Michael C. Markham

Partner

Michael Markham has been a leader in bankruptcy and insolvency law in Florida for more than three decades. Since joining Johnson Pope in 1988, he has represented corporate debtors, secured creditors, equipment lenders, landlords, creditor committees, and trustees in some of the region’s most complex restructuring, receivership, and litigation matters.

Michael’s practice focuses on bankruptcy litigation, creditor rights, and alternative dispute resolution. He has served as counsel in numerous high-profile cases, including large Ponzi scheme proceedings, multimillion-dollar real estate restructurings, and contested Chapter 11 reorganizations. He serves as a Subchapter V Trustee in the Middle District of Florida and often serves as a mediator in bankruptcy and commercial disputes, bringing a reputation for fairness and clarity to high-stakes situations.

Over the course of his career, Michael has appeared before the U.S. District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts throughout Florida, as well as the Eleventh, Eighth and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals. His clients include businesses navigating insolvency, lenders protecting their interests, and fiduciaries charged with administering complex estates. Colleagues describe his approach as practical, thorough, and built on decades of firsthand experience in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

Beyond his advocacy, Michael is committed to advancing the profession and expanding access to legal services. He serves as an adjunct professor at Florida State University College of Law, where he founded the pro bono bankruptcy clinic that provides support to community members facing financial distress. He has contributed to continuing legal education programs and recently co-authored scholarship on developments in bankruptcy law.

Whether advising a debtor or creditor in a high-profile reorganization or helping a business owner understand their options in a difficult time, Michael is known for balancing technical precision with a focus on solutions that move clients forward. His work reflects a deep respect for the complexities of insolvency law and a steady commitment to helping clients protect their interests and plan for the future.

Representative Matters

• Ponzi Scheme Bankruptcy Proceedings. Represented trustees and creditors in the recovery and administration of assets in large-scale fraud and Ponzi scheme bankruptcies.

• Commercial Real Estate Restructuring. Served as lead counsel for creditors and debtors in complex Chapter 11 reorganizations involving distressed real estate holdings.

• Receivership and Trustee Representation. Acted as counsel in receivership cases and serves as a Subchapter V Trustee, advising on operational continuity and creditor repayment strategies.

• Healthcare Sector Insolvency. Represented debtors and creditors in the bankruptcy proceedings of healthcare companies, including litigation over priority of claims, secured interests, and plan confirmation.

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1988
• United States Courts of Appeals, 8th Circuit, 9th Circuit & 11th Circuit
• United States District Courts, Middle, Southern & Northern Districts of Florida

Education

• Florida State University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1988
• Florida State University, B.S., summa cum laude, 1985

Awards & Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America©, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights | Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2008 – Present
• Super Lawyers, 2012 – 2025

Community & Professional Organizations

• The Florida Bar, 1988 – Present
  • Member
• Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association
  • Member
• American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Member

Outside the Office

Michael enjoys wake surfing and spending time outdoors. He is also actively involved with the alumni board at the Florida State University College of Law and contributes to professional development and scholarship in the bankruptcy bar.