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Michael G. Abelow

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(615) 742-4532

(615) 742-4539

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The seeds of Mike Abelow’s success as a trial lawyer were planted early. As a formidable high school debater and strategy game enthusiast, Mike made compelling arguments and anticipated opponents’ moves and countermoves long before he took those same skills into the courtroom. Today, Mike’s determined and strategic advocacy has made him one of Nashville’s premier commercial litigation and commercial bankruptcy attorneys.

Mike represents a diverse clientele in complex commercial disputes and bankruptcy proceedings, including breach of contract claims, business torts, loan restructuring, lender liability, and guaranty disputes. In every matter, Mike strives to understand not only the applicable facts and law but the parties’ underlying psychology and motivation. By getting to the heart of a dispute, by identifying the other side’s pressure points, strengths, and weaknesses, Mike positions his clients for positive outcomes at trial or the negotiating table.

Clients appreciate Mike’s candid counsel when evaluating cases and his ability to develop realistic approaches aligned with their business objectives. While he relishes the opportunity to present crisp, credible, and winning legal arguments in court, Mike also recognizes that the facts of a given matter or a client’s larger interests may make a negotiated resolution a better alternative to trial. The same talents that have led to Mike’s track record of success in the courtroom have also led to countless favorable settlements for his clients.

Mike earned his law degree, summa cum laude, from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 2000, where he was a member of the Law Review. After law school, Mike served as a law clerk for the Honorable E. A. Van Graafeiland of the United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.

Active in several professional organizations, Mike has been recognized for his commitment to pro bono work. He is also committed to his community, including serving on the Nashville Urban Debate League board, a non-profit that brings the proven academic benefits of debate to students who otherwise could not participate in this activity. Appointed by the United States Trustee’s Office, Mike serves as a Subchapter 5 Trustee for Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.

Mike and his wife Cynthia live in Nashville and have four children. When not serving his clients, Mike enjoys indulging in his newfound pickleball obsession and raising his backyard chickens.

  • Washington & Lee University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude
  • James Madison University, B.A.

  • District of Columbia
  • Tennessee
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee

  • In re 530 Donelson, LLC, 660 B.R. 887 (Bankr. M.D. TN 2024). Represented managing members of LLC in Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Minority member had obtained state court appointment of a receiver, and challenged ability of managing members to file bankruptcy. The Court ruled that the managing members had the authority to file bankruptcy despite the state court receivership order.
  • Tennessee Avenue Partnership v. Capitol Towers, Ltd., (Davidson County Chancery 2024). Representing developer of condominiums in litigation concerning a developer’s obligation to sell condominiums under the Restatement of Property.
  • In re Pinnacle Constructors, Inc., 647 B.R. 352 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 2022). Represented contractor in litigation against insurance company where company had denied coverage under surety bonds for debtor’s construction project. Obtained summary judgment on issue of whether the bonds provided coverage.
  • In re Connor, 636 B.R. 507 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 2022). Represented purchaser of debtor’s real property in litigation concerning alleged violations of the automatic stay. Settled lawsuit after filing motion for summary judgment.

  • Best Lawyers in America®, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Bankruptcy (2016 – 2025)
  • Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Nashville, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2023)
  • Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Nashville, Litigation – Bankruptcy (2021)
  • Nashville Business Journal “Best of The Bar” (2016, 2018, 2021 – 2024)
  • Super Lawyers, Business Litigation (2015 – 2024)
  • Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” Business Litigation (2013 – 2014)
  • Super Lawyers “Top 50: Nashville Super Lawyers,” (2018, 2021 – 2022, 2024)
  • Super Lawyers “Top 100: Tennessee Super Lawyers,” (2018, 2020 – 2024)
  • Tennessee Bar Association Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award (2010)
  • Tennessee Justice Center “Pro Bono Attorney of the Year” (2009)
  • Tennessee Supreme Court Attorneys for Justice Pro Bono Honor Roll (2020 – 2022)

  • Member, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison Management Committee
  • Past President, Nashville Bar Association (2021)
  • Subchapter 5 Trustee, United States Trustee’s Office

  • Board Member, Nashville Urban Debate League
  • Former Vice President, Seven Hills Swim & Tennis Club