Law Office of Michael Salanick

01/20/2026

Technical excellence in advocacy is not static—it requires constant refinement.

Today, our firm is attending Rules of Evidence in Practice: A Comprehensive Guide for Trial Lawyers, a focused program examining the Federal Rules of Evidence as applied in real-world litigation.

Effective representation depends on more than knowing the rules—it requires understanding how evidentiary standards are applied, challenged, and enforced in practice. This program addresses critical areas including expert admissibility under FRE 702, evolving Daubert standards, causation analysis, and the rigorous gatekeeping role of the court.

Our ongoing commitment to advancing technical skill sets is central to how we support and protect client interests. Staying current on evidentiary developments allows us to optimize litigation strategy, sharpen issue framing, and strengthen outcomes across all representation engagements.

As a technical boutique law firm serving clients statewide in California, we view continued legal education as an essential component of disciplined, effective advocacy.

—
Law Office of Michael Salanick
Los Angeles | San Francisco
Serving clients throughout California

01/14/2026

Professional wellness is not ancillary to legal practice—it is foundational.

This week, our firm is attending the Vicarious Trauma: Wellness Competence MCLE program hosted by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association .attorneys

Attorneys routinely work with clients navigating trauma, loss, conflict, and high-stakes life disruption. Over time, repeated exposure to those experiences can quietly affect professional judgment, emotional regulation, and long-term sustainability—often without obvious warning signs.

This program focuses on:
• Understanding how vicarious trauma develops
• Distinguishing burnout from compassion fatigue and trauma exposure
• Identifying early indicators that are frequently overlooked
• Implementing practical strategies for resilience, boundaries, and healthier practice habits

Awareness, attention, and consistent care are essential—not only for the well-being of legal professionals, but for the quality of counsel and support we provide to clients, consumers, and patients alike.

Engaging with these issues allows professionals to function at an optimal range while strengthening insight, empathy, and ethical service delivery across disciplines.

We appreciate SFVBA and the program presenters—Doug Ridley and Dr. Mike Rodriguez—for continuing to elevate conversations that support both professional effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

📍 Remote Program | State Bar of California Wellness Competence MCLE
📅 January 14, 2026

—
Law Office of Michael Salanick
Serving clients throughout California

11/27/2025

Please enjoy a healthy, warm, restful & safe Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Optimize your self-regulation through co-regulation. In other words, reach out to connect with the people in and around your life. Breath deep. Slow down. Be well.

11/20/2025

Staying Connected Matters — Especially Now

As we move through the holiday season and into the new year, we’re reminded how much our communities and networks sustain us, personally and professionally. Today’s post features a note of gratitude from the University of Michigan Alumni Association, a reminder of the lasting value of connection.

Whether you’ve just graduated, recently relocated, or are navigating a difficult moment, the strength of our shared communities can make all the difference. We extend our appreciation to the U-M Alumni Association (), whose ongoing commitment to connection and support continues to uplift Wolverines everywhere.

At Salanick Law, we bring those same values of community, support, and reliability to our work with clients across the State of California. If you or someone you know is facing financial strain, debt burdens, foreclosure concerns, or bankruptcy-related questions, you don’t have to face it alone.

During this time of year—when challenges can feel heavier than usual—we encourage everyone to:

Stay safe

Stay connected

Reach out for help when needed

Lean on your networks, both personal and professional

Our team is available statewide to provide clear guidance, grounded legal advice, and compassionate support.

10/21/2025

Foreclosures Are Surging — Top 5 Actions If You’ve Been Served a Notice of Default or Face Imminent Mortgage Default

Foreclosure activity has increased significantly. In Q3 2025, over 100,000 U.S. properties had foreclosure filings—up ~17% compared to a year ago.
Business Insider
For many homeowners, a Notice of Default may arrive unexpectedly. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between losing your home and preserving options.

Here are the Top 5 Actions to Take Immediately:

1. Review the Notice & Confirm Its Validity

Carefully read the default notice. Check dates, amounts, lender name, and any required cure period.

Under many state laws, the lender must provide specific notices (e.g. “right to cure”) before proceeding.

In California, for example, courts look for compliance with Civil Code § 2923.5, § 2924, and notice requirements.

2. Contact Your Mortgage Servicer / Lender ASAP

Ask whether a loss mitigation or workout plan is available (modification, forbearance, repayment plan).

Request written confirmation of any offers or negotiations.

Often, lenders prefer avoiding foreclosure if a realistic alternative is viable.

3. Consult a Bankruptcy or Foreclosure Defense Attorney Early

Filing for bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362), which halts most foreclosure actions immediately.

A skilled attorney can evaluate whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or other options are appropriate.

Timing is critical: waiting too long may foreclose legal remedies.

4. Gather Your Financial Documents & Build Your Case

Collect your mortgage statements, payment history, modifications, tax records, income statements, insurance, escrow, and correspondence with lender.

Document any hardship (job loss, medical bills, natural disaster).

These materials support negotiations, litigation, or bankruptcy strategy.

