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  • People
  • Experience
  • News
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  • Meet JW
    • Who We Are
      • Recognition & Accolades
      • JW Careers
      • Videos
    • How We Work
      • Value Management
      • Project Management
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    • What We Value
      • Community
      • Diversity & Inclusion
      • Jackson Walker Women
      • Pro Bono

Michael S. Held

Partner, Dallas
214-953-5859
mheld@jw.com
Practice Experience Recognition & Accolades Publications & Speeches Client Results Areas of Focus

Practice Areas
  • Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery
Practice Areas
  • Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery
Experience
  • Energy Bankruptcy
  • Healthcare Finance
Biography

Michael S. Held is a Dallas restructuring and bankruptcy lawyer, who has extensive experience in representing a wide range of parties in out-of-court workouts and in-court restructurings, liquidations and contested matters, across a broad range of industries, including healthcare, oil and gas, real estate, transportation, hospitality, restaurants, communications, technology, manufacturing, reinsurance and media. He routinely advises and counsels secured lenders, landlords, contract parties, unsecured creditors, buyers of distressed assets, plaintiffs and defendants in contested matters and adversary proceedings and businesses in need of restructuring or orderly liquidation.  Mike regularly practices in United States bankruptcy courts across the country.

Mike’s restructuring and bankruptcy practice of more than 25 years emphasizes client service and communication in order to tailor the counseling and legal services he provides to meet each client’s particular needs.  He is ever-mindful of efficiently achieving his clients’ goals in the most cost-effective manner possible.

Education

B.B.A., with honors, McCombs School of Business – University of Texas at Austin

J.D., University of Texas School of Law

Bar Admissions

Texas, 1990

Court Admissions

Supreme Court of the State of Texas

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas

United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas


Practice Experience
Recognition & Accolades
Publications & Speeches
Client Results
Areas of Focus
  • Representation of health maintenance organization (PacifiCare) in Genesis Physicians Practice Association Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of health maintenance organization (PacifiCare) in Medical Select Management Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of landlords (Alsey Northridge Realty, et al.) in home healthcare and pharmacy Chapter 11 proceeding of Horizon Home Care, Inc., et al.
  • Representation of secured lender (Community National Bank) in Heart Place Hospital Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of secured lender (IberiaBank) in in doctor-owned hospital, Victory Medical Center Parent, LLC, et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of secured lender (CrossFirst Bank) in doctor-owned hospital, Pine Creek Medical Center, LLC. Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of secured lender (JPMorgan Chase Bank) in rehabilitation center, All Saints Rehabilitation Clinic, Inc. Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of asset purchasers of significant assets from largest U.S. hospice care provider (American Hospice Management, LLC) Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of asset purchasers of significant assets from nursing home entity, Senior Care Centers, et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of durable medical equipment vendor (DME Express, LLC) as large unsecured creditor in Serenity Homecare, LLC, et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of durable medical equipment vendor (DME Express, LLC) as large unsecured creditor in Journey Hospice Care of Houma, Louisiana Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of vendor of computer software solutions vendor (Medecision, Inc.) in hospital system, Verity Health System of California, Inc., et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of secured lenders in obtaining maximum recoveries in restaurant bankruptcy proceedings, including proceeding for S&A Restaurant Corp. (Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale restaurants), and for significant franchisees of Golden Corral, Arby’s and Church’s Chicken restaurants
  • Representation of secured lender in maximizing recovery in Victory Medical Center hospital chapter 11 proceedings
  • Representation of landlords in BI-LO, Blockbuster, Borders Group, Bruno’s Supermarkets, Circuit City Stores, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P, Borman’s Super Fresh and Sav-A-Center Supermarkets), Linens ‘n Things, Movie Gallery, Restaurant Acquisitions I, LLC (Black-Eyed Pea Restaurants), Sun & Ski Sports, Tweeter Home Entertainment, Ultimate Electronics, Winn-Dixie and World Access bankruptcy cases
  • Representation of Fortune 200 health services company in minimizing exposure and successfully confirming plans of reorganization as a co-proponent in physician practice associations’ chapter 11 proceedings
  • Representation of a NYSE media companies in connection with critical vendor orders, assumption/rejection of executory contracts, collection of post-petition claims, and defense of Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action in retail bankruptcy cases, including Ames Department Stores, Adelphia Communications, ATA Holdings, Fleming Companies, Footstar, Furniture City, Heilig-Meyers, Jumbo Sports, KB Toys, Kmart, Levitz Furniture, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Montgomery Ward, Orthodontic Centers of America, RoomStore and Ultimate Electronics bankruptcy cases
  • Representation of Fortune 500 controls manufacturer in minimizing exposure and obtaining maximum distribution in the chapter 11 proceedings of the manufacturer’s distributors
  • Representation of offshore energy industry fabricator, Delcor USA, Inc., in successfully confirming chapter 11 plan.
  • Representation of post-confirmation debtor Color Tile, Inc. in pursuing over 200 Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action
  • Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2018-2019
  • Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2019
  • The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.)
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2007-2020
    • Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2014-2020
  • Texas’ Best Lawyers, 2009-2016
  • Rising Star, Thomson Reuters, 2004-2005
  • Best Lawyer Under 40, D Magazine, 2002, 2004
  • Co-Author, Doing Business in Texas (A Guide for Foreign Investors Doing Business in the Lone Star State), First, Second and Spanish Editions, 1999, 2003, and 2007
  • “Bankruptcy Best Practices,” co-presenter, NAREC 2015 Financial Management and Operations Conference, 2015
— Attorney News

