Michael L. Gust

Michael L. Gust is an attorney at ABST Law in Fargo, North Dakota, whose practice combines business transactions and litigation. He advises banks, creditors, businesses, and individuals on commercial disputes, debtor-creditor matters, banking law, bankruptcy, contracts, and construction litigation. Mike also works with agricultural law matters and serves as outside general counsel for businesses. His work includes preparing agreements and representing clients when financial obligations or business arrangements become contested.

Mike earned a B.S. from North Dakota State University in 1998 and a Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota in 2001. He later clerked for United States Bankruptcy Judge William A. Hill in the District of North Dakota from 2005 to 2008. His education and clerkship experience provide a foundation in bankruptcy procedure, legal analysis, and the financial issues that frequently arise in commercial disputes.

Mike has drafted promissory notes, security agreements, guarantees, and business formation documents. He advises banks on workouts, forbearances, receiverships, collections, and foreclosures and represents creditors in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 proceedings. He also defended clients in bankruptcy clawback litigation connected to the Petters Ponzi scheme, obtaining an Eighth Circuit reversal that helped lead to favorable settlements. His court work includes contract, construction, lien, and bankruptcy disputes.

Michael L. Gust received Great Plains Super Lawyers recognition from 2016 through 2021. He has presented legal education programs on bankruptcy and commercial law and previously taught business and legal ethics in the University of Mary’s MBA program. His legal work combines courtroom experience with an emphasis on resolving financial disputes when a negotiated result is possible. This approach supports clients facing the costs and uncertainty of business litigation or bankruptcy-related proceedings.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, ABST Law
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar Association of North Dakota
• President 6, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity (2019)
• Member, Ad Hoc Committee on Local Bankruptcy Rules, North Dakota
• Member, Knights of Columbus, Sts. Anne & Joachim
• Member, Junior Achievement (2014-2018)
• Member, Lake Agassiz Certified Development Co.

Licensed State

• Minnesota
• North Dakota

Education

• University of North Dakota
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• North Dakota State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges