Amir Gamliel
Amir is a Chambers-ranked bankruptcy and business litigator who draws on his economics and accounting knowledge to deliver bespoke legal services for clients.
Amir Gamliel represents clients in business reorganizations, out-of-court restructuring work, and litigation involving complex financial transactions. He is experienced in the finance sector, covering areas including commercial mortgage-backed securities, technology, aerospace, real estate, and retail industries.
Amir counsels secured creditors, including through the largest master and special servicers in the United States, as well as unsecured creditors, ranging from licensors of intellectual property to major landlords, property lessors, and committees. He advises financially troubled businesses regarding bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy alternatives, and directors and officers of such businesses on mitigating litigation risk. Amir represents buyers in distressed asset and debt acquisitions and maintains a robust practice defending parties in preference and fraudulent transfer avoidance actions. He also counsels on complicated supply chain issues, including access and accommodation agreements, assignments for the benefit of creditors, and orderly dissolutions.
Experienced in business litigation in state and federal courts and arbitrations, Amir has tried cases ranging from contested plan confirmation hearings and avoidance actions (fraudulent transfer and preference litigation) in bankruptcy, to business torts, trade secrets, and commercial contract disputes outside of bankruptcy. Amir has successfully appealed decisions in both state and federal court, and he frequently represents parties in post-trial judgment enforcement actions.
Education & Credentials
Education
- UCLA School of Law, J.D., 2009
- University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., Business Economics, Minor in Accounting, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 2006
- UCLA Anderson School of Management, Executive Program, 2017
Bar and Court Admissions
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California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Related Employment
- Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, Major Crimes Division, Los Angeles, CA, Law Clerk for Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, 2007
- KPMG LLP, Los Angeles, CA, Audit Summer Associate, 2005
Additional Languages
- Hebrew
Professional Recognition
Recognized as a "40 Under 40" Honoree by the American Bankruptcy Institute, 2023
Listed in Chambers USA as an "Up and Coming" Bankruptcy/Restructuring Lawyer, 2023-2024
Listed on the "Up-And-Coming 100: Southern California Rising Stars" list by Super Lawyers, 2022-2024
Named to the Southern California "Rising Stars" list by Super Lawyers, 2017-2024
Recipient of the 2008 Los Angeles County Bar Association "Outstanding Bankruptcy Law Student Award"
Nominee for the 2009 American College of Bankruptcy "Distinguished Student Award for the Ninth Circuit"
Impact
Professional Leadership
- American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), Battleground West Advisory Board, Member
- American Bar Association, Business Section, Member
- Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum Board, Member
- Turnaround Management Association, Member
- Bet Tzedek, New Leadership Council, Member
- Anti-Defamation League, Legal Advisory Committee, Member
Community Involvement
- Association of Corporate Counsel Southern California Chapter, Firm - Chapter Sponsor Liaison
- Jewish Federation Community Service Day, Volunteer
- Bet Tzedek Holocaust Reparations Project Pro Bono, Volunteer
- Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute, Member, 2012-2013
- Shriver Housing Project, Los Angeles, CA
Insights
News
Professional Experience
Secured Creditor Representations
Wilmington Trust, N.A., as Trustee
Represented CMBS special servicer in overseeing receivership actions for portfolio of 48 hotel properties across 23 states.
In re Cinema Square, LLC, No. 9:21-bk-10634-DS (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2021)
Representing CMBS special servicer for senior secured lender of theater-anchored shopping center in Atascadero, California. First-chaired trial involving contested plan confirmation hearing and objection to lender’s claim. Case remains pending.
In re Plamex Investment, LLC et al, No. 8:21-10958-ES (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2021)
Representing CMBS special servicer for senior secured lender of historic Plaza Mexico shopping center in Lynwood, California. Lender’s collateral was sold in consented Section 363 asset sale, which was followed by confirmed plans of liquidation. Case remains pending.
In re TECT Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. et al, No. 21-10670 (KBO) (Bankr. D. Del. 2021)
Represented The Boeing Company as pre-petition senior lender, DIP lender, major customer and buyer of portion of debtor’s aerospace parts manufacturing business.