5. Protect Your Rights — Don’t Sign Anything Blindly & Watch for Foreclosure Defects

Be cautious of “foreclosure rescue” or “cash for keys” scams. (See description of rescue scams: fraudulent schemes often promise to save your home but strip equity.)

Ensure the lender followed all legal steps. If they skipped a required notice or violated statutory procedure, those may be defenses.

In bankruptcy or litigation, you might be able to pursue deficiency claims, rescission, or claims for wrongful foreclosure.

Bottom Line:

The surge in foreclosures signals that many homeowners are under strain. But a Notice of Default is not the final stage — it is a warning sign, and you still have options. Acting swiftly, gathering documentation, seeking legal guidance, and leveraging statutory protections can dramatically preserve your rights and home.



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10/21/2025

A positive result protecting consumers recently handed down from the U.S. Department of Justice:Trustee Program which has secured over $392,000 in penalties and a three-year suspension against a national foreclosure relief operator.

This enforcement action sends a powerful message—unscrupulous practices in bankruptcy and foreclosure defense WILL be held accountable.

We believe in empowering our clients and community with knowledge:

• Always verify the credentials and legitimacy of anyone offering foreclosure defense or bankruptcy relief services.

• Federal and state regulators actively investigate and penalize deceptive schemes targeting vulnerable homeowners.

• If you’re facing foreclosure or bankruptcy, work only with licensed attorneys or approved nonprofit agencies—your financial recovery depends on it.

For tailored guidance or questions about your rights during bankruptcy or foreclosure or lawsuits, and more, contact Salanick Law. We’re here to guide you, protect you, and educate you every step of the way.

The Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) obtained a judgment against a nationwide consumer bankruptcy law firm imposing more than $392,000 in penalties and a three-year suspension based on the firm’s false and misleading disclosures in more than 200 bankruptcy cases.

10/15/2025

Strengthening Litigation Mastery at NACBA’s Advanced Bankruptcy Litigation Institute | Dallas, Texas

From October 13–15, 2025, the Law Office of Michael Salanick joined leading practitioners and legal scholars in Dallas, Texas, for the Advanced Bankruptcy Litigation Institute (ABLI) — an elite training program conducted by the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA).

The ABLI program delivers rigorous, practice-driven instruction focused on the realities of modern bankruptcy litigation. Designed for experienced consumer bankruptcy attorneys, the Institute provides unparalleled access to advanced legal strategies, refined trial techniques, and the collective expertise of top bankruptcy litigators and jurists.

Our participation underscores a continuing commitment to operate from preparation, not reaction — ensuring that every matter we handle benefits from the most current, effective, and strategic advocacy tools available.

Continuing Legal Education training emphasizing:
⚖️ Effective litigation strategy against creditors, servicers, and debt collectors
📚 Mastery of evidentiary and procedural challenges unique to bankruptcy practice
🧩 Integrating statutory interpretation with practical, outcome-oriented case strategy
🎯 Strengthening courtroom advocacy through precision, preparation, and persuasion

Participation in ABLI reaffirms the foundation of our work: disciplined preparation, advanced skill, and the resolve to advocate with clarity and conviction in every courtroom and adversary proceeding.

We extend our appreciation to NACBA for cultivating a collaborative environment dedicated to advancing the practice of consumer bankruptcy law and to the ongoing development of litigation excellence nationwide.

10/01/2025

🚨 2025 Layoffs Continue: What Workers Need to Know About Debt, Bankruptcy, and Financial Protection

Recent reports confirm that large corporations—including Exxon, Starbucks, Oracle, Nike, and Scale AI—are announcing significant layoffs in 2025. Read the full list here.

🔍 Why This Matters:
Mass layoffs don’t just mean job loss—they often trigger financial ripple effects:

Missed mortgage or rent payments → risk of foreclosure (Cal. Civ. Code § 2924).

Rising credit card or loan defaults → potential lawsuits and judgments.

Unmanageable debt burdens → bankruptcy protections may apply.

⚖️ Legal Foundations:

Bankruptcy Code Chapter 7 (11 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.): Provides discharge of unsecured debts for individuals who cannot repay.

Bankruptcy Code Chapter 13 (11 U.S.C. § 1301 et seq.): Allows reorganization for wage earners with repayment plans over 3–5 years.

Chapter 11 (11 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq.): Typically used for businesses, but individuals with high debt can also restructure.

✅ Takeaways & Action Items:

Assess Financial Health: Review debts, mortgage obligations, and income sources immediately if you are impacted.

Know Your Protections: California homeowners have foreclosure protections, and bankruptcy laws provide powerful federal relief.

Document Everything: Keep termination letters, severance agreements, and creditor notices—they may be critical in legal proceedings.

Explore All Options: Bankruptcy is one solution, but negotiation with creditors, loan modifications, and defense against lawsuits may also apply.

📌 Bottom Line:
Layoffs can upend financial security overnight. Workers in California and beyond should not wait until creditors take action. Early planning ensures access to the strongest legal protections available.

🔗 Source: MSN – List of Major Companies with 2025 Layoffs



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09/11/2025

Help Other People … Lift Other People ... Be There, Show Up … Let Them Know You Care.
It's Important.

