Michael Amato is a Partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, where he is a member of the firm’s Financial Services, Banking & Bankruptcy Department and the Business Reorganization Practice Group.

Mr. Amato is a skilled bankruptcy attorney with considerable experience representing both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy matters. Mr. Amato focuses his practice on debtor and creditor rights, business reorganizations and bankruptcy litigation.

Mr. Amato has represented both debtors and creditors in reorganizations and liquidations. He has advised clients in negotiating, structuring and drafting complex Chapter 11 plans and debtor-in-possession financing agreements.

Mr. Amato’s litigation experience includes representation of debtors and creditors in bankruptcy litigation, including actions to avoid preferential transfers and fraudulent conveyances, turnover proceedings and actions to recover assets.

Mr. Amato has also practiced in the areas of commercial and civil litigation, real estate and corporate matters.

Mr. Amato is an active member of the Suffolk County Bar Association and is currently Co-Chair of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Committee.

Published
Treatment of Franchisee Leases under § 365(d) (ABI Journal July/August 2011, co-authored with Jeffrey A. Wurst, Esq.)

"Revised Ordinary Course of Business Defense to Preference Claims May Not be as Effective as Anticipated" (Nassau Lawyer, February 2007)

"When a Statutory Lien Becomes a Secret Lien" (ABI Bankruptcy Litigation Committee Newsletter, June 2007)

Lectures
Moderator, "LI-TMA/Nassau County Bar Association Judiciary Night," November 1, 2011

"Understanding the Warning Signs of Bankruptcy," Esquire Bank, July 13, 2011

"Dealing with Residential Foreclosure," N.Y. State Bar Association, May 9, 2011

"Beyond No Comment; Communication Programs to Shape Positive Turnaround Outcomes," April 15, 2011

"Guaranties in Business, Can't Live With Them, Can't Live Without Them," March 18, 2008

"Bankruptcy Roundtable: A Practical Approach to Preferences, Reclamation and Administrative Claims," March 22, 2007

"Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Basics", State Bank of Long Island, January 10, 2006