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 Naples?

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.

Michael R. Dal Lago, Bankruptcy Attorney in Naples

Quick answer

Michael R. Dal Lago is a founder and managing partner based in Naples, FL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dal Lago Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in: Naples, FL
Experience: over 26 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Chapter 11

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 matters from Naples, FL.
Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

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

Bankruptcy cases in Naples, Florida

Michael takes bankruptcy matters in Naples, 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.

Business cases in Naples, Florida

Michael takes business matters in Naples, 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.

Chapter 11 cases in Naples, Florida

Michael takes chapter 11 matters in Naples, 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.

Civil Rights cases in Naples, Florida

Michael takes civil rights matters in Naples, 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.

Creditor Rights cases in Naples, Florida

Michael takes creditor rights matters in Naples, 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 R. Dal Lago — bankruptcy lawyer in Naples

Michael R. Dal Lago is a founder and managing partner based in Naples, FL. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dal Lago Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Mike Dal Lago, the founder of Dal Lago Law and a Board Certified Attorney in Business Bankruptcy, has more than 25 years of experience providing customized and comprehensive legal business solutions for businesses in Southwest Florida worth $1.5 million and more. He has consistently been recognized in Florida Trend’s prestigious Legal Elite list, and is an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating an attorney can receive for their professional ethics and legal ability by their peers and judiciary. Mike is admitted to practice law in Florida, New York and New Jersey.

With broad experience in an array of industries including consumer retail, healthcare and real estate, Mike has represented mid-market clients in some of the largest and most challenging cases in the nation such as Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., General Motors, Chrysler, Enron Corp., WorldCom, Inc., General Growth Properties, and Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, to name a few. He employs a holistic multidisciplinary business and legal approach for every stage in the lifecycle of a business– from formation and corporate governance to growth and maintenance. In the unfortunate event of financial distress, Mike offers clients value-added expertise and strategies for navigating corporate restructurings and Chapter 11 bankruptcies.

Prior to founding his law firm in 2012, Mike was a Corporate Bankruptcy Partner at a Cleveland, Ohio based midsize firm in Naples. He moved to Naples, Florida from New York City where he began his career working at a prestigious 130+ attorney law firm. He practiced there for 13 years, working his way up the ladder from Associate to Bankruptcy Partner. Mike began his legal career in 1999 as an Associate at a full service Manhattan-based firm that was founded in 1830.

Mike has been very involved with the Southwest Florida community and professional organizations since moving to Naples. He is on the Board of the Make a Wish Foundation, Southwest Florida and the former President of the Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals Association. He has also served on the Boards of The Village School of Naples and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast. Mike was a member of the Leadership Collier Class of 2015 and a volunteer for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. He is also the former president of the Naples Toastmasters Club.

Mike Dal Lago received his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1998. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Mike was born and raised in New Milford, New Jersey. He currently lives in Naples, Florida with his wife and two sons.

Community Involvement:

Former Board Member of The Village School of Naples

Former Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Member of the Leadership Collier Class of 2015

Past Volunteer for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

Professional Associations:

Member of the American Bankruptcy Institute

Member of the American Bar Association

Member of the Collier County Bar Association

Past President of the Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals Association

Awards:

AV Preeminent®

Florida Trend Legal Elite

Serving Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Tampa

How Michael handles bankruptcy matters

Mike Dal Lago, the founder of Dal Lago Law and a Board Certified Attorney in Business Bankruptcy, has more than 25 years of experience providing customized and comprehensive legal business solutions for businesses in Southwest Florida worth $1.5 million and more. He has consistently been recognized in Florida Trend’s prestigious Legal Elite list, and is an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and chapter 11 matters in Naples and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

New York Law School
J.D. · 1998
Northeastern University
B.A. · 1995

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Florida U.S. Distric
2012 · ACTIVE
New York
2001 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
2000 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in New York Law School and B.A. in Northeastern University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in New York Law School and B.A. in Northeastern 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 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael R. Dal Lago's office in Naples

Michael's primary office is at 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 200, Naples, FL, 34108. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Dal Lago Law

999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 200

Naples, FL 34108

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael R. Dal Lago — 5.0/5 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 Naples.

5.0

10 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael R. Dal Lago — 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 Naples, 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 R. Dal Lago

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 Naples?
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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Michael R. Dal Lago. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How Long Does Bankruptcy Take In Florida After Filing?
I filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Orlando, Florida, last month, and I'm anxious about how long this process will take. I have three car payments that I'm behind on, and my credi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Florida
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Naples, 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.

Michael R. Dal Lago, Bankruptcy Attorney in Naples, Florida

Quick answer