In re 3MB, LLC, 609 B.R. 841 (Bankr. E.D. Cal. 2019)
Represented CMBS special servicer for senior secured lender of shopping center in Bakersfield, California. In a published opinion, the court held that client’s default interest rate was neither an unenforceable penalty nor a liquidated damages provision, as it varied the performance required in the event of default, and, even if deemed a liquidated damages provision, it was not unreasonable. The decision ultimately resulted in dismissal of the case, followed by a non-judicial foreclosure sale of lender’s collateral.
In re Wilmington Victorville, LLC, No. 2-18-bk-15216-DS (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2018)
Represented CMBS special servicer for senior secured lender of outdoor shopping center in Victorville, California. Obtained stipulated dismissal of bankruptcy case, which allowed lender to seek the appointment of a receiver and foreclose on its collateral.
In re CRCH LLC, No. 2:17-bk-20270-BR (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2017)
Represented CMBS special servicer for senior secured lender of outdoor shopping center in Chino Hills, California. Successfully obtained relief from automatic stay to allow secured creditor to foreclose on its collateral.
In re LBI Media, Inc., et al, No. 18–12655 (CSS) (Bankr. D. Del. 2018)
Represented secured creditor in bankruptcy involving national media company that broadcasts Spanish-language television and radio stations in the United States.
In re Gregory John Te Velde, No. 18-11651-A-11 (Bankr. E.D. Cal. 2018)
Represented secured creditor in bankruptcy case involving Oregon’s second largest mega-dairy, Lost Valley Farm, as well as two large California dairies.
Committee Representations
In re California-Nevada Methodist Homes, No. 21-40363 (CN) (Bankr. N.D. Cal. 2021)
Representing committee of unsecured creditors in a case involving non-profit operator of two continuing care retirement communities in Oakland, California and Pacific Grove, California. Case remains pending.
In re Sito Mobile, Ltd., et al., No. 20-21436 (Bankr. D. N.J. 2020)
Represented committee of unsecured creditors in reorganization involving public company with core business consisting of delivering ads and data insights to mobile phones.
In re Air Force Village West Inc., No. 19-11920 (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2019)
Represented committee of unsecured creditors in a case involving the sale of a continuing care retirement community in Riverside, California, the repayment of significant entrance fees owed to residents, and a commitment to continue to provide independent and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services.
Significant Unsecured Creditor Representations
In re Stage Stores, Inc., et al, No. 20-32564 (DRJ) (Bankr. S.D. Texas)
Represented trade vendor and member of committee of unsecured creditors in large discount department store retail bankruptcy case.
In re Trident Holding Company, LLC, et al, No. 19-10384 (SHL) (Bankr. S.D. NY 2019)
Represented trade vendor and member of committee of unsecured creditors in bankruptcy involving a national health care provider of beside diagnostic and related services.
In re F+W Media, Inc., et al, No. 19-bk-10479 (Bankr. D. Del. 2019)
Represent multinational computer software company and member of committee of unsecured creditors in bankruptcy involving media and e-commerce company.
In re ET Solar Power, Inc., No. 4:18-bk-42657 (Bankr. N.D. Cal. 2018)
Represent creditor in bankruptcy involving seller of solar photovoltaic modules.
In re Gamma Medica-Ideas (USA), Inc., No. 2:14-cv-02824 (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2014)
Represented largest unsecured creditor in bankruptcy case involving medical device company specializing in molecular breast imaging devices.
Debtor Representations
In re Aspen Lakes Golf Course, LLC, No. 18-32265 (Bankr. D. Or 2018)
Counsel for debtors in chapter 11 cases involving restructuring of public golf course and related businesses in Sisters, Oregon.
In re Advance Science Technologies, Inc, et al, No. 17-13668 (SMB) (Bankr. S.D. NY 2017)
Represented debtors in confirming pre-packaged plans of reorganization.
In re State Fish Co., Inc., No. 2:15-bk-11084 (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2015)
Served as general bankruptcy counsel to privately owned fish wholesaler.
