Michael G. "Mike" Abelow, Bankruptcy Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation
Nashville, TN
Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Nashville.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael G. "Mike" Abelow?
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Quick answer
Michael G. "Mike" Abelow is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation.
- Based in
- Nashville, TENNESSEE
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Nashville, TENNESSEE.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Nashville) (2023).
About Michael G. "Mike" Abelow: Michael G. "Mike" Abelow is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Nashville
Michael concentrates on bankruptcy, business, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes bankruptcy matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes business matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Nashville, Tennessee
Michael takes litigation matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael G. "Mike" Abelow, bankruptcy attorney serving Nashville
Michael G. "Mike" Abelow is an attorney based in Nashville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Michael works from Nashville, Tennessee and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Mike focuses his practice on the intersection of business litigation and business bankruptcy. He is able to not only obtain a judgment, but also take steps to ensure that the judgment is “worth the paper it is written on,” by preventing efforts to dissipate assets. On the other side of the equation, he advises companies and individuals who are defending litigation who are simultaneously exploring their bankruptcy options. This confluence of business disputes and ability-to-pay issues includes advice and litigation concerning fraudulent transfers, preference claims, alter ego claims, veil piercing, and lender liability.
In bankruptcy court, Mike represents lenders and debtors in Chapter 11 business cases. He is a Chapter 11, SubChapter V Trustee, appointed by the United States Trustee’s office. He was recently appointed as a Chapter 7 Trustee, where he will bring his litigation skills to bear for the benefit of creditors.
In federal district court and in state trial courts, Mike litigates all types of business disputes, with a particular focus on breach of contract, business torts, lender liability, receivership, and real estate disputes.
After a judicial clerkship on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, Mike began his career as a business litigator in Washington, D.C., before moving to Nashville in 2007. Mike is the former President of the Nashville Bar Association, former Board Chair of the Tennessee Justice Center, and is currently Vice President of the Nashville Urban Debate League, a non-profit that brings the proven academic benefits of debate to Metropolitan Nashville public high school students.
Mike has been recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as a Best of the Bar honoree in 2016, 2018, and 2021 – 2024. He has been recognized by the Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Justice Center as their pro bono attorney of the year.
Mike and his wife Cynthia live in Nashville and have four children. When not serving his clients, Mike enjoys pickleball and raising chickens and bees.
How Michael handles bankruptcy matters
Mike focuses his practice on the intersection of business litigation and business bankruptcy. He is able to not only obtain a judgment, but also take steps to ensure that the judgment is “worth the paper it is written on,” by preventing efforts to dissipate assets. On the other side of the equation, he advises companies and individuals who are defending litigation who are simultaneously exploring…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Washington and Lee University
J.D. · 2000
James Madison University
B.A. · 1996
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Tennessee, Tennessee
ACTIVE
District of Columbia
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Washington and Lee University and B.A. in James Madison University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Washington and Lee University and B.A. in James Madison University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 18 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Nashville)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Nashville)
2021
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Benchmark Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Future Star,” Bankruptcy, Commercial (2014 – 2026)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mid-South Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — , Business Litigation (2015 – 2024)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Rising Star,” Business Litigation (2013 – 2014)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Top 50: Nashville Super Lawyers,” (2018, 2021 – 2022, 2024)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Top 100: Tennessee Super Lawyers,” (2018, 2020 – 2024)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Nashville Business Journal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Best of The Bar” (2016, 2018, 2021 – 2024)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tennessee Bar Association Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award (2010)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tennessee Justice Center “Pro Bono Attorney of the Year” (2009)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tennessee Supreme Court Attorneys for Justice Pro Bono Honor Roll (2020 – 2022)
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Nashville) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Nashville) (2021). Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).
Locations
Michael G. "Mike" Abelow's office in Nashville
Michael's primary office is at 1600 West End Avenue, Suite 1750, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael G. "Mike" Abelow
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael G. "Mike" Abelow — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael G. "Mike" Abelow
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Tennessee 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Nashville?
Michael is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Michael'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 Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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