Michael J. Berger

Michael Jay Berger is a highly accomplished bankruptcy attorney based in Beverly Hills, California, with more than four decades of experience. He is a certified specialist in bankruptcy law, a distinction awarded by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. As of September 2023, only 142 attorneys in the entire state held this title, with Mr. Berger long recognized as the sole certified specialist in Beverly Hills. He represents debtors, creditors, and third parties in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings throughout California.

Michael J. Berger received his J.D., with honors, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1981. He earned his B.A. in English, also with honors, from Duke University in 1978. He has held an “AV” Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for 26 consecutive years and holds a 10/10 Superb rating from AVVO.

In 1983, Mr. Berger founded his own law firm, Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger, after starting his career at Rifkind & Sterling. His leadership and litigation skills have led to courtroom success, including a notable 2016 victory in Michel v. Maghame involving a high-profile West Hollywood nightclub contract dispute.

Mr. Berger is deeply involved in the legal community, with memberships in the Beverly Hills Bar Association, Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum, California Bankruptcy Forum, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. He has served as a Judge Pro Tem and Arbitrator and was Editor of the Beverly Hills Bar Association Journal.

Clients benefit from Michael J. Berger’s personal dedication, extensive knowledge, and creative problem-solving. He offers free consultations and video conferencing options to support accessibility. His multilingual staff supports speakers of Armenian, Cambodian, Hebrew, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. With an unmatched combination of experience, recognition, and client-centered service, Mr. Berger continues to be a leader in bankruptcy law in California.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger
• Member, Beverly Hills Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum
• Member, California Bankruptcy Forum
• Member, Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Hastings College of Law, University of California
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Duke University
  BA in English

Awards & Badges