Richard Mikels

Adjunct Professor of Law
Shareholder, Chairman and Section Manager of the Bankruptcy Law Department,
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
B.S. in Business Administration, Boston University College of Business Administration
J.D., cum laude, Boston University School of Law

Interests: Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Commercial Law, Acquisitions

Richard Mikels is chairman of Mintz Levin's Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Commercial Law Section. With over 30 years of experience in the areas of commercial law, workouts, and reorganizations, he maintains a national practice, focusing on insolvency issues and business restructurings, both in Chapter 11 and in out-of-court workouts. Some of his debtor Chapter 11 representations include Alpha Omega Jewelers, Joan Fabrics Corporation, Malden Mills Industries, Inc., ACT Manufacturing, Inc., Filene's Basement, Inc., divine, Inc., and Great Northern Paper, Inc. In addition, Rick frequently represents other constituencies, including secured and unsecured creditors and acquirers of businesses in Chapter 11 cases.

Together with managing a robust law practice, Professor Mikels serves as an adjunct professor of law at Boston University School of Law. He is recognized for his experience on issues related to Chapter 11 reorganizations, and authored or edited chapters in Bankruptcy Business Acquisitions, a legal resource guide to the intricacies of the bankruptcy sale process;Crocker's Notes on Common Forms, a legal treatise on real estate; and Commercial Bankruptcy Litigation, a text on litigation related to bankruptcy cases. Professor Mikels is a contributing editor of the American Bankruptcy Institute Journal and has published numerous articles that address a variety of important bankruptcy issues, including balancing creditor and equity interests in Chapter 11, bankruptcy appellate practices, and the use of settlements in proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code to avoid the strict requirements of Chapter 11.

Professor Mikels' reputation for excellence in the bankruptcy and insolvency field is well-noted. In 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, he was recognized as a "Star Individual" in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business— one of only seven bankruptcy lawyers in the country to receive Chambers' highest ranking. He also has been named in every volume of Naifeh and Smith's "The Best Lawyers in America" since its first publication in 1983. In addition, for 2007–2008, he was chosen by his peers as one of Massachusetts' Top 10 Super Lawyers," and is regularly chosen as a "Top 100 Super Lawyer" for both Massachusetts and New England. He is often cited in leading media publications such as Reuters, Dow Jones, and the Boston Globe, and he has also appeared on national television on CNBC.

Professor Mikels' commitment to the legal profession is demonstrated by his deep involvement in several professional organizations. He is a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Bankruptcy, and serves as a member of the national board of directors of that organization. He has been a member of the national board of directors of the American Bankruptcy Institute and recently served as director of the New England Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association. He also is a member of the Massachusetts and Boston bar associations, as well as the Association of Commercial Finance Attorneys and the Commercial Law League of America.

Professor Mikels dedicates a substantial amount of his time to academic and civic endeavors. He has served as the president of the executive committee of the alumni association of BU Law and continues to serve on the executive committee. In 2004, he received Boston University Law School's Silver Shingle Award for Distinguished Service to the School of Law. He also served as the co-chair of the Charles P. Normandin Fund, which raised money to support Boston Bar Association insolvency-related pro bono and public service projects. In 2010, Professor Mikels was honored at the American College of Bankruptcy's Tenth Annual First Circuit Reception for his distinguished service as First Circuit Regent, and for his many contributions to the practice of bankruptcy law.

Professor Mikels received his B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University and his J.D., cum laude, from Boston University School of Law.