Michael Wallin represents businesses with debtor/creditor issues. On the creditor side, Mike collects money owed to his clients, sues customers and borrowers who fail to repay debts, obtains possession of collateral, forecloses on real estate, and aggressively enforces judgments using both conventional and complex collection tools. Mike also represents creditors in bankruptcy matters of all types.
On the debtor side, Mike represents businesses in financial distress. He negotiates resolutions with lenders and other creditors, defends against collection and commercial foreclosure actions, and uses the bankruptcy process to protect clients’ assets and restructure their debts. Mike has substantial experience in all areas of bankruptcy law and regularly represents companies in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, in which he reduces or eliminates his clients’ financial obligations.
Mike is also a business litigator. He represents businesses in resolving disputes, both in and out of court. He also serves as outside general counsel to several small businesses, in which he provides general representation and advice to businesses without an in-house attorney.
Mike formerly worked for seven years at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, an international law firm, and for an additional four years at Slater Hersey & Lieberman LLP, a leading Orange County business law boutique firm. He is the former Program Chair of the Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section of the Orange County Bar Association. He received his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego (summa cum laude) and attended UCLA Law School.
Education
J.D. UCLA School of Law, 2005
B.A. University of California San Diego, 2002, summa cum laude
Bar Admissions
California
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Professional Activities and Memberships
Program Chair and Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association’s Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section
American Bankruptcy Institute
Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County
Representative Matters
Represented owner of undeveloped residential real property in chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. Mike’s client obtained ownership of real property via foreclosure. The prior owner of the property failed to pay more than $1 million in property taxes, causing the taxing agency to schedule tax sales shortly following the client’s foreclosure sale. The chapter 11 case was filed on the eve of the tax sales, preventing the sales from taking place. The bankruptcy case resulted in a confirmed chapter 11 plan in which the corporation’s tax obligations and other debts were favorably restructured.
Represented owner of numerous commercial properties in chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. The bankruptcy case resulted in a confirmed chapter 11 plan in which several secured creditors were “crammed down” and the client obtained very favorable modified loan terms.
Represented the Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange in its bankruptcy court acquisition of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California.
Represented Bank of America in obtaining the appointment of a receiver to operate the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Lake Tahoe, California.
Represented General Electric Capital Corporation in a contested chapter 11 plan confirmation proceeding with respect to a $160 million defaulted loan secured by several properties in multiple.
Represented large paper supplier in successful defense of multiple preference and fraudulent transfer actions filed by bankruptcy trustee.
Represented loan servicer in contested chapter 11 plan confirmation proceeding against owner of Choice Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
Obtained writs of attachment against numerous guarantors of defaulted loans, on behalf of financial institutions.
Aggressively enforced judgments against corporations and individuals, including real property liens, bank account levies, and wage garnishments.
Successfully prosecuted non-dischargeability action in chapter 7 bankruptcy case.
Defended LendingTree, LLC in class action lawsuit filed by borrowers.
Represented federal court receiver appointed in $100 million+ ponzi scheme.
Represented state court receiver with respect to sale of partially constructed condominium development in San Pedro, California.
Represented accounts receivable lender in enforcement of rights and remedies against borrowers.
Completed numerous judicial and non-judicial foreclosure sales.
Prosecuted several fraudulent transfer lawsuits against guarantors of defaulted loans.
Represented financial institutions in the making of real estate secured loans.
Represented borrowers in the negotiation of loan terms.
Represented small businesses in the negotiation of license agreements, employment agreements, leases, and various other contracts.
Community Involvement
Advisory Board, Cause Philanthropub (the country’s first bar/restaurant in which 100% of profits are donated to non-profit organizations)