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