08/21/2025

🔹 Debt Restructuring Through Chapter 11: How Medical & Tech Companies Protect Operations and Navigate Claims

When companies in the medical and tech sectors face liquidity crises, Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code provides a structured path to reorganize debt while continuing operations. Recent example: ModivCare Inc. filed for Chapter 11 to reduce debt by $1.1 billion and secure $100 million in DIP financing (TipRanks, Aug. 2025).

➡️ Impact for Debtors:

Operations can continue under 11 U.S.C. § 1108, preserving business value.

Debt restructuring and settlement of complex agreements—including licensing contracts, vendor obligations, and ongoing litigation claims—are facilitated through § 365 (executory contracts).

Restructuring plans under § 1123 allow tailored approaches to debt adjustment.

➡️ Impact for Creditors:

Creditors gain transparency into assets and cash flow under court oversight.

Treatment of secured/unsecured claims is addressed under §§ 506, 1129(b), including cramdown provisions where interest rates and repayment terms may be set by the court.

Precedent such as Till v. SCS Credit Corp., 541 U.S. 465 (2004), guides cramdown interest determinations, balancing creditor protections with debtor feasibility.

Why it matters:
Chapter 11 offers restructuring value—not only reducing debt, but also preserving licensing arrangements, intellectual property, and pending lawsuit claims that are integral to long-term viability.

🔗 Read the full article: ModivCare Files for Chapter 11



https://www.tipranks.com/news/company-announcements/modivcare-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protection

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08/14/2025

“Think Bankruptcy Shields You from a Partner’s Fraud? Think Again.”

What the Supreme Court just clarified about non-dischargeable debt—even when you're not the bad actor.

💼 SUMMARY:
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that individuals may be denied discharge of a debt under Bankruptcy Code § 523(a)(2)(A) even if they did not personally commit fraud, as long as the fraudulent conduct is legally imputed to them under nonbankruptcy law (e.g., agency or partnership law). This includes business partners and possibly spouses in community property states like California.

In Bartenwerfer v. Buckley, the Court unanimously held that the “fraud” exception to discharge applies to all debts for money obtained by fraud, regardless of the debtor’s direct intent. The decision closes off a prior argument used by innocent parties—such as business partners or spouses—to claim discharge protections despite fraud by others.

“(It) does not make the exception turn on the actor’s intent. It turns on how the money was obtained, not who committed fraud.”
— Justice Barrett, Bartenwerfer v. Buckley (2023)

🔗 Full Opinion:https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-908_d18e.pdf

🔍 BOTTOM LINE:
If you’re in a partnership, joint venture, or marriage where another person’s fraudulent actions result in civil liability, bankruptcy may not protect you from nondischargeable debt.

📘 TAKEAWAY GUIDANCE:
Debtors: Know that even if you didn’t commit fraud, the court may still impute it to you under California community property or partnership law.

Creditors: This opinion strengthens your ability to challenge discharge of debts arising from fraud—even when the bankrupt party claims they were unaware.

Legal professionals: Review partnership contracts, spousal property planning, and disclosure practices with this ruling in mind.

🔗 Learn more: https://salanicklaw.com/bankruptcyblasts-blog

08/01/2025

📈 U.S. Bankruptcy Filings Increased 13.1% Last Year — Understanding the Legal Requirements for Consumers

A new federal report from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts confirms a significant rise in bankruptcy activity:
📌 529,080 cases were filed nationwide in the 12-month period ending March 31, 2025—a 13.1% increase from the previous year.
🔗 Source: U.S. Courts, “Bankruptcy Filings Rise 13.1 Percent Over Previous Year” (July 31, 2025)
Read the full article here

📚 Before filing, every debtor must understand their legal obligations under the Bankruptcy Code and Rules.

📝 Required asset disclosures include:
• Property, vehicles, furnishings, jewelry, tools
• Bank and retirement accounts, crypto assets, cash
• Tax refunds, expected inheritances, pending lawsuits
• Unfiled lawsuits or claims—where the filer believes they may have legal rights or damages to recover

📉 Required debt disclosures include:
• Credit card debt, mortgage balances, car loans
• Medical bills, back rent, student loans, personal debts
• Court judgments, taxes, and even informal loans
• Non-delinquent/ Current good standing accounts with balances owed

These disclosures are mandatory under:
• 11 U.S.C. § 521 – Duties of the debtor
• Fed. R. Bankr. P. 1007 – Financial schedule and list requirements
• Schedules A/B, C, D, E/F, G, and H... and I & J must be accurately filed and personally certified true and correct

📘 Types of Bankruptcy:
• Chapter 7: Liquidation for eligible filers with limited income/assets
• Chapter 13: Wage-earner plan to restructure and repay debts over time
• Chapter 11: Reorganization for businesses and high-debt individuals

⚖️ Filing bankruptcy without fully disclosing all assets and debts can result in case dismissal, loss of discharge rights, or referral for civil or criminal investigation. Complete and truthful financial disclosure is essential under federal law.

AssetDisclosure