Robert A. Schatzman Attorney At Law

Highly experienced bankruptcy lawyer representing clients in high-profile insolvency cases and special interests throughout Florida and nationally. Florida Supreme Court certified mediator. 

Robert Schatzman has been guiding clients through high-stakes business bankruptcies and out-of-court workouts and restructurings for more than 40 years. A well-regarded and skilled practitioner, he is sought after to advise debtors, court-appointed committees, and secured creditors in the unwinding of business interests across a range of sectors, including banking and finance, real estate, and restaurants, aircraft, airlines retail, and hospitality, among others. Consistently recognized by clients and colleagues alike as a leading lawyer in this varied and complex area of law, Robert also serves as a mediator for complex Chapter 11 controversies, confirmation issues and adversary proceedings, and avoidance actions.   

Robert’s broad and substantial bankruptcy experience includes asset acquisitions in 363 sales, chapter 11 plan proponents, Chapter 5 causes of action, and various special interests in high-profile and public cases in Florida and Delaware, as well as other bankruptcy courts in jurisdictions across the U.S. In addition to his bankruptcy practice, he has represented both debtors’ and creditors’ committees in sophisticated out-of-court workouts. Robert has also represented both assignees and assignors in assignments for the benefit of creditors in state courts. He currently serves as a mediator on the Mediator's Panel for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware.

An active thought leader in the South Florida bankruptcy court, Robert leverages decades-long professional relationships and a deep well of legal resources to inform both his practice and mediation consultancy. He frequently confers with GrayRobinson lawyers in the banking and finance, corporate, and litigation practices to bring a full complement of expertise to the negotiating table.

• Recognition
  • Chambers USA, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, 2012-2024
  • Best Lawyers in America, 1989-2025
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Florida Super Lawyers, 2006-2009, 2014-2019
• Affiliations
  • American Bankruptcy Institute
  • The American Bar Association
    • Chapter 11 Subcommittee
    • Chapter 11 Task Force Subcommittee
    • Secured Creditors Subcommittee
  • American Jewish Committee
    • Board of Directors 
    • Executive Committee
  • Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern District of Florida
    • Founding Member and Past President, 1983 - 1984
  • Commercial Law League of America
    • Board of Governors, 1990-1994
    • Recording Secretary, 1997-1998
    • Bankruptcy Section Chair, 1999-2000
    • U.S. Trustee Cooperation Committee
      • Chair, 1987-1990
    • U.S. Nominating Council, 1987-1990
    • Southern Region Executive Council, 1991
    • President, Fund for Public Education, 1995-1997
    • Board of Associate Editors, 1993-1997
  • Economic Society of South Florida
  • University of Miami
    • Citizens Board
    • President’s Council 
    • University of Miami Law School Alumni Board of Directors, 2014 – 2017
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, Mediation Panel Registry
• Credentials
  • J.D., University of Miami, 1971
  • B.A., University of Miami, 1967
  • Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator
• Admissions
  • Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida