Peter M. Lively

Peter M. Lively is a highly experienced bankruptcy attorney and the principal of the Law Office of Peter M. Lively in Culver City. For more than 22 years, he has focused his practice on small business and consumer reorganizations and liquidations. Throughout his career, he has represented clients in thousands of bankruptcy matters, including approximately 2,000 Chapter 7, 55 Chapter 11, and 1,750 Chapter 13 cases. His work comprises trial-level representation and handling complex bankruptcy appellate issues.

Peter Maurice Lively earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law and his M.B.A. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Before that, he completed dual B.S. degrees in Economics and Management at Carnegie Mellon University, graduating with high honors and serving as President of Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor society.

Mr. Lively has built a reputation for guiding individuals and businesses through challenging financial situations in his legal career. He has helped clients obtain debt relief, restructure finances, and gain a fresh start through bankruptcy protection. His impact extends beyond individual cases. He played a key role in the notable In re Balas & Morales decision, which recognized bankruptcy filing rights for same-sex couples. His advocacy in such instances as Garcia v. Dockery has shaped important legal outcomes in the Ninth Circuit.

Peter M. Lively contributes to the profession through teaching, writing, speaking, and practicing law. He served as an adjunct professor at the UCLA School of Law, regularly lectures on bankruptcy topics, and is actively involved in several bar associations. His dedication to service has earned him honors, including being named a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy and a Public Counsel Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, The Law Offices of Peter M. Lively
• Member, State Bar of California
• Fellow, American College of Bankruptcy
• Editor for Bankruptcy Case Updates, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Culver Marina Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Consumer Attorneys
• Member, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
• Member, Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California at Los Angeles School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Carnegie Mellon University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges