A practical analysis of asset sales under § 363 in Chapter 15 bankruptcy cases, addressing cross-border insolvency challenges and the role of foreign representatives in U.S. courts. Selling Assets in Chapter 15 Matters: Practical Considerations in Cross- Border Insolvencies Open Legal Insights Open August 26, 2019 9 minutes read Sequor Law Asset sales under § 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code [1] have become a critical component of the bankruptcy practitioner’s arsenal, and a preferred avenue of monetizing a debtor’s assets. The process is generally straightforward, and the Bankruptcy Code provides the framework of how sales should proceed. U.S. practitioners have become well versed in the § 363 sale process and how to address recurring issues; however, chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code [2] adds an additional layer of complexity that must be observed and resolved carefully. When the U.S. adopted chapter 15, it codified the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (“Model Law”). [3] Chapter 15 aimed to facilitate U.S. recognition of foreign insolvency proceedings and increase international cooperation among courts in cross-border insolvency cases. [4] However, the Model Law is a generic template for countries around to world to incorporate into their existing insolvency laws. [5] Therefore, chapter 15’s adoption has created both conflicts and gaps as to how practitioners utilize the Bankruptcy Code to aid and facilitate cross-border insolvencies. This article highlights how the application of and compliance with § 363 is an example of these conflicts and gaps, and it provides some thoughts on what to look out for and how to address some of these issues. First: Is Relief Under § 363 Available? Chapter 15 proceedings fork into two paths: one for foreign main proceedings and the second for foreign non-main proceedings. [6] Under § 1520 of the Bankruptcy Code, foreign main proceedings automatically obtain rights under a number of other Bankruptcy Code sections immediately upon recognition. [7] Section 1520, however, only applies to foreign main proceedings; foreign non-main proceedings do not receive any sort of automatic applications. One of the sections automatically applied to foreign main proceedings is the right to sell property under § 363. [8] Therefore, if your proceeding is a foreign main proceeding, you are automatically entitled to utilize § 363 wherever and whenever appropriate. Although § 363 is not automatically applied to non-main proceedings, it is still available, but it requires additional steps. Specifically, once a foreign non-main proceeding is recognized, relief must be sought from the court to authorize the application of § 363 to the proceedings. This request for relief is presented to the court under § 1521. Once the court grants the requested relief, the § 363 sale process becomes available to the non-main proceeding. Section 1521 is a broad section of chapter 15 that allows the court, upon recognition of the proceedings, to provide additional relief to the foreign representative subject to limitations of the Bankruptcy Code and U.S. laws. [9] As such, the section can be used to utilize other provisions of the Bankruptcy Code that are not explicitly adopted or automatically applied in chapter 15, if that is necessary to assist the foreign representative. Second: Which Assets Can Be Sold, and Which Court Approves the Sale? Section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code is largely inapplicable in a chapter 15 proceeding. [10] An estate is never created in a typical chapter 15 proceeding. Section 363 contemplates the sale of property of the estate, so which assets are allowed to be sold under § 363 in chapter 15 proceedings? [11] Section 1520’s adoption of § 363 modifies the section so that it applies to transfers of any interest of the debtor in property that is within the territorial jurisdiction of the U.S. to the same extent that the section would apply to property of an estate. [12] Therefore, the assets that can be sold under chapter 15 appear to be broader than in other bankruptcy contexts because it is not limited to the estate. Could this mean that a foreign representative could sell property of the debtor in the U.S., even if the debtor would have claimed it exempt, if the case were a domestic case? To date, there do not appear to be any cases deciding this point. In Fairfield Sentry, [13] the Second Circuit analyzed what chapter 15 means by “transfer of an interest of the debtor in property that is within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.” [14] Fairfield Sentry LLC was a BVI investment fund that filed customer claims in the SIPA liquidation of the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS). Fairfield Sentry invested approximately 95 percent of its assets with BLMIS when Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme became public. [15] As a consequence, Fairfield Sentry was placed into liquidation in the BVI in 2009, and in 2010 the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York recognized the foreign main proceeding. [16] Fairfield Sentry ultimately decided it would sell the SIPA claims and entered into an agreement with Appellee Farnum Place, LLC to sell the claims for 31.125 percent of their value. [17] However, days after the parties entered into the agreement, the trustee for the BLMIS liquidation announced that he had entered into a settlement agreement that would increase the value of Fairfield Sentry’s SIPA claims from 32 percent to 50 percent of the total amount claimed. [18] This substantial increase created tension between Fairfield Sentry’s liquidators and Farnum. The liquidators sought to cancel the sale, and Farnum sought to enforce it. The BVI court approved the sale over the liquidators’ objections, but instructed the liquidators to question the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as to whether § 363 applied and whether the section required disapproval of the sale. [19] Thereafter, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court rejected the liquidators’ application for disapproval of the proposed sale, and the district court affirmed. However, the Second Circuit reversed the decisions of the lower courts on appeal, finding that the “property” in this case was the SIPA claims and that the SIPA claims were located in New York, “where the property could be assigned or transferred,” [20] and therefore that § 363 