‘D Magazine’ Lists 33 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Best Lawyers in Dallas

2018/08/10 7:00:25 PM
READ MORE
— Attorney News

Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 98 Jackson Walker Attorneys

2018/08/15 2:30:01 PM
READ MORE
— Attorney News

Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 94 Jackson Walker Attorneys

2018/06/15 5:35:25 PM
READ MORE
— Attorney News

53 Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to 2017 ‘Texas Super Lawyers’ List

2018/06/15 6:25:16 PM
READ MORE
— Client Results

Jackson Walker Represents Prophet Equity in its Acquisition of Substantially All Assets of Francis Drilling Fluids, Ltd.

2019/01/29 8:39:50 PM
READ MORE
— Attorney News

‘D Magazine’ Lists 24 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Best Lawyers in Dallas 2019

2019/04/19 4:02:21 PM
READ MORE
— Attorney News

'The Best Lawyers in America' Honors 109 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2020 Edition, With Eight Named "Lawyers of the Year"

2019/08/14 8:55:34 PM
READ MORE
— Attorney News

52 Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to 2019 'Texas Super Lawyers' List by Thomson Reuters

2019/09/04 8:23:33 PM
READ MORE
Restructurings, Insolvency Situations and Bankruptcy Proceedings, including:
  • Secured lenders in out-of-court workouts and bankruptcy proceedings
  • Individual and institutional landlords in tenant disputes, tenant bankruptcy proceedings and other tenant insolvency situations
  • Debtors in out-of-court workouts and bankruptcy proceedings
  • Post-confirmation debtors and plan trustees pursuing Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action and claims objections
  • Defendants facing preference, fraudulent transfer, turnover and other Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action
  • Non-debtor contract parties in connection with critical vendor orders, assumption/rejection of executory contracts and collection of post-petition claims
  • Non-debtor co-proponents of bankruptcy plans
  • Buyers of distressed assets
  • Franchisors in franchisee bankruptcy proceedings

