Michael A. Sabella focuses his practice on the areas of bankruptcy, restructuring, creditors’ rights and complex commercial litigation. Drawing upon his clerkship and prior legal experience, Michael combines his understanding of the transactional and litigation sides of bankruptcy for a thorough and proactive approach to all client situations.
He assists debtors, creditors and interested parties in a variety of industries on all aspects of representation on bankruptcy issues, including claims recovery, secured transactions, real estate, international insolvency, and corporate insolvencies.
Michael also represents corporate officers and directors in litigation that challenges their actions and roles in connection with the management and operations of businesses.
Michael has spoken and written about a wide range of bankruptcy issues, including case-specific appellate decisions, preference issues and interpretations of components of the Bankruptcy Code.
Michael also devotes time to assist pro bono clients with LGBTQ+ issues, asylum applications, post-conviction relief, and amicus briefs for different human rights and interest groups.
Experience :
- Member of the BakerHostetler team serving as court-appointed counsel to the Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS), an unprecedented effort involving more than 1,000 lawsuits filed by the SIPA Trustee to recover assets for the benefit of defrauded BLMIS customers.
- Represented a chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee in the liquidation of a multimillion-dollar real property lease and the administration and operation of a golf course on Long Island. Handled every aspect of the case, including the sale of assets of the estate, extensive claim litigation against unsecured and alleged secured creditors, numerous court appearances before the Bankruptcy Court and appellate litigation before the district court.
- Represented a chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee in the liquidation of several parcels of real property. Handled every aspect of the case, including the sale of properties, claims litigation against alleged secured and unsecured creditors, and the contested election of the chapter 7 trustee.
- Represented a chapter 7 trustee in litigation against a former principal of debtor seeking to recover fraudulent conveyances made by principal and breach of principal’s fiduciary duty to debtor.
- Defended a landlord who owned multiple residential buildings against a class action litigation related to wage and hour violations for building managers and janitorial staff. Successfully negotiated settlement of the class action.
Memberships :
- American Bar Association
- New York City Bar Association
- The National LGBT Bar Association
- American Bankruptcy Institute
- St. John’s University School of Law’s American Bankruptcy Institute Law Review Alumni Association: Member
Education :
- LL.M., Bankruptcy, St. John’s University School of Law, 2009
- J.D., St. John’s University School of Law, 2007; Associate Managing Editor, American Bankruptcy Institute Law Review
- B.A., Muhlenberg College, 2004, magna cum laude
Admissions :
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- New Jersey
Cost
Rate : $$$