Adversary Proceeding Representations
In re Limited Stores Company, LLC, et al, No. 17-10124 (KBO) (Bankr. D. Del. 2017)
Represented trade creditor in preference lawsuit.
In re Delivery Agent, Inc., et al, No. 16012051 (Bankr. D. Del. 2016)
Represented trade creditor in preference lawsuit.
Stanziale, Jr. v. Syrma Technology Pvt Ltd. (In re Powerwave Technologies, Inc.), No. 15-50157 (MFW) (Bankr. D. Del. 2015)
Successfully obtained dismissal on behalf of the defendant of an avoidance action seeking recovery of $1,087,990 in alleged fraudulent and preferential transfers.
Keating v. U.S. Bank, N.A., et al. (In re Doris Keating), No. 17-01002-PC (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 2017)
Successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice of adversary complaint seeking $2.5 million in damages and alleging claims for fraud, quiet title, financial elder abuse, and declaratory relief, among other claims.
Singer v. DiMarco (In re Frank DiMarco), No. 15-01016-PC (Bankr. C.D. Cal.)
Obtained summary judgment for plaintiff in lawsuit seeking exception to bankruptcy discharge of debts arising from dissolution judgment under sections 523(a)(5), (a)(6) and (a)(15) of the Bankruptcy Code.
In re Natural Molecular Testing Corporation, No. 2:13-bk-19298 (Bankr. W.D. WA 2013)
Assisted in representation of Chapter 11 Trustee with respect to a molecular testing laboratory that was accused of overbilling Medicare by $90 million. Helped prosecute over 40 adversary proceedings for fraudulent transfers, preferential transfers and other avoidance claims.
Assignments for Benefit of Creditors
NGD Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Represented assignor in completing an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors under California law.
Armor5, Inc., a Delaware corporation
Represented assignor in completing an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors under California law.
Litigation Representations
Sunshine FPC, Inc. v. Easy Gardener Products, Inc., No. 2:22-CV-00134 (C.D. Cal. 2022)
Represented plaintiff in breach of contract action arising out of failure to pay for custom manufactured pouches.
Kluft et al. v. WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems, No. 22STCV33031 (LA Super. Ct. 2022)
Representing defendant in putative class action alleging breach of contract and related claims. Case remains pending.
Garciavalle et al. v. Marquee Event Group, Inc., 2020-CH-06133 (Cook County Super. Ct. 2020)
Representing defendant in putative class action alleging breach of Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. Case remains pending.
Hulavision v. NBCUniversal, Hulu, LLC, JAMS Arbitration, Los Angeles, California
Defended NBCUniversal Media, LLC in a trade secrets action in connection with the creation of hulu.com.
Millan v. Corn Maiden Foods, Inc. et al, No. BC576509 (LA Super. Ct.)
Obtained nuisance-value settlement for defendant in product liability action.
U.S. Bank N.A., etc. v. Khaloghli, No. 30-2012-00607439-CU-BC-CJC (OC Super. Ct.)
Obtained summary judgment for plaintiff in breach of written guaranty lawsuit.
350 South Grand Avenue Holdings, LLC, et al. v. ReGreen, Inc., et al, No. BC530474 (LA Super. Ct.)
Represented property owner in product liability action against manufacturer, supplier and installer of lavatory fixtures in high-rise Downtown Los Angeles building.
Taie Weie Enterprise Co., Ltd. v. Technological Aquatic Associate Manufacturing, No. 2:20-CV-03427-RSQL (JCx) (C.D. Cal. 2020)
Represented manufacturer in pursuing breach of contract and business tort claims against U.S.-based distributor.
Toyohara, Inc. v. Toyohara America, Inc. et al (LA Super. Ct.)
Represented plaintiff in breach of fiduciary duty action against shareholders and directors of a corporation.
Dadson Washer Service, Inc v. WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems, No. 20STCV19533 (LA Super. Ct.)
Represented party in business tort and unfair competition claims initiated by competitor.
RDPH Properties, Inc. v. R2 LUI, LLC et al, No. BC457819 (LA Super. Ct.)
Second-chaired bench trial involving dispute over net-lease real estate transaction.