MJ

Michael John Riela, Bankruptcy Attorney in New York

Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 · 4.8/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

Senior Investments Attorney

New, NY

Practicing bankruptcy in New York since 2001.

25+
Years practicing
4.8 ★
10 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael John Riela is a senior investments attorney based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Michael has over 25 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 25 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Chapter 11
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael John Riela: Michael John Riela is a senior investments attorney based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Michael has over 25 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on bankruptcy, business, chapter 11, general, and internet. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in New York

Michael takes bankruptcy matters in New York. 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 New York

Michael takes business matters in New York. 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.

Chapter 11 cases in New York

Michael takes chapter 11 matters in New York. 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.

General cases in New York

Michael takes general matters in New York. 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.

Internet cases in New York

Michael takes internet matters in New York. 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 John Riela — bankruptcy lawyer in New York

Michael John Riela is a senior investments attorney based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Michael has over 25 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Michael John Riela is a lawyer practicing business law, bankruptcy reorganization, bankruptcy litigation and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1998, and has been licensed for 25 years. Michael practices in New York, NY.

Michael's approach to bankruptcy cases

Michael John Riela is a lawyer practicing business law, bankruptcy reorganization, bankruptcy litigation and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1998, and has been licensed for 25 years. Michael practices in New York, NY.

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and chapter 11 matters across New York.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Michigan Law School

    J.D. · 2001

  • University of California at Los Angeles

    B.A. · 1998

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • California

    2020 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    2002 · ACTIVE

  • New Jersey

    2001 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and B.A. in University of California at Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and B.A. in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael John Riela's office in New York

Michael's primary office is at 900 3rd Ave Fl 13, New York, NY, 10022-4796. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

900 3rd Ave Fl 13

New York, NY 10022-4796

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael John Riela — 4.8/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in New York.

4.8

10 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael John Riela claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael John Riela — 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 New York

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 John Riela

  • 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 New York 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 New York?

    Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 Albany and Brooklyn in New York

Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.