Biography

Mike is Vice-Chair of the Firm and a partner in the Corporate Restructuring and Bankruptcy Group, and co-head of Young Conaway’s Portfolio Company Management Group. Drawing upon his 30 years of restructuring experience, Mike advises companies in distress, special committees, boards of directors and myriad stakeholders regarding governance and management issues to develop strategies that provide both maximum value and deal certainty. Mike’s experience includes the representation of more than 100 companies in distress, including more than 60 matters as lead counsel.

An active member of Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (“LCLD” - www.lcld.com), Mike works extensively with leadership teams of Delaware firms and members of the bench and bar to make meaningful and transformational impacts upon the Delaware legal community by ensuring that opportunities are equitable and available for all.

In 2025, Mike was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy, an honorary public service association of United States and international insolvency professionals who are invited to join as Fellows based on a proven record of the highest standards of expertise, leadership, integrity, professionalism, scholarship, and service to the bankruptcy and insolvency practice and to their communities.

Pro Bono:

In addition to his “billable” work, Mike is committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need.

  • Over the last 20 years, Mike has represented more than 20 children as a guardian ad litem in the Delaware Family Court (https://courts.delaware.gov/childadvocate/).
  • Mike currently serves on the board of Wine to Water, an international non-profit committed to supporting dignity for all through the power of clean water (www.wtw.org).
  • Mike currently serves on the board of Action for Delaware’s Children, a voice for Delaware’s children, especially those living in poverty (www.actionfordelawareschildren.org).
  • Mike is a member of the inaugural Advisory Board of the Wilmington University School of Law, which sat its first class in August 2023 (https://law.wilmu.edu).
  • In 2016, Mike received the Delaware State Bar Associate Achievement Award.
  • In 2025, Mike received the Delaware State Bar Association Community Service Award. 

Recognitions:

Since 2006, clients and colleagues interviewed by Chambers USA have characterized Mike as a "terrific strategist," a "bright lawyer and an excellent negotiator" possessing “incredible business sense,” “a great negotiator and unflappable in court,” and a “deal oriented” leader with "integrity, good people skills, and a common sense approach.”  In addition, Mike has been consistently recognized as a top restructuring lawyer by The Best Lawyers in America®, The Deal®, Delaware Super Lawyers ®, IFLR1000 ®, Corporate Counsel ®, and Who’s Who Legal (Insolvency & Restructuring).

Education

  • Widener University Delaware Law School  (J.D.)
  • University of Maryland  (B.A.)

Bar Admissions

  • Delaware
  • Pennsylvania (inactive)
  • New York

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Distinctions

  • Chambers USA:  America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, 2006 – Present
  • American College of Bankruptcy, Fellow
  • The Best Lawyers in America ®, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Law, 2008 - Present
  • The Deal ®, Leading Bankruptcy Tables, 2006 - Present
  • Delaware Super Lawyers ®, Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights, 2008 - Present
  • Who's Who Legal, (Insolvency & Restructuring), 2014 - Present
  • 2015 Law360 Bankruptcy Advisor Editorial Board

Memberships and Affiliations

  • American Bankruptcy Institute, Member; Co-Chair Financial Advisor and Investment Banking Committee (2022-2024)
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • Delaware State Bar Association, Member
  • Turnaround Management Association, Member
  • Philadelphia Chapter, Turnaround Management Association, Former Board Member