Michael I. Goldberg, Bankruptcy Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
focused on Bankruptcy and Litigation
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Fort Lauderdale.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Michael I. Goldberg is an attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Litigation.
- Based in
- Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy and Litigation matters from Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale) (2026).
About Michael I. Goldberg: Michael I. Goldberg is an attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on bankruptcy and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Michael takes bankruptcy matters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 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 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Michael takes litigation matters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 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
Meet Michael I. Goldberg — bankruptcy lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Michael I. Goldberg is an attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Litigation.
A Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, Michael Goldberg chairs Akerman’s Fraud and Recovery Practice, an experienced team of lawyers focused on unraveling high-profile investor fraud, including Ponzi schemes, receiverships, and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program wrongdoing. Michael has managed some of the largest Ponzi scheme liquidation recoveries in U.S. history. More recently he has developed a reputation for his work unraveling EB-5 fraud schemes. As noted in Chambers USA, his peers call him “an extraordinary lawyer who is unflappable. He’s got a keen business mind and can forge consensus in seemingly irreconcilable disputes.” Michael previously served as chair of Akerman’s Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice Group.
As a qualified expert witness on Ponzi schemes, he is highly sought after and routinely testifies in federal and state court cases throughout the country and internationally. Michael has served as court-appointed receiver in many of his cases over the past two decades, helping victims maximize potential returns by identifying, securing, and monetizing potential assets as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Regarded as a thought leader on fraud, Michael has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox News, and National Public Radio to discuss Ponzi schemes and receiverships. He has also been quoted in Bloomberg, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The American Lawyer, The Miami Herald, Sun Sentinel, and numerous other publications. Michael regularly lectures on receiverships, Ponzi schemes and EB-5 fraud to regulators and various legal groups throughout the country.
Working with Michael on a bankruptcy matter
A Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, Michael Goldberg chairs Akerman’s Fraud and Recovery Practice, an experienced team of lawyers focused on unraveling high-profile investor fraud, including Ponzi schemes, receiverships, and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program wrongdoing. Michael has managed some of the largest Ponzi scheme liquidation recoveries in U.S. history. More recently he has…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy and litigation matters in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boston University School of Law
J.D. · 1990
New York University
MBA · 1987
Boston University
BA · 1985
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
New York, New York S
ACTIVE
Florida, The Florida
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Boston University School of Law, MBA in New York University, and BA in Boston University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Boston University School of Law, MBA in New York University, and BA in Boston University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 26 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Fort Lauderdale)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Fort Lauderdale)
2020
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Miami)
2015
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Miami)
2013
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Paul J. Liacos Scholar; G. Joseph Tauro Scholar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leadership Award, 2000
2026
Best Lawyers in America — BTI 2007, Listed as a Client Service "All-Star"
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Magazine 2010, Listed in Florida as a "Top 100 Lawyer"
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Daily Business Review, Most Effective Lawyer in Bankruptcy, Winner, 2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Florida Trend's Legal Elite 2005-2011, 2013-2015, Listed for Bankruptcy & Workout
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Magazine 2007-2016, Listed in Florida for Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
2026
Best Lawyers in America — South Florida Legal Guide Top Lawyers 2004-2015, Listed for Bankruptcy, Creditors Rights
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Daily Business Review, "Lawyer of the Year," Finalist, 2015
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA 2006-2016, Ranked in Florida for Bankruptcy/Restructuring
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Fort Lauderdale) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Fort Lauderdale) (2020).
Locations
Michael I. Goldberg's office in Fort Lauderdale
Michael's primary office is at 201 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1800, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33301. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael I. Goldberg
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael I. Goldberg — 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 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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 I. Goldberg
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 Florida 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 Fort Lauderdale?
Michael is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Florida
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Fort Lauderdale handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.