Michael J. Mike Pankow

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

3.0 (1 reviews)

Denver, Colorado

36+ years experience

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

303-223-1100

https://www.bhfs.com/people/attorneys/p-s/michael-pankow

675 Fifteenth Street, Suite 2900, Denver, CO 80202

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Bio

Thirty years of corporate restructuring and Chapter 11 experience. Committed to exploring all workout options—both in and out of court. Respected counsel on distressed asset disposition and acquisition.Mike Pankow takes a comprehensive approach to advising his clients on their business reorganization or Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings or purchases. Focusing on each client’s unique legal and business objectives, he offers sophisticated, actionable solutions to organizations navigating corporate restructuring or seeking to acquire distressed assets. As a transactional attorney, he provides structural advice regarding mergers and acquisitions and issuing and review of non-consolidation opinions in structured finance transactions. In Chapter 11 cases he helps formulate strategies that fit the client’s restructuring objectives and is an aggressive and effective advocate for them. In addition to helping clients in the midst of restructurings, he also advises boards of directors considering business reorganization or distressed asset acquisition on their duties and options to allow for informed decision-making.Handling restructurings across industries and geographic areas gives Mike breadth of experience and knowledge. Clients appreciate Mike’s commitment to finding and executing creative solutions. Whether it is a sale transaction, investment or a traditional reorganization, he is calm, informed and solution-oriented. Thirty years of corporate restructuring and Chapter 11 experience. Committed to exploring all workout options—both in and out of court. Respected counsel on distressed asset disposition and acquisition. Mike Pankow takes a comprehensive approach to advising his clients on their business reorganization or Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings or purchases. Focusing on each client’s unique legal and business objectives, he offers sophisticated, actionable solutions to organizations navigating corporate restructuring or seeking to acquire distressed assets. As a transactional attorney, he provides structural advice regarding mergers and acquisitions and issuing and review of non-consolidation opinions in structured finance transactions. In Chapter 11 cases he helps formulate strategies that fit the client’s restructuring objectives and is an aggressive and effective advocate for them. In addition to helping clients in the midst of restructurings, he also advises boards of directors considering business reorganization or distressed asset acquisition on their duties and options to allow for informed decision-making. Handling restructurings across industries and geographic areas gives Mike breadth of experience and knowledge. Clients appreciate Mike’s commitment to finding and executing creative solutions. Whether it is a sale transaction, investment or a traditional reorganization, he is calm, informed and solution-oriented.

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Banking and Finance Law, Denver (2023)
Lawyer of the Year: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Denver (2023)
Lawyer of the Year: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Denver (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Denver (2013)
Recognized: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Practice Area: Banking and Finance Law
Special Focus: COVID-19
5280 Top Lawyers, Bankruptcy, 2015-2016
Law Week Colorado, Barrister’s Best “Best Bankruptcy Lawyer”, 2015
Denver Banking and Finance Law Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers, 2013
Colorado SuperLawyers, 2009

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010

Education

Creighton University, J.D., graduated 1989
Creighton University, BSBA, graduated 1987

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Reviews

Brandon Carter

2 weeks ago

Adequate representation for a complex business restructuring

Our mid-sized manufacturing company engaged Michael Pankow and his team at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to navigate a challenging Chapter 11 restructuring in the Denver area. There is no question about his deep expertise; his three decades of experience in corporate restructuring and distressed asset matters were evident from our first strategy session. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in this field is well-deserved, and his commitment to exploring all options, both in and out of court, provided a solid framework for our case. However, the experience was not without its frustrations. While the senior-level work was competent, communication from the broader team was sometimes inconsistent, with responses to non-urgent inquiries taking longer than expected. At times, we felt like just another file in a very high-volume practice. The legal strategy was sound and ultimately achieved the core financial restructuring we needed, but the process lacked the personalized attention and proactive updates we anticipated given the firm's reputation and Mr. Pankow's stature. For exceptionally complex matters where top-tier legal acumen is the absolute priority, he is a capable choice, but be prepared to manage the client relationship actively.