applied. The Second Circuit made clear that a bankruptcy court’s “principal responsibility … is to secure for the benefit of creditors the best possible bid,” and the sale of the SIPA claims was ultimately disapproved. [21] Fairfield Sentry solidified that § 363 applies in chapter 15 whenever the asset to be sold is within the U.S. Moreover, Fairfield Sentry also set a line on the extent that comity will have in chapter 15 proceedings, and § 363 sales in particular. The Second Circuit rejected Farnum’s arguments that deference to the BVI decision was required, and the opinion makes clear that the court of the jurisdiction where the asset to be sold is located is the court with the ultimate approval of the sale. Third: How Do I Give Notice, and Where Are Objections Heard? One of the trickiest portions of utilizing § 363 in chapter 15 proceedings may be complying with the procedural requirements of the sale — specifically, notice to creditors and the hearing requirement. [22] Whereas a creditor matrix is easily accessible in domestic bankruptcy proceedings, it is not always the case in cross-border proceedings. Chapter 15 does not require any schedules, a creditor matrix or a claims register. A chapter 15 case requires nothing more than an application, statement identifying the foreign proceedings, and evidence of the existence of the foreign proceeding and appointment of the foreign representative. [23] In addition to the lack of traditionally relied-upon creditor information, some foreign jurisdictions make it difficult to locate the necessary creditor information. Also, the foreign representative might not always be the trustee of the foreign main proceedings, and therefore might not have direct access to the list of creditors. Every foreign jurisdiction is unique, and there are many factors that could lead to delays in utilizing § 363 in chapter 15 proceedings. You must prepare as best as possible to avoid any such delays. Complicating matters further, sometimes the notice requirements in the foreign main jurisdiction might not comply with the requirements of the U.S. How, then, does one go about notifying the creditors, and what is considered sufficient notice? In In re Banco Santos S.A., [24] a chapter 15 case filed in the Southern District of Florida, Hon. Laurel M. Isicoff addressed the issue of notice in the context of approving a settlement in a chapter 15 proceeding, which may be applied in the context of a § 363 sale. There were two separate instances where notice was required in Banco Santos. In the first instance, the foreign representative requested a bar order in favor of certain settling parties, and in the second instance, the foreign representative did not. [25] The court considered the nature and implications and the requests of the foreign representative for each instance. In the first instance (which requested a bar order), the court determined that directly mailing to each creditor in Brazil would be required, and in the second instance (which did not require a bar order), the court determined that notice via publication in the Brazilian Gazette, which is sufficient under Brazilian law, was sufficient despite the fact that notice by publication is generally insufficient in domestic proceedings. [26] Judge Isicoff highlights in Banco Santos that in a chapter 15, the court has the ability and duty to look at the requests made and the nature and implications of the requests before making a determination. Ultimately, the more burdensome the request, the more stringent the notice requirement should be. Similar to Fairfield Sentry, the property and assets to be sold in Banco Santos were located within the territory of the U.S. Therefore, to ensure compliance with the notice and hearing requirements of § 363, Judge Isicoff conditionally approved the pending sale and ordered any objections thereto be filed in the U.S. Judge Isicoff also ordered the foreign representative to request an order in the foreign main proceedings instructing any creditor with an objection to file them in the U.S. [27] This process created a simplified procedure to obtain approval of a sale while consolidating all objections into the appropriate jurisdiction. Fourth: Who Can Assist in the Sales Process? More often than not, professional persons need to be retained to assist in a sales process (an appraiser, auctioneer, realtor, etc.). The Bankruptcy Code lays out a clear process for how to go about hiring professional persons, and provides limitations on their compensation. [28] However, none of the relevant sections, including §§ 329 and 330, were adopted in chapter 15. What recourse does the foreign representative have in situations where they enter into a bad deal with a professional person? Is the court then authorized to disapprove any agreements or appointments? Ideally, § 1521 would allow the court to adopt any section of the Bankruptcy Code necessary, but what happens in a situation where the appointment of a professional person and their compensation is approved in the foreign main jurisdiction, but the appointment and compensation (while acceptable in the foreign main jurisdiction) would normally be considered unconscionable in the U.S.? It follows that the rationale in Fairfield Sentry will also apply here, but this is another situation that has not yet been challenged. There are many benefits to the adoption of the Model Law through chapter 15, and utilization of chapter 15 has been steadily increasing since the chapter was enacted. This article addresses some of the methods of dealing with the gaps and conflicts created by chapter 15 and the general requirements of the Bankruptcy Code in the context of § 363 sales, although the dueling nature of two insolvency proceedings arising in two separate jurisdictions necessitates that bankruptcy practitioners be twice as diligent in their cases. [1] Title 11 of the U.S. Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”). [2] 11 U.S.C. §§ 1501-1532. [3] 11 U.S.C. § 1501. [4] See generally 11 U.S.C. § 1501. Help Center [5] See www.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/uncitral_texts/insolvency/1997Model.html . [6] “Foreign main proceeding” means a foreign proceeding pending in the country where the debtor has the center of its main interests. 11 U.S.C. § 1502 (4). “Foreign non-main proceeding” means a foreign proceeding, other than a foreign main proceeding, pending in a country where the debtor has an establishment. 