About Mike
Mike is a partner at Burr & Forman LLP where he is Chair of the firm’s Creditor’s Rights and Practice Group. Mike has practiced business bankruptcy law since he graduated from Duke Law School in 1980.
Mike often represents secured lenders, typically after a borrower’s default. Most of his practice includes aggressively representing various interests in Chapter 11; pursuing claims of commercial lenders against the debtor, the collateral, and guarantors in bankruptcy, federal, and state court; representing Section 363 purchasers in Chapter 11; representing trustees, committees, and preference defendants in Chapter 11; and defending consumer finance companies in the bankruptcy court from claims by borrowers. Mike is often representing manufacturers whose sole source suppliers are in financial distress and unable to continue making needed unique parts. Mike focuses on representing entities in the status of a creditor. However, Mike has also been lead debtor’s counsel in large Chapter 11 reorganizations.
In all business bankruptcy cases where he represents debtors or creditors, Mike uses his creative skills to find different and outside-the-ordinary solutions to maximize whatever value is available.
In 2010, Chambers USA again named Mike as one of “Leaders in their Field” in Bankruptcy law. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights categories, and in Alabama Super Lawyers.
What is your favorite thing about the law?
Learning all sorts of facts and information about different industries each time a substantial new case comes along.
What was your first job?
Car parts salesman.
What are your hobbies?
Building a deck forever.
What advice would you give to a young student in law school?
Enjoy law school. It is much easier than practicing law. But, I enjoy the practice much more than I enjoyed law school.
How do you define a “good day?”
At work, getting a favorable result for a client by litigation or negotiation.
How do you spend your weekend?
When I can get away I enjoy spending time at my cabin in North Alabama.