Michele Sabo Assayag

Michele Sabo Assayag practices in the areas of commercial finance, creditors' rights and bankruptcy litigation and restructuring, where she has had extensive experience in the representation of secured and unsecured lenders. She has litigated in the state, federal and bankruptcy courts on behalf of domestic, foreign and international lending institutions, as well as on behalf of non-bank lenders and Fortune 500 companies. A substantial portion of Michele's practice encompasses, on behalf of her financial institution clients, the documentation of commercial, real estate and asset-based lending transactions. She has also represented the firm's clients in the acquisition and disposition of major real estate assets, including retail centers, apartment buildings and business parks.

Representative Presentations and Publications

• Bankruptcy Overview Presentation, Co-Presenter, Special Assets Group for a Major Banking Institution, Glendale, CA (March 10, 2020)
•“California One-Action Rule,” “Anti-Deficiency and Sham Guaranty,” Presenter, Commercial and Business Banking Groups for a Major Banking Institution, Newport Beach, CA (October 2019)
•“California, Oregon and Washington Creditor’s Rights,” Presenter, Legal Department of Major Banking Institution, Charlotte, NC (September 2019)
•“Commercial Lending Seminar,” Presenter, Regional Banking Institution, Irvine, CA (February 2019)
•“California One-Action Rule,” “Anti-Deficiency and Sham Guaranty,” Presenter, Commercial and Business Banking Groups for Major Banking Institution, Los Angeles, CA (October 2018)
•“Selected Issues in California Real Estate Lending,” Presenter, Legal Department of Major Banking Institution, Los Angeles, CA (November 2018)
•“Creditor’s Rights and Remedies,” Presenter, Regional Banking Institution, Costa Mesa, CA (March 2018)
•“California One-Action Rule,” “Anti-Deficiency and Sham Guaranty,” Presenter, Commercial and Business Banking Groups for Major Banking Institution, Pasadena, CA (March 2017)
•“Oregon and Washington Creditor’s Rights and Loan Enforcement,” Presenter, Regional Banking Institution, Everett and Seattle, Washington; Brea, CA (April 2015)

Professional Recognition and Awards

•Los Angeles Magazine Top Women Lawyers in Southern California (2015)
•Southern California Super Lawyers, Bankruptcy: Business (2013-2016, 2019-2020)

Community Involvement

•Chapman Law School, Student Mentor (2016-2018)
•California Minority Counsel, Member (2018-Present)
•Oregon Women Lawyers, Member (2011-Present)
•California Women Lawyers, Member (2010-Present)
•Orange County Women Lawyers, Member (1995-Present)
•Commercial Real Estate Women of Portland, Member (2011-Present)
•Orange County PAWS Pet Assisted Therapy - PANDA Program of Orange County District Attorneys' Office, Program Supporter (2019-Present)
•Orangewood Children's Home, Program Supporter (2014-Present)
•Orange County Boys and Girls Club, Program Volunteer (2019-Present)

Other Professional Experience

•Assayag Mauss, LLP, Managing Partner (1996-2019)
•Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker, Of Counsel (1994-1996)
•Frandzel & Share, Partner (1990-1994)
•Frandzel & Share, Associate (1983-1990)