11 U.S.C. § 1502 (5). [7] See generally 11 U.S.C. § 1520. [8] 11 U.S.C. § 1520(a)(2)-(3). [9] See 11 U.S.C. § 1507(a); see also § 1521(a)-(b). [10] Section 541 is only discussed in chapter 15 in relation to concurrent proceedings and in authorizing a representative of a domestic bankruptcy to act abroad; see 11 U.S.C. §§ 1528 (commencement of a case after recognition of foreign main proceeding) and 1505 (authorization to act in foreign country). [11] 11 U.S.C. § 363(b)(1). (the “trustee, after notice and a hearing, may use, sell, or lease, other than in the ordinary course of business, property of the estate…” (emphasis added); see also infra footnote 14. [12] 11 U.S.C. § 1520(a)(2). [13] In re Fairfield Sentry Ltd., 768 F.3d 239 (2d Cir. 2014). [14] See Fairfield Sentry, 768 F.3d at 244; see also § 1520(a)(2). [15] Id. at 241. [ 16] Id. [17] Id. at 242. [18] Id. [19] Id. at 243. [20] Id. at 244. [21] Fairfield Sentry, 768 F.3d at 246-47, quoting In re Fin. News Network Inc., 980 F.2d 165, 169 (2d Cir. 1992). [22] 11 U.S.C. § 363(b)(1) (“The trustee, after notice and a hearing, may use, sell, or lease…”) (emphasis added). [23] 11 U.S.C. § 1515. [24] In re Banco Santos S.A., Case No. 10-47543-BKC-LMI. [25] Banco Santos, Case No. 10-47543-BKC-LMI [D.E. 170, 184, 185]. [26] Id. [27] Id. [D.E. 170, 185]. [28] 11 U.S.C. §§ 327, 328. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. 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Sequor Law Attorney Maria Jose Cortesi authors "Navigating the Extraterritorial Tightrope in the Bankruptcy Code" for the American Bankruptcy Trustee Journal, Vol. 40, Issue 02. Navigating the Extraterritorial Tightrope in the Bankruptcy Code Open Legal Insights Open October 22, 2024 1 minute read Sequor Law Read the insightful article Maria Jose Cortesi contributed to the American Bankruptcy Trustee Journal on page 15, titled “Navigating the Extraterritorial Tightrope in the Bankruptcy Code.” This article was written for and originally appeared in Volume 40, Issue 02 of the American Bankruptcy Trustee Journal, a publication of the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees (“NABT”), and is being reproduced with the consent of the NABT and the author. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Hong Kong liquidators of Dingway Investment Limited obtain pre-recognition emergency discovery relief in Miami's Bankruptcy Court under Chapter 15 regarding a disputed Miami property. Dingway case in GRR Open In the News Open February 8, 2022 6 minutes read Sequor Law Hong Kong liquidators obtain pre-recognition discovery relief in Miami A Hong Kong headquartered, British Virgin Islands-incorporated company’s provisional liquidators have obtained emergency relief in the US to conduct discovery on a property it used to own in Miami, which they allege has been wrongfully transferred at least three times in the last three years. On 3 February, Chief Bankruptcy Judge Laurel M Isicoff in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, granted an emergency motion allowing the liquidators of Dingway Investment Limited, Teneo’s Russel Crumpler in the BVI and KPMG’s Fergal Power in Hong Kong, to conduct proposed discovery under federal and local bankruptcy rules in the US, before they are formally recognised under Chapter 15. The pair submitted a recognition petition before the Miami court on 27 January, just three days after a Hong Kong court opened a winding-up petition against Dingway at the request of its majority shareholder, Hong Kong-based China City Construction International (China City). China City itself has also been in a creditor’s voluntary liquidation in Hong Kong since January 2019, and is currently being managed by KPMG’s global head of restructuring services Patrick Cowley and partner Lui Yee Man as liquidators. Cowley, Lui and KPMG director Christopher Ball are also currently sitting as three of Dingway’s five directors. In a declaration supporting Dingway’s Chapter 15 application, Crumpler explains that Dingway was incorporated in 2014 to indirectly purchase a “substantial” vacant land site in Miami’s Brickell Financial District through three intermediate Delaware companies. At the time of the purchase, an entity called China City Construction & Development Co (CCCDHK) funded the US$86.7 million purchase price for the property, in return for an equivalent reduction to a US$204 million debt it owned to China City. The latter then passed the funds down the structure to the titleholder of the Miami property by way of a series of shareholder loans. In October 2015, an entity called Champ Prestige took a 45% interest in Dingway for just over US$40 million, leaving China City with the remaining 55%. Three years later, CCDHK brought an unsuccessful claim against China City in the Hong Kong High Court, arguing that China City had always held its shares in Dingway and the US$40 million that Champ Prestige had paid for its interest, on trust for CCCDHK. It sought an order for China City to transfer the legal ownership of its shares and the money to CCDHK, but the court declined to grant the relief and CCCDHK discontinued the proceedings in December 2019. Crumpler notes in his declaration that investigations by China City’s liquidators, Cowley and Lui, suggest CCCDHK and China City are ultimately controlled by the same people associated with a mainland Chinese company called China City Development Academy (CCDA). CCDA indirectly held an interest in China City until April 2016 and obtained an indirect interest in CCCDHK in July of the same year. Despite one ownership interest ceasing before the other commenced, the same people seemed to exert a measure of control over both entities at all material times, China City’s liquidators claimed. In particular, City City’s liquidators told Crumpler that an individual named Zeng Yuqi seemed to be a common director of China City and CCCDHK between February and September 2018, while another director of CCCDHK, Sze Wai Suen, was an authorised signatory for certain China City accounts as late as September 2016, among other things. Crumpler claims that Zeng, acting as a “rogue director” and without authorisation from Dingway’s board or shareholders, signed an agreement in October 2019 to transfer its interests in the Delaware ownership structure and the Miami property to CCCDHK, for no consideration. He says Sze signed the agreement on CCCDHK’s behalf. The provisional liquidator claims CCCDHK then sold the Delaware structure and Miami property to a Californian entity