Attorney Michael Steel has been helping clients through difficult financial and legal matters for over 20 years. As a third generation attorney in the local legal community, he appreciates the responsibilities of his profession beyond just the job of being a skilled and effective lawyer. He also relies upon his past business experience to develop creative, strategic, effective and practical solutions for his clients. Michael seeks to be a trusted advisor and problem solver in his clients' success.

Michael counsels his clients in complex financial matters including bankruptcy, real estate and business transactions, and commercial litigation. He regularly advises privately-held companies on work-out arrangements and negotiations with creditors as alternatives to bankruptcy. He also serves as a court appointed receiver and trustee’s counsel.

His law practice includes bankruptcy matters such as Chapter 7 and 13 for individuals and Chapter 11 for businesses as well as financial reorganization, creditor committee representation, and business transactions. He also represents businesses and creditors with preference claims, proof of claims, collections, liens, secured collateral, foreclosures and other creditor rights issues.

Michael is recognized by colleagues as a leader in the area of bankruptcy practice. He also works with small and family-owned businesses and individuals on business succession and estate planning as well as probate administration. Michael regularly counsels small business owners on various business, financial and legal issues.

Michael is licensed in both Ohio and Florida.

He has counseled clients in the following areas:

Bankruptcy

• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for Businesses and High Net Worth Individuals
• Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy for Individuals
• Work out / Turnaround / Reorganization
• Section 363 Sales and Purchases of property through a bankruptcy proceeding
• Bankruptcy Adversary Litigation on behalf of Chapter 7 Panel Trustees
• Preference, Fraudulent Conveyance litigation
• Unsecured Creditor Committee counsel

Small Business

• Succession Planning for closely-held businesses
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Contracts
• Commercial Litigation

Receiverships & Foreclosure

• Served as State Court appointed Receiver as well as counsel for Receiver
• Foreclosure and Land Contract Forfeiture proceedings
• Landlord-Tenant,  Evictions

Real Estate

• Purchase and Sale of Commercial Real Estate
• Leasing
• Landlord/Tenant & Eviction

Probate & Estate Planning

• Wills, Trusts, and other life planning instruments
• Probate Administration
• Asset Protection and Planning

Prior to the practice of law, Michael spent several years working in the film & television industry in Los Angeles.