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For more than 30 years and having tried hundreds of cases, bankruptcy attorney Michael Ridulfo represents companies and institutions in the financial services and energy industries.

Mike advises organizations from across the country in Texas-based matters and litigation.

Many of Mike’s clients are lenders who find themselves entangled in a bankruptcy, either as a creditor or as a lender in the bankruptcy itself. He vigorously advocates for them to help preserve their asset value. Mike strives to ensure that his clients are treated fairly and equitably and that they not bear the brunt of the losses nor the litigation. His clients rely on him to allocate the appropriate resources to specific problems in a way that resolves their issues sensibly and economically.

Mike particularly enjoys cases related to complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations and the trials that ensue. He finds it gratifying to help his clients navigate these multifaceted situations and appreciates the quality of the lawyers and sophistication of the parties involved, as well as the challenging nature of courtroom battles.

Because Mike previously handled a great deal of business litigation matters in state court, he is very familiar and comfortable with all characteristics and personalities connected with the Texas bench. A highly skilled and practiced negotiator, Mike understands every nuanced angle in the calculus of putting together deals and facilitating his clients’ transactions.

As a testament to his restructuring experience, Mike received the M&A Advisors Turnaround of the Year Award in the category of Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Year ($10MM to $100MM) for representing the controlling equity of the Debtor, a multi-state waste management company.  As a result, Mike was instrumental in achieving a significant global compromise that allowed the Chapter 11 Plan to be confirmed, provided a dividend to unsecured creditors, and also relieved equity of significant guaranty exposure to the Debtor’s primary lender. Mike also contributed to the team honored with the M&A Advisor Turnaround Award for Restructuring of the Year ($250MM to $500MM) for its work on the restructuring of Auto Plus.

 

Away from the Office

Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and four adult children. In addition, he’s an avid music fan who likes attending concerts and listening to the music of the Grateful Dead.

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas (1987)
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1991)
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern Districts of Texas

Education

  • Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, J.D., 1987
  • New Mexico State University, B.A., 1984
  • National equipment financing and leasing companies as creditors in bankruptcies cases throughout Texas.
  • Oil & gas exploration companies in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
  • Defense of National bank in Houston, Texas in large lender liability lawsuit.
  • International tool manufacturer that purchased assets in Houston, Texas bankruptcy case.
  • Equipment manufacturer as creditor in Houston, Texas bankruptcy case.
  • Regional bank as creditor in Dallas and San Antonio bankruptcy cases.
  • Jury trial in Harris County, Texas representing purchaser of multi-unit apartment complex.
  • Defense of leasing companies in class action case in Houston, Texas.
  • Defense of bankruptcy preference litigation in Texas and Delaware.
  • Defense of publicly traded company in complex arbitration case.
  • Representation of National and Mexican railway companies in bankruptcy and work-out matters.
  • Representation of a shareholder of and Oklahoma oil & gas company in Corpus Christi, Texas bankruptcy case.
  • Representation of asset purchasers in bankruptcy cases throughout Texas.
  • Purchaser of radio station in Santa Barbara, California bankruptcy case.
  • Representation of National Finance Company throughout Texas.
  • Presentation of oral argument before the First and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeal.
  • Representation of Loan Servicers
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2021 - 2026)
  • Lawdragon 500: Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers (2025)
  • M&A Advisor Turnaround Restructuring Award, Restructuring of the Year ($250MM to $500MM), 2023
  • Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters (2019 - 2023)
  • Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine (2019)
  • State Bar of Texas, Bankruptcy Section
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Turnaround Management Association
  • Moller Foltz Inns of Court
  • 90 Days in the Hole: The Lead Up to Bankruptcy, KRCL Energy & Transportation Webinar, June 2021
  • Frequent writer and speaker at the University of Texas and State Bar of Texas conferences
  • Emerging Midstream and Downstream Insolvency and Bankruptcy Issues, KRCL Energy Law Mini Summit, November 2017
  • Bankruptcy Energy Issues and Risk Protection, KRCL Litigation Seminar, February 2017
  • Representation of Banks and Finance Companies
  • Representation of Creditors, Asset Purchaser, and Preference Defendants in Bankruptcy
  • Representation of Upstream Energy Companies
  • Representation of Equity Investors

“The two most important attributes I bring to my practice are integrity and experience.  With me, you get a steadfastly responsive lawyer who has an impeccable reputation and the knowledge to solve your problems quickly and cost-effectively. The relationships I foster with clients, colleagues, and peers are built on trust and confidence. This solid foundation enhances my ability to generate service, maintain business, and provide successful outcomes.”