in November 2019 for US$70 million, with Sze as signatory again. Crumpler says Champ Prestige, as Dingway’s minority shareholder, was initially prepared to cooperate with China City’s liquidators to try to retrieve its interest in the Miami property. But in March 2020, Cowley and Lui learned that Champ Prestige itself had been sold to CCCDHK for US$44 million. Finally, on 30 December last year, Crumpler notes Cowley and Lui found out through an online news article that the Miami property had been sold again – this time for US$103 million to an entity belonging to Miami real estate investment firm Mast Capital and Boston private equity group Rockpoint. The news article in the South Florida Business Journal reported that the property had been “seized” following “a legal battle with the previous owner”. Submitted at the same time as their Chapter 15 application, Crumpler and Power asked the Miami district court for emergency provisional relief so they could investigate the latest transaction with Mast Capital and Rockpoint. Specifically, they asked permission to issue and serve pre-recognition subpoenas for the production of documents on the two new acquirors and three Delaware entities they used to effectuate the sales, as well as two other Mast Capital companies that may have been involved in the sale. Crumpler and Power argued that the proposed discovery was limited and targeted to obtaining information regarding the location of the closing proceeds for the sale. They said they needed relief on an emergency basis to preserve the status quo of Dingway’s estate and prevent “further dissipation” of the Miami property’s proceeds of sale. Granting the provisional relief, Judge Isicoff noted it was “narrowly tailored in scope and duration” and reflected that there were no parties in opposition. The judge also said the “threatened injury” to Dingway’s estate outweighed “whatever damage the requested relief may cause an opposing party”. Champ Prestige proceedings Crumpler explains in his declaration that Champ Prestige originally brought an action in a Miami-Dade County court against China City and the Delaware entity that was the Miami property’s direct owner in June 2019, claiming the majority shareholder had breached its obligations under the sale and purchase agreement through which Champ Prestige had acquired its 45% interest in Dingway. Among other things, Champ Prestige sought to impose and foreclose on an equitable lien on the property, and in December 2019 it secured a temporary injunction from the Miami-Dade court enjoining the land’s disposition. The injunction was expanded in February 2020 to also prevent any indirect dispositions or the sale of any interests in the three Delaware holding companies. But after CCCDHK acquired Champ Prestige it voluntarily dismissed the Miami-Dade action and removed the lis pendens over the property. Crumpler has also recorded that Champ Prestige filed a winding-up petition against Dingway and China City in Hong Kong back in February 2018, but no steps had been taken in the petition since March 2020, when Mr Justice Harris dismissed an application from China City to strike it out on jurisdictional grounds. Crumpler explains in his declaration that Cowley and Lui, as China City’s liquidators, had wanted to try to recover its interest in Dingway and its ultimate 55% interest in the Miami property, but had been unable to take action due to lack of funding, and because of CCCDHK’s action in Hong Kong and the Miami-Dade proceedings. When the Hong Kong court placed Dingway in liquidation, it issued a proprietary injunction against CCCDHK in respect of the US$70 million for the November 2019 sale of the property. It also issued a mareva injunction restraining CCCDHK, Zeng and Sze from dealing with assets of up to US$103 million. The court was due to hold an inter partes hearing in Hong Kong to address Crumpler and Power’s continuing appointment as joint provisional liquidators and the injunctions on 4 February. GRR was unable to ascertain the outcome of that hearing by press time. After they have obtained evidence in aid of their asset recovery efforts, Crumpler and Power intend to file actions and proprietary claims in the US, including claims against third parties in the US that may have damaged Dingway or owe it money. The provisional liquidators have retained Sequor Law partners Fernando Menendez and Gregory Grossman as US counsel. The Chapter 15 bankruptcy court has scheduled a full recognition hearing on 23 February. In the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida Chief Bankruptcy Judge Laurel M Isicoff Counsel to joint provisional liquidators of Dingway Investment Limited Sequor Law Partners Fernando Menendez and Gregory Grossman in Miami In the Hong Kong Court of First Instance In the matter of Dingway Investment Limited Mr Justice Peter Ng Joint provisional liquidators of Dingway Teneo Senior managing director Russel Crumpler in the British Virgin Islands KPMG Partner Fergal Power in Hong Kong Counsel to petitioner China City (in creditors’ voluntary liquidation) and then to joint provisional liquidators Tanner De Witt Senior associate Veronica Chan in Hong Kong Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Tracing concealed and undervalued assets in high-net-worth matrimonial and commercial disputes. Forensic accounting, global investigators, and litigation funding support. High-Net-Worth Disputes The Sequor Law team is equipped with sophisticated investigative tools and access to a global network of investigators, accountants, and international lawyers experienced in identifying assets that were not disclosed or were grossly undervalued in matrimonial, inheritance, and other family matters. Sequor Law not only finds these assets, but works to recover concealed personal wealth for its clients. Recovering What Was Hidden: Complex Asset Tracing in High-Net-Worth Disputes High-net-worth individuals often hide assets from their spouses, particularly when anticipating divorce. Similarly, family members in control of inherited property may seek to hide it from rightful heirs. These assets are frequently placed in complex corporate structures, offshore holdings, trusts, and similar vehicles designed to keep them out of reach. Where an aggrieved spouse or heir has been left with litigation fatigue and limited resources to fund recovery efforts, Sequor Law works closely with litigation funders experienced in identifying and financing matters with strong recovery potential. Experienced family law attorneys understand that asset disclosure fraud is common in high-net-worth divorce matters. That is why Board-Certified Marital and Family Law attorneys, members of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, and members of the American College of Trial Lawyers frequently co-counsel with and refer asset investigation and recovery matters to Sequor Law. Open Edward H. Davis, Jr. Founding Shareholder edavis@sequorlaw.com (+1) 305-372-8282, Ext. 228 Open Leyza B. Florin Shareholder lflorin@sequorlaw.com (+1) 305-372-8282, Ext. 300 Open Christopher A. Noel Partner cnoel@sequorlaw.com (+1) 305-372-8282, Ext. 264 Open Open Key contacts Key Contacts

International asset recovery law firm Sequor Law strengthens its practice with new attorneys. Red more about their expanded expertise in asset recovery. Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Open Firm News Open January 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Miami – January 13, 2026 – Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s asset recovery, cross-border insolvency, and financial fraud practices. Michael Hanlon focuses on asset recovery, cross-border insolvency, and financial fraud litigation. He has worked on complex Chapter 15 bankruptcy matters involving the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars hidden through layered international structures. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law, where he served as a Dean’s Fellow for a First Year Contracts Course and was active in several organizations such as, the Brazilian Law Student Association and the Fashion Law Society. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Noah Rosenblum concentrates his practice on international commercial litigation, asset recovery, and financial fraud. While in law school, he served as a judicial intern for Judge Miller of the Florida Third District Court of Appeal and as a student clinician in the University of Miami Bankruptcy Clinic. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law, where he received the Patricia Redmond Scholarship and co-authored a published article in the International Law Quarterly addressing Section 1782 judicial assistance in international arbitration. Both attorneys were recently sworn into The Florida Bar in a ceremony officiated by the Honorable Corali Lopez-Castro, United States Bankruptcy Judge. “Michael and Noah bring exceptional academic credentials, international perspective, and strong litigation instincts,” said Edward H. Davis, Jr., Founding Shareholder of Sequor Law. “They strengthen our ability to pursue complex, cross-border recoveries and deliver results in high-stakes matters.” Sequor Law continues to expand its global presence and develop the next generation of leaders in asset recovery, cross-border insolvency, and international litigation and arbitration. For more information, visit: www.sequorlaw.com *** Headquartered in Miami and with an office in Washington, D.C., Sequor Law is an international law firm focusing on representing victims of financial fraud, including sovereign governments and state-owned enterprises, public and non-public companies, insolvency practitioners, and all manner of clients in the areas of asset recovery, financial fraud, cross-border insolvency, and international litigation and arbitration. www.sequorlaw.com . Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Sequor Law sponsors the IWIRC Annual Fall Conference in Orlando, with Shareholder Leyza B. Florin and Counsel Nyana Miller championing women's leadership in the insolvency profession. Sequor Law Empowers Women to Lead Open Events & Speaking Open October 21, 2022 1 minute read Sequor Law Shareholder Leyza B. Florin and Counsel Nyana Miller showed what it means to Be a Lead her while they attended the IWIRC Annual Fall Conference in Orlando, Florida. As a longtime supporter of this network, Sequor Law was an event sponsor, gifting all attendees with branded pouches empowering women to be leaders. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Sequor Law Founding Shareholder Edward H. Davis Jr. examines cryptocurrency's impact on asset recovery work, exploring digital technology's positive and negative effects for practitioners. Edward H. Davis Jr. Thought Leaders Interview Open Awards & Recognition Open January 5, 2022 1 minute read Sequor Law Sequor Law Founding Shareholder Edward H. Davis, Jr. shines a spotlight on both the positive and negative aspects of advancements in digital technology such as the rise of cryptocurrency and its effects on the work of asset recovery specialists. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Sequor Law's Leyza B. Florin, the first Hispanic chair of the Florida Bar's Business Law Section, focuses on COVID-19 recovery and strengthening the Section's Diversity Fellowship Program. Business Law Section Strengthens its Diversity Fellowship Program Open Firm News Open June 25, 2020 2 minutes read Sequor Law The Business Law Section, one of the Bar’s largest, is marking a 50th anniversary by focusing on COVID-19 recovery — and strengthening a Diversity Fellowship Program, said newly installed Chair Leyza B. Florin . “It’s helping feed the pipeline of leadership of the section, and it’s helping us really develop greater diversity,” Florin said. “And it’s really come full circle, to serve as chair at a time when, obviously, issues of social justice and equality are so important.” A shareholder at Sequor Law who specializes in bankruptcy, asset recovery, and cross-border insolvency, Florin is a former chair of the Bankruptcy/UCC Committee. Florin said she was drawn to the committee that oversees the Diversity Fellowship Program when she started climbing the leadership ladder years ago. “I understand that I am the first Hispanic chair of the Business Law Section, for starters,” she said. “I am obviously a minority, female Hispanic, and certainly underrepresented in the area where I practice.” Immediate past Chair Jacob “Jay” Brown recently announced the eight newest members of the Fellowship Program, who must be 36 or younger or have been Bar members for less than 10 years. Fellowship Program participants are assigned a social mentor and a substantive mentor and are given a $2,500 stipend for two years. The stipend has been increased this year by more than $700, Brown said. When they aren’t attending meetings, program participants, among other things, help with membership recruitment, organize