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Michael R. Bakst

Partner
Overview

Michael R. Bakst is experienced primarily in various fields of bankruptcy and insolvency, including representing creditors, bankruptcy trustees, and receivers, as well as representing litigants within complex bankruptcy matters, commercial litigation, receiverships, and assignments for the benefit of creditors. He is a panel United States Bankruptcy Trustee for the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Bakst has also served as an Examiner appointed through the offices of the United States Trustee.

Mr. Bakst frequently speaks at continuing education seminars for bankruptcy and commercial litigation practitioners, as well continued education seminars for trustees in bankruptcy on a regional level.

Bar Admissions

  • Florida

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida
  • U.S. District Courts, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida Trial Bar
  • U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Education

  • J.D., University of Miami School of Law, 1990
  • B.A., University of Miami, 1987
Experience

Professional and Community Involvement

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Current Member
  • Bankruptcy Bar Association of the Southern District of Florida, Past Director
  • City of West Palm Beach Planning Board, Member, Planning Board, 2015-2018
  • City of West Palm Beach Zoning Board of Appeals, Chairperson, 2000-2015
  • National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees
  • Palm Beach County Bar Association
  • Southern District of Florida, Standing Local Rules Advisory Committee, Appointee Member, 2003-2004

Speaking Engagements

  • Panelist, “Trustee’s Avoidance Powers,” Region 21 Trustee Association Webinar, May 2, 2019
  • Panelist, “Bankruptcy Litigation: Tips, Tricks and Best Practices,” Bankruptcy Bar Association Southern District of Florida, April 24, 2019
  • Speaker, “View of Bankruptcy Practice: The interaction between bankruptcy and state court practice,” Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Law CLE Committee, December 8, 2017
  • Panelist, “Bankruptcy: A View from the Bench,” Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Bench Bar Conference, March 10, 2017
Awards

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers®, “The Best Lawyers in America,” Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2024-2025
  • Palm Beach Illustrated, “Top Lawyers,” 2024
  • U.S. News & World Report, “The Best Lawyers in America,” Bankruptcy and Creditor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2010-2023
  • Super Lawyers magazine, “Super Lawyers Florida,” Bankruptcy: Business, 2012-2024
  • Martindale-Hubbell, Rated AV® Preeminent™
  • Palm Beach Illustrated, “Top Lawyers,” 2019, 2021
  • Super Lawyers magazine, Super Lawyers Business Edition, Bankruptcy, 2014-2015
Publications

In the News

News & Videos