Atty. Michael W. Zimmerman
Michael Zimmerman’s practice is concentrated primarily in commercial litigation, including condemnation and bankruptcy. Zimmerman advises a wide range of commercial and individual clients in business disputes and collection matters in state and federal courts.
Profile Summary
About Michael W. Zimmerman at a glance
Michael W. Zimmerman is a business, bankruptcy, and litigation attorney based in Scottsdale, Arizona, practicing at Berry Riddell Llc. They have 17+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2009. Admitted to practice in Arizona (2009). Educated at Arizona State University (JD, 2009) and Johns Hopkins University (MA). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Serands clients in Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Michael Zimmerman’s practice is concentrated primarily in commercial litigation, including condemnation and bankruptcy
- Zimmerman advises a wide range of commercial and individual clients in business disputes and collection matters in state and federal courts
- Zimmerman also advises clients on banking and financial services matters, workouts and licensing issues
- His bankruptcy experience includes representation of secured and unsecured lenders, landlords and a wide range of debtors in restructurings, Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, and adversary proceedings
- Prior to joining Berry Riddell, Zimmerman practiced at Zwillinger Greek & Knecht PC and at Polsinelli PC in the Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring group
- Before entering private practice, Zimmerman clerked at the U.S
- Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona where he served as the first Pro Se Law Clerk and assisted all chambers on pro se matters
- Before attending law school, Zimmerman was a middle school teacher and school administrator in the Baltimore City Public School System at his Teach for America placement site
- An active member of the community, Zimmerman served on the Governing Board of Phoenix Collegiate Academy Charter School as a founding member from 2008 – 2013 and as the Chair in 2011 and 2012
- he was a Corporate Board Member, 2008 – 2017
- He is an active member of the Arizona Bankruptcy Inn of Court, 2010 – Present, and the Bankruptcy Sections of the State Bar of Arizona and the Maricopa County Bar Association
- Zimmerman contributes pro bono representation as member of the Pro Bono Panel for the U.S
- Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona
- Zimmerman participated on the Arizona Bankruptcy Court Strategic Planning Committee in 2010
- Zimmerman was listed to The Best Lawyers In America© for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2020-2021
- Super Lawyers has recognized Zimmerman as a Rising Star (2016 through 2019)
- Zimmerman received the Teach For America, Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009
- During the same year, he was a Fellow in the Leadership for Educational Equity Emerging Political Leaders Program
- Zimmerman attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he received a B.A. in English
- He then attended Johns Hopkins University, where he received a Master’s in Teaching in 2002
- He graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, J.D., in 2009
- He served as a Legal Method and Writing Teaching Assistant and an Extern to the Honorable Mary H. Murguia, U.S
- District Court, and he received the Highest Pro Bono Distinction
- Zimmerman is admitted to the Supreme Court of Arizona, 2009, the U.S
- District Court, District of Arizona, 2011, and the 9th Circuit U.S
- Court of Appeals, 2011
Practice Areas Explained
Michael W. Zimmerman's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael W. Zimmerman handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael W. Zimmerman is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Arizona →
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Michael W. Zimmerman is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Arizona →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael W. Zimmerman is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Arizona →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Arizona
Practicing law in Arizona. Legal matters in Arizona are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Scottsdale are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arizona state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arizona 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 Arizona courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Arizona attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Scottsdale or all attorneys in Arizona.
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