section events, and write white papers for legislative positions. “It doesn’t work out all of the time, certainly there are some people who come in and either don’t take advantage of the fellowship, or they use it, and we don’t hear from them again,” Brown said. “But we have a number of them who are remaining active and that are taking not just leadership positions, but high-level leadership positions.” This year, Brown named two former Fellowship Program participants Outstanding Members of the Year — Giacomo Bossa, managing partner with Morris and Associates, in Doral, and Michelle Suarez, partner and founder of Florida Entrepreneur Law, P.A., of Ft. Lauderdale. Bossa now serves as incoming chair of the Business Litigation Committee, one of the section’s largest, Florin said. Suarez is second vice chair of the Corporations Committee and the new chair of the Inclusion/Mentoring/Fellowships Committee, Florin said. Florin said a number of Fellowship Program members are now serving as “second vice chairs” of section committees. “In two years, we’re probably going to have the most diverse slate I have ever seen of any year of the section,” she said. “All but two of my appointees were female, so it’s pretty exciting.” Click here to read the original article . Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Sequor Law promoted Juan J. Mendoza, Christopher A. Noel, and Joseph B. Rome to partner, highlighting the firm’s growth and strength in international litigation, asset recovery, and cross-border insolvency. Sequor Law Promotes Juan J. Mendoza, Christopher A. Noel, and Joseph B. Rome to Partner Open Firm News Open September 30, 2025 3 minutes read Sequor Law Miami – October 1, 2025– Sequor Law is proud to announce the promotion of attorneys Juan J. Mendoza, Christopher A. Noel, and Joseph B. Rome to partners of the firm. “These promotions carry special meaning for us,” said founding shareholder Edward H. Davis, Jr. “Chris, Juan, and Joe have grown their careers at Sequor Law. Their talent, drive, and commitment to our clients reflect the values of our firm. We are excited to see them take on this next chapter of leadership. This is a watershed moment for Sequor Law as we have never before made three new partners at the same time.” About the New Partners Juan J. Mendoza focuses his practice on international litigation, asset recovery, cross-border insolvency, and creditors’ rights. He represents foreign fiduciaries, non-U.S. judgment creditors, domestic trustees, and other parties in complex commercial matters, including fraud disputes and cross-border recovery actions. He regularly handles Chapter 15 cases under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, enforcement of foreign judgments, and proceedings to obtain evidence for use abroad under 28 U.S.C. § 1782, and has presented on these topics at national and international conferences. Juan serves as co-president of the Litigation Commission of AIJA (International Association of Young Lawyers), is a member of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ) NextGen Class of 2022, and was a Fellow of the Florida Bar Business Law Section from 2020 to 2022. Juan is fluent in Spanish and admitted to practice in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, as well as in various federal bankruptcy, district and appellate courts. Juan J. Mendoza Vcard Christopher A. Noel focuses his practice on international litigation, asset recovery, arbitration, and appeals. His experience spans from fraud investigations and pre-suit negotiations to the prosecution of jury trials and appeals, with a particular focus on the recovery of non-monetary assets such as fine art and other unique property in addition to monetary damages. He has represented a variety of international clients including foreign sovereigns, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and corporate and institutional victims of fraud and financial misconduct. Christopher is regularly invited to speak at global conferences concerning asset recovery, fraud, and corruption, which are organized by, among others, the Florida Bar, ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE (Fraud, Insolvency Restructuring, and Enforcement), OffshoreAlert, the United States-Mexico Bar Association, and C5/The American Conference Institute. He is also active in philanthropic and non-profit activities throughout South Florida, serving as a past chairperson of the Legal Services of Greater Miami’s Young Professionals Council and now on its Leaders’ Council. Christopher is admitted to practice law in a Florida state courts as well as a number of federal district and appellate courts throughout the United States. Christopher Noel Vcard Joseph B. Rome handles international arbitration, complex international litigation, judgment and arbitral award collection, asset recovery, corruption and proceeds of crime recovery, and financial fraud matters in U.S. federal and state courts. His cases often involve hidden assets, multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes, and cross-border enforcement of judgments. Joe is frequently invited to speak at conferences, most recently in Shanghai at an ICC FraudNet Seminar on Cross-Border Asset Recovery in Commercial Disputes and Financial Crimes on the topic of court orders and tools for investigations and freezing of assets in cross-border asset recovery, as well as in Bangkok at OffshoreAlert, where Joe discussed enforcement, cross-border investigations, and judgment collection in Asia and beyond. Joe speaks Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese and is admitted to practice in New York and Florida, as well as in various federal district and appellate courts. Joseph B. Rome Vcard “These are lawyers who have earned the trust of their colleagues, clients, and peers through consistent excellence,” added shareholder Gregory S. Grossman. “Their promotion reflects not only their achievements but also Sequor Law’s growth, including the opening of our new Washington, D.C., office, and solidifies our position as a leader in our targeted practice areas of international disputes, cross-border insolvency, and asset recovery.” Shareholder Leyza B. Florin emphasized the significance of this moment, noting: “This milestone reflects Juan, Chris and Joe’s dedication and significant contributions to our firm. We look forward to their continued impact and leadership as they help shape the future of Sequor Law.” For more information, visit: www.sequorlaw.com *** Headquartered in Miami and with an office in Washington, D.C., Sequor Law is an international law firm focusing on representing victims of financial fraud, including sovereign governments and state-owned enterprises, public and non-public companies, insolvency practitioners, and all manner of clients in the areas of asset recovery, financial fraud, cross-border insolvency, and international litigation and arbitration. www.sequorlaw.com . Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Sequor Law's trial team, with Nyana Miller as second chair, wins a fraud and civil theft judgment for a client defrauded of 130 million Venezuelan bolivars worth approximately $8.6 million. Nyana Miller was second chair for a trial that resulted in a judgment for over $22 million in favor of Sequor’s client Open Case Results Open September 23, 2020 1 minute read Sequor Law The trial team proved that the defendant had wrongly taken money from Sequor’s client, under the guise of an offset against the debt of an unrelated party. The trial court ruled that the conduct amounted to fraud, civil theft and unjust enrichment. The trial team successfully argued that the defendant had not properly pled that the transaction was illegal and persuaded the judge to calculate the exchange rate as of the date of the loss, rather than the date of trial. The defendant had refused to repay 130 million Venezuelan bolivars to Sequor’s client, which was worth about US $8.6 million at the time. However, by the time the case went to trial, it was worth only US $2.30 because of Venezuela’s hyperinflation. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Arnoldo B. Lacayo discusses international financial fraud, cross-border asset recovery, and crypto-related fraud in his WWL Thought Leader Global Elite Q&A. WWL Thought Leader Global Elite - Arnoldo B. Lacayo Q&A Open Awards & Recognition Open August 25, 2022 2 minutes read Sequor Law Navigating the evolving landscape of international financial fraud and asset recovery demands not only legal expertise, but a deep understanding of how fraudsters think and where they hide assets. In his ThoughtLeaders interview, Sequor Law Shareholder Arnoldo B. Lacayo offers a candid, experience-driven look at the challenges and strategic considerations that shape modern cross-border asset recovery work. Lacayo, whose practice focuses on financial fraud , asset recovery and cross-border insolvency , frames asset recovery as a discipline defined by its complexity and the ingenuity of adversaries. He explains that one of the greatest hurdles in this space is the boundless creativity of fraudsters and the sophisticated networks — including legal allies and financial professionals — they can deploy to shield assets and frustrate efforts by victims and creditors. A significant portion of the discussion centers on the global dimension of these disputes, particularly the flow of capital from regions like South America into the United States. Lacayo notes that political and economic pressures abroad often push disputed assets into U.S. jurisdictions , creating frequent and complex cross-border issues for litigants and counsel alike. The article also addresses how Sequor Law stays ahead of emerging trends, including crypto-related fraud . Lacayo emphasizes that the firm’s investigative and discovery strategies are constantly evolving as new technologies mature, even as crypto fraud continues to pose unique challenges. Lacayo reflects on some of the most intricate matters he has handled, from the Stanford International Bank Ponzi case to the largest bank failure in Brazilian history — each illustrating the multifaceted nature of asset concealment and recovery . His insights reinforce the importance of flexibility, innovation, and thorough preparation in formulating legal strategies across jurisdictions . Looking ahead, Lacayo stresses that staying “one step ahead” of those who conceal assets will require both legal innovation and judicial receptivity to new methods of discovery and relief. He also offers practical advice to aspiring asset recovery lawyers, underscoring the value of specialization, professional networking, and continual professional development in this demanding area of practice. For a deeper dive into Lacayo’s perspectives and professional experiences, we invite you to read the full interview in the PDF below. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

This article covers Woodbridge Group’s Chapter 11 filing, SEC allegations of a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme involving Robert H. Shapiro, and the unusual restructuring attempt to repay creditors. Recoup From A Ponzi Past? Open In the News Open February 18, 2018 5 minutes read Sequor Law Law: After bankruptcy, lawsuit, Woodbridge tries a turnaround. By Helen Floersh Woodbridge Group of Cos. in December made headlines from Southern California to South Florida after it filed for Chapter 11 protection and was subsequently sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly running a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Woodbridge founder Robert H. Shapiro is alleged to have squandered investor money, paying big returns to old investors using fresh money from new investors, in classic Ponzi-scheme fashion. He enjoyed a lavish life, too, the SEC claimed, blowing millions on limousine service, fine wine and big parties attended by such prominent Republicans as Karl Rove. Law: New Board Plans to Restructure Woodbridge But what’s happened since is unusual. Ponzi schemes usually collapse upon being exposed. But management at the real estate investment firm – situated in a two-story office building on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks – appear set to overhaul its operations and try to make good with its creditors. The company announced early last month that it had cut all ties with Shapiro (not to be confused with renowned Los Angeles attorney Robert L. Shapiro, cofounder of LegalZoom.com Inc. in Glendale). As part of a deal reached with federal regulators Jan. 24 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., the company has appointed a new board of directors to hunt for a chief executive who will spearhead a strategy to recoup the $1.2 billion Woodbridge raised from more than 8,400 investors. Meanwhile, the SEC has called off its request for a receiver. “This board will guide Woodbridge through a fair and transparent restructuring process focused on maximizing recoveries for