JG

Joanne Gelfand


Akerman LLP

Recognized since 2010

Miami, Florida

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Litigation - Bankruptcy

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A veteran practitioner with experience in high profile matters, Joanne Gelfand’s practice is typically focused on bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. She represents creditors, debtors, trustees and receivers in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring. In addition, she often oversees the purchase and sale of ongoing businesses in restructuring scenarios representing both buyers and sellers. Joanne is also a recognized expert in condominium association insolvencies from both the debtor and creditor side. Other experience includes representing homeowners in luxury golf course communities in disputes with developers, the Receiver in the prosecution of more than 100 fraudulent transfer “claw back” actions resulting from a $120 million Ponzi scheme and a Chapter 7 Trustee in the administration of a $120 million viatical portfolio for which Joanne was recognized by the Daily Business Review as the “Most Effective Bankruptcy Lawyer” in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Joanne serves as an arbitrator for The Florida Bar and actively takes on pro bono matters.

A seasoned author and lecturer, Joanne regularly shares her insights on bankruptcy topics, and previously served as an adjunct professor at New York University and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She is continually recognized as an outstanding lawyer by The Best Lawyers in America and the South Florida Legal Guide, and has served on the prestigious Long Range Planning Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Location
  • Three Brickell City Centre, Suite 1100
    98 Southeast Seventh Street
    Miami, FL 33131
Education
  • University of Florida, BS, cum laude, graduated 1982
Bar Admissions
  • Florida, The Florida Bar
  • New York, New York State Bar
Affiliations
  • American Bar Association - Member
  • American Heritage High School Moot Court Team - Head Coach, 2012-2013
  • Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern District of Florida, Elections Committee - Former Chair, 1992; Recent Developments in Bankruptcy Law Seminar, Co-Chair, 1991; Member
  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, NY - Legal Writing for LL.M. and J.D. Programs, Adjunct Faculty, 1994-1998
  • New York County Lawyers' Association, Business Bankruptcy Law Committee - Past Chair, 1999-2000; Past Member, 1995-2000
  • New York University, New York, NY, School of Continuing and Professional Education & Teaching, Uniform Commercial Code; Business Structures; Workouts, Bankruptcies and Reorganizations; Debtor/Creditor Law - Adjunct faculty, 1995-2000
  • The Eleventh Circuit Historical Society - Member
  • The Florida Bar, Bankruptcy/Uniform Commercial Code Committee - Past Member; Assignments of Rents Subcommittee, Member
  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, Strategic Planning Committee - Past Member, 1998-2000
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Akerman LLP
Miami, Florida

225 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

107 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in:
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
Awards:
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
  • Certified Arbitrator, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit In and For Broward County
  • Board Certified Program Arbitrator, The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education
  • Daily Business Review 2007, "Most Effective Bankruptcy Lawyer" in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties
  • Florida Trend's Legal Elite 2010, 2013, Listed for Bankruptcy & Workout
  • South Florida Legal Guide Top Lawyers 2010-2015, Listed for Bankruptcy, Creditors Rights
  • Super Lawyers Magazine 2006, 2010-2014, 2016, Listed in Florida for Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights

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Publications

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