruptcy Risks for the Chinese Exporter
Sun Yat-sen University School of Business and China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
April 17, 2015
Help! My Producer (or Software Licensee or Actor) Just Went Bankrupt-Now What?
Beverly Hills Bar Association Beverly HIlls
August 22, 2012
International Trade and Transport Symposium
AIJA/LACBA International Law Section Long Beach CA
October 14, 2011
PRC Insolvency Law: The New PRC Bankruptcy Law, NPLs and Out-of-Court Workouts
ABI Third Hawaii Bankruptcy Workshop Kamuela HI
August 13, 2010
2010 - A Year of Economic Transition in China and the United States: Risks and Opportunities for Chinese Companies
ALB In-House Legal Summit China Beijing, China
November 26, 2009
Working with Malhar on a bankruptcy matter
Malhar Pagay is a business lawyer, resident in the firm’s Los Angeles office, whose practice focuses on the development and implementation of strategic alternatives for and against distressed businesses. He has substantial experience representing chapter 11 debtors, trustees, unsecured creditors, creditors’ committees, and other parties in the contexts of bankruptcy cases, adversary proceedings,…
Clients Malhar works with
Malhar reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and entertainment matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Malhar S. Pagay's legal education and bar admissions
University of Southern California
J.D. · 1994
Yale University
B.A. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Malhar's state bar admissions
California
1997 · ACTIVE
Malhar studied at J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in Yale University.
Law school and academic background
Malhar completed J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in Yale University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Malhar runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Malhar S. Pagay
Malhar has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Malhar S. Pagay's office in Los Angeles
Malhar's primary office is at 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90067. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pachulski Stang Ziehl And Jones Llp
10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, 13th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Malhar S. Pagay — 4.6/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Malhar. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles.
4.6
14 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Malhar S. Pagay claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Malhar S. Pagay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Malhar usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Malhar charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Malhar's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Malhar will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Malhar
Malhar discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Malhar confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Malhar's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Malhar S. Pagay
How much does it cost to hire Malhar for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Malhar walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Malhar offer a free consultation?
Malhar charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Malhar's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Malhar's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Malhar gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Malhar take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Malhar is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Malhar will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Malhar?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Malhar will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Malhar accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Malhar's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Malhar handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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