Practice Experience

  • Representation of health maintenance organization (PacifiCare) in Genesis Physicians Practice Association Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of health maintenance organization (PacifiCare) in Medical Select Management Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of landlords (Alsey Northridge Realty, et al.) in home healthcare and pharmacy Chapter 11 proceeding of Horizon Home Care, Inc., et al.
  • Representation of secured lender (Community National Bank) in Heart Place Hospital Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of secured lender (IberiaBank) in in doctor-owned hospital, Victory Medical Center Parent, LLC, et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of secured lender (CrossFirst Bank) in doctor-owned hospital, Pine Creek Medical Center, LLC. Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of secured lender (JPMorgan Chase Bank) in rehabilitation center, All Saints Rehabilitation Clinic, Inc. Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of asset purchasers of significant assets from largest U.S. hospice care provider (American Hospice Management, LLC) Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Representation of asset purchasers of significant assets from nursing home entity, Senior Care Centers, et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of durable medical equipment vendor (DME Express, LLC) as large unsecured creditor in Serenity Homecare, LLC, et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of durable medical equipment vendor (DME Express, LLC) as large unsecured creditor in Journey Hospice Care of Houma, Louisiana Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of vendor of computer software solutions vendor (Medecision, Inc.) in hospital system, Verity Health System of California, Inc., et al. Chapter 11 proceedings.
  • Representation of secured lenders in obtaining maximum recoveries in restaurant bankruptcy proceedings, including proceeding for S&A Restaurant Corp. (Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale restaurants), and for significant franchisees of Golden Corral, Arby’s and Church’s Chicken restaurants
  • Representation of secured lender in maximizing recovery in Victory Medical Center hospital chapter 11 proceedings
  • Representation of landlords in BI-LO, Blockbuster, Borders Group, Bruno’s Supermarkets, Circuit City Stores, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P, Borman’s Super Fresh and Sav-A-Center Supermarkets), Linens ‘n Things, Movie Gallery, Restaurant Acquisitions I, LLC (Black-Eyed Pea Restaurants), Sun & Ski Sports, Tweeter Home Entertainment, Ultimate Electronics, Winn-Dixie and World Access bankruptcy cases
  • Representation of Fortune 200 health services company in minimizing exposure and successfully confirming plans of reorganization as a co-proponent in physician practice associations’ chapter 11 proceedings
  • Representation of a NYSE media companies in connection with critical vendor orders, assumption/rejection of executory contracts, collection of post-petition claims, and defense of Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action in retail bankruptcy cases, including Ames Department Stores, Adelphia Communications, ATA Holdings, Fleming Companies, Footstar, Furniture City, Heilig-Meyers, Jumbo Sports, KB Toys, Kmart, Levitz Furniture, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Montgomery Ward, Orthodontic Centers of America, RoomStore and Ultimate Electronics bankruptcy cases
  • Representation of Fortune 500 controls manufacturer in minimizing exposure and obtaining maximum distribution in the chapter 11 proceedings of the manufacturer’s distributors
  • Representation of offshore energy industry fabricator, Delcor USA, Inc., in successfully confirming chapter 11 plan.
  • Representation of post-confirmation debtor Color Tile, Inc. in pursuing over 200 Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action

Recognition & Accolades

  • Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2018-2019
  • Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2019
  • The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.)
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2007-2020
    • Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2014-2020
  • Texas’ Best Lawyers, 2009-2016
  • Rising Star, Thomson Reuters, 2004-2005
  • Best Lawyer Under 40, D Magazine, 2002, 2004

Publications & Speeches

  • Co-Author, Doing Business in Texas (A Guide for Foreign Investors Doing Business in the Lone Star State), First, Second and Spanish Editions, 1999, 2003, and 2007
  • “Bankruptcy Best Practices,” co-presenter, NAREC 2015 Financial Management and Operations Conference, 2015

Areas of Focus

Restructurings, Insolvency Situations and Bankruptcy Proceedings, including:
  • Secured lenders in out-of-court workouts and bankruptcy proceedings
  • Individual and institutional landlords in tenant disputes, tenant bankruptcy proceedings and other tenant insolvency situations
  • Debtors in out-of-court workouts and bankruptcy proceedings
  • Post-confirmation debtors and plan trustees pursuing Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action and claims objections
  • Defendants facing preference, fraudulent transfer, turnover and other Chapter 5 bankruptcy causes of action
  • Non-debtor contract parties in connection with critical vendor orders, assumption/rejection of executory contracts and collection of post-petition claims
  • Non-debtor co-proponents of bankruptcy plans
  • Buyers of distressed assets
  • Franchisors in franchisee bankruptcy proceedings
Practice Areas
  • Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery
Experience
  • Energy Bankruptcy
  • Healthcare Finance

recent

‘D Magazine’ Lists 33 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Best Lawyers in Dallas Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 98 Jackson Walker Attorneys Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 94 Jackson Walker Attorneys 53 Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to 2017 ‘Texas Super Lawyers’ List Jackson Walker Represents Prophet Equity in its Acquisition of Substantially All Assets of Francis Drilling Fluids, Ltd. ‘D Magazine’ Lists 24 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Best Lawyers in Dallas 2019 'The Best Lawyers in America' Honors 109 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2020 Edition, With Eight Named "Lawyers of the Year" 52 Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to 2019 'Texas Super Lawyers' List by Thomson Reuters
READ MORE

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