Michelle R. Usitalo

Partner

New York
T +1.212.847.2849
F +1.212.589.4201

“Michelle Usitalo is a fantastic lawyer. She convinces with her professional know-how and her negotiating skills. You want her on your team!”

— Legal 500 US 2022

Overview

Michelle Usitalo is a commercial litigator and a member of BakerHostetler’s Global Fraud and International Asset Tracing and Recovery team, focusing on multijurisdictional proceedings and complex business matters, bankruptcy litigation and cases involving international corporations.

Michelle energetically approaches her work with clients and fully involves herself in the matters with which they are faced. She has worked globally to enforce judgments, trace and recover assets, and work with counsel and professionals around the world to unravel and litigate complex frauds.

Select Experience

  • In conjunction with BakerHostetler's court appointment as counsel to the Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, has assisted on many aspects of the case, including the representation of the SIPA Trustee in adversary proceedings and appeals.
  • Represented a major publishing company in a breach of contract and fiduciary duty case related to royalty payments. The case was won in district court and succeeded on appeal. 
  • Represents an individual client in an American Arbitration Association matter against an employer for alleged breach of contract.
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Experience

  • In conjunction with BakerHostetler's court appointment as counsel to the Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, has assisted on many aspects of the case, including the representation of the SIPA Trustee in adversary proceedings and appeals.
  • Represented a major publishing company in a breach of contract and fiduciary duty case related to royalty payments. The case was won in district court and succeeded on appeal. 
  • Represents an individual client in an American Arbitration Association matter against an employer for alleged breach of contract.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Legal 500 United States
    • Recommended in Dispute Resolution: International Litigation (2022)
  • New York Metro Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2013 to 2018)

Memberships

  • New York State Bar Association

News

News

Press Releases

Prior Positions

  • Commercial Litigation Firm (2009 to 2011)

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • New York
  • Massachusetts

Education

  • J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 2008; Executive Articles Editor, Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Financial and Commercial Law
  • B.A., Emory University, 2003