investors,” Woodbridge said in an e-mail to the Business Journal. “After conducting a comprehensive review of assets and operations, this board will begin developing a plan of reorganization, which will determine how creditor recoveries are managed and what Woodbridge might look like after the restructuring process is completed.” Former management Woodbridge investors in the past were told that the company was putting their money into high-interest loans made to luxury real estate developers. The borrowers were actually shell companies owned and operated by Shapiro, the SEC alleged in its Dec. 22 complaint. “Shapiro promised investors they would be repaid from the high rates of interest (earned) on loans the companies were purportedly making to third-party borrowers,” the SEC wrote. He allegedly used teams of internal and external sales agents to sell the securities to investors, at least 2,600 of whom were South Florida-based retirees who invested in Woodbridge using money from their Individual Retirement Accounts, the SEC alleged. They were guaranteed monthly interest and dividends from the so-called “hard money” loans Woodbridge was making. Woodbridge claimed it generated between 11 and 15 percent annual interest for short-term financing, 5 to 10 percent of which was returned to investors, according to the SEC. In addition, investors were told they would see gains from the sale of real estate properties purchased and developed by the company, the SEC said. In reality, only about $14 million in interest was paid to Woodbridge by third-party borrowers, the SEC claimed. Roughly $103 million of new investors’ money was used to pay monthly interest and dividends to existing investors, with another $265 million paid as principal. At the time of the lawsuit, $961 million in principal remained due, the SEC said. “The claimed interest payments from the purported third-party ‘property owners’ … did not exist,” the lawsuit stated. “Payments …derived almost exclusively from funds Woodbridge received from other investors.” However, some purchases were, in fact, made. The real estate to which the Woodbridge loans referred included nearly 200 properties, most of them in Aspen, Colo. and Los Angeles, none of which investors had any say in choosing. The L.A. purchases were conducted through the company’s subsidiary Mercer Vine and included the historic Owlwood estate in Holmby Hills, which once belonged to Sonny Bono and Cher, as well as several other luxury properties, news reports said. Others were vacant lots “that have sat undeveloped for years,” the SEC claimed. Meanwhile, Shapiro spent upwards of $21 million in investors’ money on himself and his family, the SEC said, including $34,000 on limousine services and $600,000 on political contributions. A local newspaper in Aspen detailed the events he threw with prominent Republican politicians, including former White House Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff Rove along with current Energy Secretary Rick Perry. Other expenses included $1.4 million on luxury retail items and $1.2 million in alimony, SEC documents said. “Shapiro treated himself to an exorbitant lifestyle, at the investors’ expense,” the SEC said. Restructuring Shapiro resigned from Woodbridge Dec. 1, according to company documents. Through a transition services agreement between an LLC Shapiro established in September and Woodbridge, he named himself as a “consultant” to the firm at a monthly fee of $175,000. The agreement was terminated by the start of the year; Woodbridge said in a Jan. 2 press release that it had removed him from all matters involving the company. Woodbridge had appointed Lawrence Perkins of L.A. management consultancy Sierra-Constellation Partners to steer the company through bankruptcy as its chief restructuring officer, but on Jan. 19 announced that he had resigned as Woodbridge seeks out a new chief executive with “homebuilding experience.” As part of the agreement reached Jan. 23 in bankruptcy court, the company has appointed a trio of directors – Richard Nevins, M. Freddie Reiss and Michael Goldberg to oversee the search. Nevins is an attorney from Riverside, while Reiss most recently served as senior managing director in the corporate finance division of business advisory firm FTI consulting’s L.A. offices. Goldberg is the co-chair of the fraud and recovery practice group at the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. offices of Akerman, a Nevada-based law firm. Reorganization: Investors Wait for SEC Inquiry The company also has formed committees to represent investors’ interests, according to a release from the SEC. In turn, the SEC has withdrawn its request for a court-ordered trustee and a receivership for Woodbridge’s assets. Investors will have to wait until bankruptcy proceedings are further along to know whether they will be able to recover much of their money. The company’s ability to emerge from the scandal unscathed will depend on both on their willingness to remain patient while the company restructures itself as well as what the SEC finds during its ongoing investigation, explained Arnie Lacayo , a Miami attorney at the firm Sequor Law and who is unconnected to Woodbridge but who reviewed the case at the Business Journal’s request. He noted the fact that the company declared bankruptcy voluntarily before being sued by the SEC may complicate the matter. “(These kinds of cases) don’t normally involve bankruptcy where the business can be reorganized, though it does happen,” Lacayo said. “You have these very powerful forces that are clashing (the SEC and the federal bankrupt- cy court) as to what should happen next.” An attorney for Shapiro could not be reached, though his legal representative previously told the Wall Street Journal that Shapiro “denies any allegation of wrongdoing and looks forward to defending himself in a court of law.” The SEC declined to comment apart from its remarks in public materials. For now, it remains to be seen whether Woodbridge will have to sell off its assets or be able to continue operations. Lacayo said the SEC could move to shut down the enterprise if it is proven that it was primarily run as a Ponzi scheme. “(Woodbridge) will need to show that investments were made over time and that there was independence by the people charged with running the company.” he explained. “Investigators will get at those facts pretty quickly.” To view full article, click here. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.