Common Forms of Commercial Bankruptcy

An accomplished attorney, Michael Guyerson holds an AV rating by Martindale Hubble, in addition to certification as a business and bankruptcy specialist by the American Bankruptcy Institute. Since 2016, Michael Guyerson has served as senior counsel at the Buechler Law Office in Denver, Colorado, where he manages the firm's civil litigation and commercial bankruptcy lines of business.

Business or commercial bankruptcy refers to a legal proceeding that takes place when a company can no longer repay its debts. The exact process, which takes place in a federal court, depends on how a business is legally structured.

Sole proprietorship bankruptcies typically occur as a Chapter 13 reorganization filing, since these businesses are legal extensions of the individual owner. Chapter 13 filings are usually reserved for individuals, and the “chapter” refers to the section of the United States Bankruptcy Code that governs the process.

Legal business entities, such as corporations and partnerships, typically file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11. Chapter 7 bankruptcies, or liquidations, are used when a business lacks a viable future. Alternatively, a Chapter 11 filing may be used when there is hope to improve the company’s financial position. A Chapter 11 filing involves a planned business re-organization monitored by a court-appointed trustee.

Membership Benefits Provided by the American Bankruptcy Institute

Michael Guyerson is an experienced attorney who holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, in addition to a juris doctor from the University of Colorado. Currently, Michael Guyerson serves as senior counsel at the Buechler Law Office in Denver, Colorado, where he holds certification as a business bankruptcy specialist by the ABC Board of the American Bankruptcy Institute.

Since its founding in 1982, the American Bankruptcy Institute has represented and advocated for the interests of bankruptcy professionals across the United States. The organization, which engages in ongoing reporting and analysis of bankruptcy laws and regulations, currently represents more than 12,000 members.

The institute's members benefit from access to an array of educational materials and resources that range from court opinions and case summaries to professional blogs and publications. The organization’s publications, which cover topics such as relevant news, opinions, data, and editorial content, allow members to manage and maintain their continuing professional education requirements while staying current in their field. In addition to these educational resources, members enjoy business benefits through an online directory designed to generate referrals and multiple networking opportunities.

For additional information on membership benefits with the American Bankruptcy Institute, visit www.abi.org.

ABI and St. John’s University Partner for Mediation Training

An accomplished bankruptcy practitioner, Michael Guyerson leverages three decades of experience to serve as senior counsel in the firm of Buechler & Garber in Denver. An active member of the larger legal field, Michael Guyerson belongs to professional groups including the American Bankruptcy Institute.

The leading professional organization for bankruptcy practitioners in the United States, ABI has been advocating for the bankruptcy field since its founding in 1982. Today, it serves more than 12,000 members through a range of continuing education opportunities, research initiatives, and advocacy for and analysis of bankruptcy-related legislation and policy. ABI also hosts networking and professional development events, including the Forty-Hour Bankruptcy Mediation Training program.

Held each year on the Manhattan campus of St. John’s University, the innovative program represents a partnership between two leading institutions in the bankruptcy training and education field. Bankruptcy judges, attorneys, and financial professionals interested in developing their mediation practices are invited to attend the program, which features a week of lectures and seminars designed around bankruptcy theory and practice.

The next training program will take place December 9-13, 2018. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion as well as DVD recordings of themselves participating in mock mediation sessions.

Colorado Bar Association Member Benefits

Michael Guyerson is a member of the Colorado Bar Association and has practiced law since 1981. From 1988 to 1989, he served as chairperson of the Colorado Bar Association’s Agricultural Law Section. Today, Michael Guyerson focuses on commercial bankruptcy and civil litigation as senior counsel at Buechler & Garber, LLC.

The Colorado Bar Association (CBA) supports new and experienced attorneys with networking opportunities and continuing legal education. Members of the CBA have access to rulings and statutes for various courts, including the state’s Supreme Court, circuit courts, and appellate courts. The CBA encourages attorneys to perform community service and participate in pro bono efforts, and supports these initiatives by placing legal professionals with opportunities that match their interests and talents. 

Members also have access to the association’s magazine, Colorado Lawyer, including archived issues through an online database. Additional benefits for members include discounts on professional services like credit card processing and legal software as well as personal discounts on items like local athletic clubs and gyms. Visit www.cobar.org for more information.