Atty. Michael I. Goldberg

Atty. Michael I. Goldberg

A Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, Michael Goldberg chairs Akerman’s Fraud and Recovery Practice, an experienced team of lawyers focused on unraveling high-profile investor fraud, including Ponzi schemes, receiverships, and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program wrongdoing. Michael has managed some of the largest Ponzi scheme liquidation recoveries in U.S. history.

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Profile Summary

About Michael I. Goldberg at a glance

Michael I. Goldberg is a bankruptcy and litigation attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, practicing at Akerman LLP. Admitted to practice in Florida, The Florida Bar and New York, New York State Bar Association. Educated at Boston University School of Law (J.D., 1990) and New York University (MBA, 1987). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026). Serands clients in Fort Lauderdale, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • A Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, Michael Goldberg chairs Akerman’s Fraud and Recovery Practice, an experienced team of lawyers focused on unraveling high-profile investor fraud, including Ponzi schemes, receiverships, and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program wrongdoing
  • Michael has managed some of the largest Ponzi scheme liquidation recoveries in U.S. history
  • More recently he has developed a reputation for his work unraveling EB-5 fraud schemes
  • As noted in Chambers USA, his peers call him “an extraordinary lawyer who is unflappable
  • He’s got a keen business mind and can forge consensus in seemingly irreconcilable disputes.” Michael previously served as chair of Akerman’s Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice Group
  • As a qualified expert witness on Ponzi schemes, he is highly sought after and routinely testifies in federal and state court cases throughout the country and internationally
  • Michael has served as court-appointed receiver in many of his cases over the past two decades, helping victims maximize potential returns by identifying, securing, and monetizing potential assets as quickly and efficiently as possible
  • Regarded as a thought leader on fraud, Michael has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox News, and National Public Radio to discuss Ponzi schemes and receiverships
  • He has also been quoted in Bloomberg, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The American Lawyer, The Miami Herald, Sun Sentinel, and numerous other publications
  • Michael regularly lectures on receiverships, Ponzi schemes and EB-5 fraud to regulators and various legal groups throughout the country

Practice Areas Explained

Michael I. Goldberg's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael I. Goldberg handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Bankruptcy & Debt

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Michael I. Goldberg is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Florida →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Michael I. Goldberg is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Florida →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Florida

Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Fort Lauderdale are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Fort Lauderdale or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael I. Goldberg

Where is Michael I. Goldberg's law office located?
Michael I. Goldberg's law practice is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The firm is Akerman LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael I. Goldberg handle?
Michael I. Goldberg focuses on bankruptcy, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Florida.
Where did Michael I. Goldberg go to law school?
Michael I. Goldberg earned their education at (J.D., 1990); (MBA, 1987); (BA, 1985).
How can I contact Michael I. Goldberg for a consultation?
You can contact Michael I. Goldberg directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael I. Goldberg received?
Michael I. Goldberg's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale); Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
Boston University School of Law
- 1990
MBA
New York University
- 1987
BA
Boston University
- 1985

Awards

Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Paul J. Liacos Scholar; G. Joseph Tauro Scholar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leadership Award, 2000
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — BTI 2007, Listed as a Client Service "All-Star"
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Magazine 2010, Listed in Florida as a "Top 100 Lawyer"
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Daily Business Review, Most Effective Lawyer in Bankruptcy, Winner, 2013
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Florida Trend's Legal Elite 2005-2011, 2013-2015, Listed for Bankruptcy & Workout
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Magazine 2007-2016, Listed in Florida for Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — South Florida Legal Guide Top Lawyers 2004-2015, Listed for Bankruptcy, Creditors Rights
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Daily Business Review, "Lawyer of the Year," Finalist, 2015
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA 2006-2016, Ranked in Florida for Bankruptcy/Restructuring
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2020
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2019
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Fort Lauderdale)
- 2016
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Bankruptcy (Miami)
- 2015
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Miami)
- 2013

Bar Admissions

Florida, The Florida Bar
New York, New York State Bar Association

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