Skip to content
Jackson Walker
  • People

    View All People
    View all people
  • Services & Industries

    Search our experience

    View practice groups View by industries View all services & industries
  • News
    All News Insights Podcasts Subscribe to JW News & Insights
  • Locations
    Austin

    Austin

    Dallas

    Dallas

    Dallas

    Fort Worth

    Dallas

    Houston

    Dallas

    San Angelo

    Dallas

    San Antonio

    Dallas

    Our Global Reach

  • Meet JW
    • Who We Are
      About Us Videos Podcasts Recognition JW Alumni
    • What We Value
      Community Belonging & Inclusion Jackson Walker Women Pro Bono
    • How We Work
      Globalaw Project Management Value Management
  • Careers
    Experienced Attorneys Law Students Business Professionals & Paralegals
Michael S. Held

Michael S. Held

Partner, Dallas
214.953.5859
mheld@jw.com
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • vCard
  • Print
Biography Practice Experience Recognition & Accolades Publications & Speeches Client Results News & Insights Areas of Focus
Michael S. Held

Michael S. Held

Partner, Dallas
214.953.5859
mheld@jw.com
Email LinkedIn vCard Print
Practice Experience Recognition & Accolades Publications & Speeches Client Results Attorney News Areas of Focus

Practice Areas

  • Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery

Experience

  • Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
  • Debtor Representation
  • Distressed Asset Buyers & Sellers Representation
  • Energy Workouts & Reorganizations
  • Healthcare Finance
  • Healthcare Workouts & Reorganizations
  • Landlord & Contract Counter Parties Representation
  • Real Estate Workouts & Reorganizations
  • Secured Creditor Representation
  • Unsecured and Ad Hoc Creditor Committee Representation
  • Unsecured Creditor Representation

Biography

Michael 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 30 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, University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business
J.D., University of Texas School of Law

Bar Admissions

Texas

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

  • 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

  • The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2008-2025
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2008-2025
    • Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2011-2025
  • Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2023
  • “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2018-2025
  • Texas’ Best Lawyers, 2009-2016
  • Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2004-2005
  • “Best Lawyers Under 40” List, D Magazine, 2002, 2004

Publications & Speaking Engagements

  • 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

In the News

  • “What’s a Movie Theater Worth These Days? One Bankruptcy Case Offers Insight,” CoStar News (2021)
  • “Regus Affiliates in Bankruptcy Need More Time to Negotiate Leases, Lawyer Says,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “Judge Sides With Coworking Tenants in ‘Very Unusual’ Bankruptcy Case,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “Tuesday Morning Could Sell its Leasehold Interest in Phoenix Distribution Center,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “More Regus Affiliates Join US Bankruptcy Case By the Day as Coworking Use Slows,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “Regus Affiliates’ Bankruptcy Case May Set Precedent for Coworking Space Landlords,” CoStar News (2020)

Jackson Walker Represents Zimmer Partners in PIPE Agreement to Fund PG&E Corporation’s Chapter 11 Exit Financing

June 17, 2020

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

January 29, 2019

More Client Results

Dallas Texas skyline

April 25, 2025
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2025 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List

Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2025. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.

Best Lawyers 2025 edition graphic - 306 attorneys recognized, 81 specialty areas, 75 Ones to Watch, and 9 Lawyers of the Year

August 15, 2024
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Best Lawyers in Dallas 2024 D Magazine

April 19, 2024
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates 23 Attorneys Named Among 2024 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List

Jackson Walker congratulates the 23 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2024. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.

Flags flying at the Texas Capitol

September 19, 2023
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023

Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.

USA flags

August 17, 2023
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Jackson Walker Best Lawyers in Dallas 2023

April 25, 2023
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates 24 Attorneys Named Among 2023 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List

Jackson Walker congratulates the 24 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2023. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.

September 21, 2022
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022

Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.

August 18, 2022
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.

Jackson Walker - D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas 2022

April 25, 2022
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2022 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List

Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2022. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.

2022 New Partners

February 11, 2022
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Announces Largest Class of Newly Elected Partners to Date

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the election of 14 attorneys to the Firm’s partnership on Friday, February 11, 2022. In addition to electing 14 new partners, the Firm also congratulates Bart Cicuto, Noah Speck, and Austin Thomas on their promotion from associates to senior counsel.

More Attorney News

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

  • The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2008-2025
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2008-2025
    • Litigation – Bankruptcy, 2011-2025
  • Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2023
  • “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2018-2025
  • Texas’ Best Lawyers, 2009-2016
  • Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2004-2005
  • “Best Lawyers Under 40” List, D Magazine, 2002, 2004

Publications & Speeches

Publications & Speaking Engagements

  • 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

In the News

  • “What’s a Movie Theater Worth These Days? One Bankruptcy Case Offers Insight,” CoStar News (2021)
  • “Regus Affiliates in Bankruptcy Need More Time to Negotiate Leases, Lawyer Says,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “Judge Sides With Coworking Tenants in ‘Very Unusual’ Bankruptcy Case,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “Tuesday Morning Could Sell its Leasehold Interest in Phoenix Distribution Center,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “More Regus Affiliates Join US Bankruptcy Case By the Day as Coworking Use Slows,” CoStar News (2020)
  • “Regus Affiliates’ Bankruptcy Case May Set Precedent for Coworking Space Landlords,” CoStar News (2020)

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

  • Bankruptcy Trustee Representation
  • Debtor Representation
  • Distressed Asset Buyers & Sellers Representation
  • Energy Workouts & Reorganizations
  • Healthcare Finance
  • Healthcare Workouts & Reorganizations
  • Landlord & Contract Counter Parties Representation
  • Real Estate Workouts & Reorganizations
  • Secured Creditor Representation
  • Unsecured and Ad Hoc Creditor Committee Representation
  • Unsecured Creditor Representation

Keep up with the latest from Jackson Walker.
Subscribe »

LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X / Twitter

People

  • View All People

Services & Industries

  • Practice Groups
  • Industries
  • View All Services & Industries

News

  • All News
  • Insights
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe to JW News & Insights

Offices

  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Fort Worth
  • Houston
  • San Angelo
  • San Antonio
  • Our Global Reach

Meet JW

  • About Jackson Walker
  • Videos
  • Community
  • Belonging & Inclusion
  • JW Women
  • Pro Bono
  • Alumni
  • Globalaw
  • Project Management
  • Value Management

Careers

  • Experienced Attorneys
  • Law Students
  • Business Professionals & Paralegals

Jackson Walker   © 2025 Jackson Walker LLP. Terms of Use | Cookies & Tracking Policy | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | Attorney Advertising | SCAC | JW Login