Who's Watching South Florida's Bankruptcy Court? DBR's Neals-Nominated Investigation
An independent study by ALM's Daily Business Review found millions of dollars from debtors' estates went to lawyers and other professionals—instead of to creditors.
February 26, 2020 at 08:59 AM
2 minute read
Photo: MVelishchuk/Shutterstock.com.
People are making millions working in South Florida's bankruptcy court.
And that seems counterintuitive, since debtors are often in financial distress and unable to repay creditors.
But an independent study by ALM's Daily Business Review found millions of dollars from debtors' estates went to lawyers and other professionals. It also uncovered multiple cases with thousands of court filings—each prepared by attorneys charging by the hour—that generated years of litigation and billing. At least 30 cases in South Florida bankruptcy court cost more than $1 million to litigate between 2016 and 2019, raising questions about how trustees and other professionals are treating creditors' money.
DBR's look behind the curtain has earned it a finalist spot for the Jesse H. Neal Awards—the most prestigious editorial honors in specialized journalism. In case you missed it, here's the full series.
Judge & Jailer: This Bankruptcy Judge Has Thrown Attorneys, Debtors Behind Bars
South Florida Lawyers Are Raking In Millions Working in Bankruptcy Court
Big Spenders: Some Florida Bankruptcy Cases Are Costing More Than $1 Million to Administer
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